KEY POINTS:
The fast flowing Waiwhakaiho River rises on the northern slopes of Mt Taranaki, rushing through the skirt of native bush that rings the mountain's lower slopes then racing through pastures filled with gentle-eyed dairy cows grazing on lush, green grass. En route, the river gathers a few tributaries and by the time it crosses a black sand beach in New Plymouth and empties into the Tasman Sea, it has become one of the region's major rivers.
The combination of attractive riverside scenery, clear water, rapids and deep pools make the river a popular recreational destination for locals, who come to fish for trout, to cool off in myriad swimming holes or spread picnics on the grassy banks. However, although the main routes from north and south cross the Waiwhakaiho, many visitors to New Plymouth remain oblivious to its presence.
One Burgess Hill, a new accommodation provider on the city boundary, is set to change all that.
Gentle hills roll away to the foot of Mt Taranaki which, although it was late autumn, still wore the blue-green mantle of summer, with not a patch of snow in sight.
The driveway led away from the mountain to two modern buildings perched on a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, where it was immediately obvious that all units would enjoy fabulous views over the river.
The nine stylish units are decorated with neutral colours, and the river theme is brought inside with use of stone accents in the bathroom and kitchen. Units have different configurations and features, with some boasting spa baths and log fires, while others have bathtubs beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Ours featured a bedroom and bathroom upstairs, with a spacious living area and kitchenette downstairs.
Being able to see the river from the bed made it tempting to spend too much time there, but the downstairs fire was equally appealing, as was the spa bath in the well-appointed bathroom.
We arrived late in the afternoon but there was still time to take a brisk walk into neighbouring Burgess Park, a public reserve set right beside the river. Manicured lawns and superb exotic trees surround Burgess House, a stately colonial homestead that is now a wedding and conference venue. The well-tended grounds contrast well with the rest of the reserve, where paths meander through a jumble of native bush.
Night was drawing in when we returned, but we left the curtains open so we could enjoy the view until the last possible moment. After a cosy evening in front of the fire, we left the bedroom window open so that we could fall sleep and awaken to the sound of the river below.
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NEED TO KNOW
Contact details:
One Burgess Hill, 1 Burgess Hill Rd, New Plymouth.
Phone: (06) 757 2056.
Email:
reservations@oneburgesshill.co.nz
Website:
oneburgesshill.co.nz
Rates:
From $130 per night (studio with shower only) to $200 (two bedrooms with spa bath and log fire).
Getting there:
Just off SH3, 5km south of New Plymouth city.
Meals:
Self-catering, with microwave and hob. Breakfast provisions can be ordered and delivered to you the night before. $10 continental, $12 cooked. One Burgess Hill has a delivery arrangement with three good local restaurants.
Attractions:
Walk to Burgess Park, 30 minutes return. North Egmont Visitor Centre, 20 minutes' drive. Lake Mangamahoe, five minutes' drive. City and beaches, less than 10 minutes' drive.
- Detours, HoS
