Driving up the private road to Sea Vista Lodge is an adventure in itself. The natural bush opens up to a grassed lawn with the award winning home commanding a prime position on the top of the hill. The views over the Puhoi Estuary and the upper Hauraki Gulf are breathtaking. Entering the Lodge you are under no illusion as to just how special this property is. The design is bold and contemporary with extensive use of glass and metal. Artworks are prevalent throughout. Our hosts Ian and Norma love entertaining and welcoming guests to their home. We are shown to our room which is in a private wing of the house. The guest rooms feature local art against white backgrounds creating a fresh and sophisticated perspective, still with that spectacular view even from the bathroom. There are unlimited activities in the surrounding district, take a visit to the Waiwera Spa, a canoe trip down the Puhoi River to the historic village or visit the wine district of Matakana There are also numerous golf courses nearby. However we preferred to sit out on the deck enjoying the setting sun with a glass of  wine and chatting to our friendly hosts before settling down to a gourmet dinner cooked by Norma who is passionate about food. Sea Vista Lodge, just 30 minutes north of Auckland  is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight or after touring the Bay of Islands and the Kauri Forest of Northland. We departed having made wonderful new friends and vowed to return.