Travel along the picturesque Spencer Road as it winds along the edge of beautiful Lake Tarawera and right at the end you will find Villa Florrie, a luxury self contained lake front villa on the edge of Otumutu Lagoon.

Secluded from the world, the grounds are park like with a gentle slope down to the lake edge and private jetty. Stepping inside the interior is spacious, furnished in a comfortable contemporary style and decorated with examples of Maori and Pacific art.

It's all here, TV, DVD, Sky TV, selection of DVDs, books, magazines. All lakeside rooms have doors opening to extensive deck areas that are set up for entertainment, rain or shine. Even from my bed I could see, across the lawn to the jetty and lake edge where ducks and swans were gliding through the water. The sound of native Tui replaced that of the Moreporks (small New Zealand owls).

All the activities this area is famous for are nearby, such as trophy trout fishing, thermal attractions, hot pools, bush walks, and cultural activities however I found this a great place to relax for a few days flyfishing, swimming from the jetty and just sitting with a drink admiring the view. It was all too good to leave.

As a memento I purchased one of their beautifully crafted Tuatara's which was packed in a special gift box for my journey.