2011-12-11 Gordonton
DECEMBER 11TH 2011.
Another of our "Tiki Tours" this time to Gordonton in the Waikato and the historic homestead "Woodlands."
The 2 storey kauri homestead was originally the managers home on what was a flat area of wetland and peatbogs to be developed over years of toil into a thriving property of 98,000 acres.
The house was built in about 1875 and surrounded by all of the buildings required to make a self sufficient operation, stables, bakery, workshops etc, most of these have been demolished but the homestead has been restored and the gardens are spectacular with large grassed areas, several ponds with delicate bridges and arbours with roses. It has many specimen trees , a large collection of old camellia varieties, hedged gardens and many old cottage garden flower varieties self seeded.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the gardens before having a delicious lunch at the very popular woodland Cafe overlooking the cricket green. We then visited the house itself and admired not only the christmas decorations on display but also the care taken to restore this NZ treasure to its former glory.
Leaving Woodlands we had the pleasure of visiting a very modern homestead with gardens and its welcoming occupants.
A very pleasant days outing, we walked and talked , gave our eyes and our bellies a feasting what more could we want.?
Writer Judith.
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