Family Christmas at Te Karaka Lodge
Merry Christams!
Time really flies when you are having a good time! This is the 3rd Summer Season at Te Karaka Station & Lodge, and we are privileged to celebrate this holiday period with our full house of guests!
During this Christmas period, we have the privilege to look after several families who are spending holiday time with us, from Auckland, the United States, and even an intimate wedding!
For a typical multi-generation family getaway travelling from Auckland or the Airport, we can book an alpaca farm Visit with the lovely Lynda from Awaawaroa Alpacas in the morning for our group, where they learn about the animals, their sweet nature and habits, their warm fibre and take adorable photos. After shopping around many of Lynda’s hand-knitted scarves and hats from the fibre from the farm, the group can either go to Pukekohe or our neighbour Nikau Caves and Cafe for some delicious coffee and house-made lunch. The Daily Goods’ large communal tables are great for large groups. From Pukekohe, it’s just a one-hour drive to the lodge to start the long-awaited slow-down family time.
Once our group of guests check in, they can change into their swimsuits and go into the sun-heated outdoor spa pool. Our tentative lodge team will set up the umbrella for the group in the famously intense New Zealand Sun while they enjoy the pool. After some refreshing outdoor spa time, our guests are now ready for lounge games and lawn games that our team members have taken out and set up in the background. The Giant Janga has always been a hit. However, our new shell-covered petanque field has recently sparked some competitiveness amongst family members, and it will be filled with laughter and banter.
The Spa is always a hit!
As a family, a well-thought-out shared dinner is a natural choice. Our talented Head Chef Stuart, and his senior Chef de Partie, Aridan, thoughtfully design every meal to cater to the family, especially the guests with severe food allergies, and make sure everyone could enjoy the food feeling safe, and more importantly, spoiled by the quality of the food. The menu for the groups changes daily, with seasonal inspirations and freshest ingredients from our own greenhouse.
On Day 2 of our family’s stay, the keyword is to slow down. Take their time, enjoy our gourmet continental breakfast with the view, and just be present.
They can take another dip in the spa pool, go for a morning hike around our walking track, or simply have a mindful morning cup of tea/coffee with loved ones. We of course, can have farm tours, glowworm caving with Nikau Caves and Cafe, or Horse riding, Picnic and so forth booked and organised in advance for the family, and our tentative staff member will always remind our families to pace the activities out, slowly, with plenty of breaks. After all, you are on holiday, and the downtime is the most precious period.
After some activities, we welcome our families back at the lodge, refreshed and rested, with hand-curated New Zealand Wine or Craft beer, while they look forward to the culinary creativity to surprise them the second time!
On the last day of our family's stay, after the equally delicious breakfast, we are sad to say goodbye! But there is always the next time!
Book your family reunion time for the 2026 Christmas early with us