Playing planes and trains in Waitomo

By HEATHER RAMSAY

When we pulled up outside the main barn-like building at Woodlyn Park we knew we were in for something different.

Just outside the door was a stone pig with a cardboard sign around its neck. The faded handwriting said, "Fossilised pig. Found Waitomo Caves, 1913, by Grandad Billy Black".

Woodlyn Park is one of Waitomo's above-ground attractions, and offers a pioneer museum, an entertaining, interactive Kiwi culture show, and the chance to drive a jetboat around a purpose-built circuit. There is also unique accommodation in either a Bristol Freighter that was one of the last Allied planes to fly out of Vietnam, or in a first class 1950s railway carriage, both of which have been converted into motel-style units.

The plane is divided into two units, complete with aeroplane-sized kitchens and bathrooms, with the bulbous nose offering sleeping areas upstairs and downstairs. It's a bit of a scramble to get upstairs, where the bed is tucked behind the seats and instrument panels in the cockpit, but children and aviation enthusiasts will love it.

The rear unit has a double bed right in the tail, and there are bunks in the living area. The fit-out is cleverly done and retains the character of the plane, and although the units are compact, the light, bright colour scheme gives them an airy feeling.

We slept in the Waitomo Express train carriage, which is like a long, wide caravan with a kitchen and living area at one end. There are three sleeping compartments, with a single bed in the first two areas, and a double bed in the end section. Like both units in the plane, the carriage has a deck with views over the countryside.

The bathroom facilities in the train are adequate, but the layout means they're not totally private, so anyone who likes to complete their ablutions in a sealed room may not find this to their liking. Both the plane and train are best suited to either couples or families who are used to sharing space.

After a meal, a drink at the pub and a stroll through the highly recommended Ruakuri glow-worm walk (on check-in we were each given a torch and a map), we sat on the deck marvelling at the darkness and silence. The television reception was poor, but we didn't want to watch anyway. This is the kind of place to talk, read, play cards or trivia games, or just get an early night.

Heather Ramsay paid to stay at Woodlyn Park.

Where to find it

Woodlyn Park, 1177 Waitomo Valley Rd, Waitomo.

Ph (07) 878 6666, fax (07) 878 8866, a/hours (07) 873 8657, Email billyblack@woodlynpark.co.nz

Getting there

2 1/2 hours' drive from Auckland. Take SH1 to Hamilton, then SH3. Turn on to Waitomo Caves Rd between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti. Woodlyn Park is well sign-posted from Waitomo village (500m).

Inter City - ph (09) 913 6100, - has a direct daily return bus to Waitomo, and other services go to Otorohanga where you catch the Waitomo Shuttle (0800 808279) to the caves.

Activities on site

Kiwi culture show: $14 adult, $8 child, family pass $42 (two adults and up to four children).

Drive-yourself jetboats: $45 for 1.5km circuit.

Packages

Wild Waitomo Weekend: $353 for two people includes one night's accommodation, jet sprint, Kiwi culture show, black-water rafting, dinner for two and a continental breakfast.

Ask about other combo specials.

Access

Not suitable for wheelchairs

What it costs

Waitomo Express: $85 double plus $10 for each extra person. Bristol Freighter: $90 double plus $10 for each extra person, $50 non-refundable deposit required on booking.

Children

Welcome - they will particularly enjoy it.

Smoking

Outside only

Food

Self-catering. Meals are available in the cafes and pub, with more upmarket dining at the Waitomo Caves Hotel.