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A highlight of the North Island! Our family stayed at Mount Tutu about 4 months ago, in early January 2012, after arriving sick and exhausted from a complex flight from Canada, to start a 6 month sabbatical visit in New Zealand. And our stay was marvellous. The property, and our hosts, were enchanting. Our host, Tim, took us on a tour of the ravine on their property that has glow worms one evening. In Tim and Debbie's ravine, the glow worms are plentiful, and just feet away. Made us so glad we did not spring for the glow worms tours with their crowds and noise in Hamilton. Breathtaking!
We also went with our host Tim for an eco-walk of their property, and came away filled with knowledge about what is unique about New Zealand and how the whole eco-system comes together. We can't describe the sense of intimacy and wonder that was conveyed to us by our hosts, except to say that staying here was one of the best decisions we could have ever made.
Another highlight was that our children were at liberty to make themselves at home on the property. They relished the freedom to dash about, from visiting the sheep to checking out the rare parakeets, to following the chickens through the underbrush.
As to the fine print/tips: We opted to have a dinner prepared for us during one evening of our stay, and the food was both fresh and carefully composed - absolutely worth the cost. Breakfasts were similarly lovely.
As well as your cottage (which has the bed and bathroom), you can also make use of a lounge that is part of the hosts' home, where you would go if you want to have Tim and Debbie make you dinner (and to eat breakfast). It is filled with great books, maps and games, which we really appreciated when the rain came down. There is also a fridge, that we were able to use to store our food, and tea etc.
And the walks with Tim are so full of information that if you are interested in local flora or fauna bring a notebook! They are not just a stroll through beautiful native bush - so if that is what you are looking for, you should let him know at the start so that he can tailor the walk(s) to make them what you are looking for.
There are four or so cottages. The space was tight (as we were 2 adults and 2 kids), but we were so pleased with the whole package that this was a non-issue for us.
Would we go back? Yes....
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Tim and Debbie are sweet people who have done an excellent job of creating a great eco-sanctuary! I recommend that you make this at least a 2-night stay so that you get both the glowworm tour and the forest tour. Also, Tim gives a great tour that gives you an overview of the flora and fauna of this area of New Zealand as well as a history of the land that is extremely informative and gives you a greater understanding of what you'll see on the rest of your holiday in New Zealand.
The glowworms are the highlight of this stay! The banks along the stream are a constellation that is a sight to behold! You are literally within centimeters of the glow worms and get to see the worm, their webs, and their surroundings up-close! From what we've read about other glowworm adventures, you only get to see the worms from a distance.
The forest walk is incredible. You start out overlooking one of the ponds fed by one of the many natural springs on the property and then move on to the paddock with the sheep, goats, and chickens. After feeding the animals, you learn about the parrot breeding program in the sanctuary and the rodent eradication program. You then enter the forest. We were accompanied by a Fantail for about 1/3 of the hike. You learn about the different ferns, trees, vines, and undergrowth and see the area where a 500-year-old tree met its demise in 2012 and all the new forest growth that has ensued in the years since.
Having stayed in Eco-sanctuaries in Kenya, Virginia (US), and Finland, this one clearly meets the standard. The cabin is small but efficient with an en-suite shower, sink, and toilet. As with most eco-sanctuaries, don't expect lots of frills! You have your basics -- and done in a very cozy, homey manner. The common lounge area is a sitting room in the main house that includes a microwave, 2-burner hot plate, refrigerator, tea and coffee service, tons of books and games, and a woodburning stove. A gas grill is available on the patio for grilling. The included breakfast was nice and filling - with eggs, toast, hashbrowns, fruit, and lots of cereals.
We were provided with rubber boots (Wellies) for our forest walks as well as raincoats since we visited in...
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The reviews that say this is miles down a dirt road are inaccurate as the main road has been paved. The hotel is a few hundred meters down an unpaved driveway, There are great views of the bay which are easier to appreciate on way out. My GPS stopped about a KM too early, the driveway is on your right and is numbered, so be sure to note it. ||the setting is definitely beautiful, incredible views over the fields. I saw some cattle, but not the big-horned sheep. I have never heard so much birdsong as I did at close to sunset. Just peaceful and special. The property has been put into a national covenant and cannot be developed further. ||The really amazing thing was the walk to see the glow worms. Tim lent me a pair of Wellington’s and a headlamp and we walked down into the stream-bed. It was dark, but not difficult, and the return was an even easier hike. ||The glow worm colony is extraordinary. You can get incredibly close and see them and their webs. With Tim’s light, I even got some descent photos. With lights off, it looked like the night sky. Incredible. Tim was also nice enough to point out the Southern Cross when we got back. ||The accommodations are rustic but very pleasant. The basic feel of being in the bush but still having a comfy bed, electricity and a hot shower. Debbie greeted me with a slice of freshly baked banana cake. Breakfast included eggs from their hens and field mushrooms. ||I had a marvelous time and will remember the birdsong and the glow worms forever. Hopefully, I’ll also remember how to find the Southern Cross next time I’m in...
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