Time Out in the Country - Waikaretu - Accom, 3 meals (2 people)

Share a place of beauty and peace, far from the crowds. Take time out from the rush of city living and relax - no TV, no cell phone coverage, no neighbours. Just peace, beauty and home grown food to nourish your body and soul. There are garden, bush, farm and beach walks, caves and waterfalls.

Your gift package includes one nights accommodation in a private cabin, three meals and a guided tour of Nikau Caves.

Enjoy gentle adventure exploring Nikau Cave - a kilometre of wonderful formations and thousands of glow-worms. Anne and Philip Woodward spend their lives primarily as farmers, but more recently as hosts to visitors who come to see the visual feast that lies beneath their farm- limestone caves. At times you'll stand awe-struck in glowworm filled caverns lined with stalagmites and stalactites thousands of years old. Nikau Cave offers a unique adventure only about an hour's drive south from Auckland on the West Coast.
The cave is situated underneath a beautiful native bush reserve and the farmhouse grounds feature a large hillside garden overlooking the picturesque Waikaretu valley. Visitors are also welcome to walk to the top of the farm which offers spectacular views of the Tasman sea, and on a clear day Mt.Taranaki is visible in the distance.

Restrictions
Nikau cave can be readily negotiated by most people of average fitness. Feet will get wet, and a change of clothing will be required. Torches and helmets are provided for everyone.
Flooding in the caves is rare, however this may result in postponement.