Sweet land, indeed… a real hideaway in wild country, where a 200-foot gorge crumbles into the river below and cars pass by at the rate of one an hour. The Sweets farm the land as far as you can see on their side of the river and when David’s father returned from Palestine in 1921, he built a rope-bridge across the gorge that still survives today.....
.... The views are inspiring, and exploring the Rangitikei River, the green sheep-mown hills, gorges and white cliffs of the area is irresistible. Mairenui is a way of life for Sue and David, not a slick business, and every crumbling outbuilding, painting or antique car has a story and a reason to be here. The land has not been overly manicured, just allowed to follow its nose. I saw a huge bush of never-pruned wild lavender, a willow bathing its branches in the lily pond, orchids growing from the tops of trees, wild turkeys strutting in the fields. You can stay in various places: the house, for traditional farmhouse B&B; the extraordinary architect-designed retreat with its awesome views of ridge and peak; or a cottage across the road surrounded by a ha-ha to keep the horses at bay. You’re free to help on the farm, chop the wood, take to the hills. David and Sue are fabulous, well-travelled, humorous hosts, dinners at the homestead great fun. This is one of the great places to stay in New Zealand. [i/]French and German spoken, golf and world-class fly fishing nearby. [i/]
