My pleasure is to roam the organic gardens to create original recipes when you book to dine with us (four guests minimum). Then I descend the stairs to our cellar to select your specially matched wines (additional)- or select from our by-the-glass list if preferred. For very many years I have been a restaurant judge for the country's most respected magazines and awards, so I am very particular indeed. My lovely partner Chris, who is also a professional maitre d' / restaurant manager, loves to look after guests. We both keep a respectful separation from our guests, as privacy is paramount here at Riverside Homestead. Sometimes it is just our privilege to be there in the background for everything you need. That said, we enjoy explaining all about our country and our historic part of the country. Chris is Maori, and brings to you a special love of the land and our indigenous culture. I spent years interpreting our history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, so I also add my perspective. The welcome is everything. It's called "manaakitanga".

While kids are great, you don't always want to endure someone else's! That's why our policy is that both guest suites must be booked entirely by any group with children under 12. When the evening call of our native birds echoes through the tall treetops, or the spectacular sunsets over our beautiful Waitangi River set those romantic vibes going, we think you'll prefer the peace and quiet. That's when a bottle of Champagne on your private verandah really makes the most of our panorama to the forest horizons. And peace! We have no roar of nearby air-conditioners at night as you would find in a city or township, just and cooling river valley breezes through sliding balcony doors or big windows. We're proudly organic and prefer natural rather than an overly groomed environment. Our trees, and the gentle river, keep things cool and fresh most days and nights. However, if you wish, your room does have a near-silent air-conditioner for your comfort.

The Bay of Islands is the historic heart of New Zealand. The reason we have a 2-night minimum stay is that there is just so much to see and do. Whether it's out on the bay of 144 islands, or touring the beaches and back-blocks, or visiting local wineries and excellent restaurants, we can explain the best way of filling your days (or weeks!) here. For Maori culture and history, the Bay (Pewhairangi) is unrivalled. This is a world-beating mix of amazing land and sea, and beautiful people who welcome visitors with a deeply personal and natural hospitality. Riverside Homestead offers spacious, modern comfort in a warm, wood-featured lodge with an elevated panoramic floor-to-ceiling view across the river valley. The olive grove and our riverside tracks offer sheltered and shaded picnic spaces. Guests are welcome to hand-feed our gentle alpacas or ruffle the soft feathers of our free-range hens. Within 10 to 15 minutes' drive you'll find a small craft brewery, Kerikeri weekend markets,