Omaha River Retreat

25/12/2019

Some pre - Xmas landscaping

06/12/2019

Summer Sunrise at Omaha River Retreat this morning.

19/11/2019

Accommodation available from the 20th December.
Book your family Christmas get together or New year Holiday.
A minimum of a 5 night booking required until the 10th January.
Email: [email protected] or ph. 0211624245 for bookings.

01/10/2018

During the wet winter, a slip blocked the pathway down to the river. Thankfully Scott was able to use a digger and clear it for me.

29/04/2018

As of this Friday, 4th May, I am no longer operating Omaha River Retreat Holiday Home Accommodation. I have decided after 18 years it is time to take a break. The house is rented to a family for 1 year, which will give me the time to travel and see new places. Watch this space in 12 months time.

02/12/2017

A recent group of Guests at Omaha River Retreat enjoyed the one day workshops organized by
Creative Matakana 8-12th May.
Fleur Sullivan owner of a well-known restaurant / café / bar on the Moeraki Wharf, in the South Island
http://media.newzealand.com/en/story-ideas/new-zealand-chef-fleur-sullivan
Gay Williams a former Miss New Zealand, Anna from a beautiful high country station in Canterbury- High Peak, and Prue and husband Sir Tim Wallis who was a NZ pioneer of deer recovery.
They enjoyed: Monday, 8 May, 10.30am–2pm Venue: Christine & Richard Didsbury’s home at Brick Bay Farm. Ben Bayly will produce a menu featuring local food products, and vegetables and meat from Brick Bay Farm. Local food producers will tell stories about their buffalo milk cheeses and artisan chocolate. Ben is an award-winning executive chef of The Grove and Baduzzi, and judge of My Kitchen Rules
Tuesday, 9 May, 10.30am–2pm Venue: Lauraine & Murray Jacobs’ Omaha beach house. Guilio Sturla is known for his passion for coastal foraging and delicious seafood. Local seafood suppliers Leigh Fisheries and the Mahurangi Oyster Company, and a local artisan apple grower and cider maker will assist him. Guilio is owner-chef of Roots Restaurant, Lyttleton and founder of ConversatioNZ.
Wednesday, 10 May, 10.30am–2pm Venue: Sawmill Brewing Company, Leigh Rd, Matakana. Dariush Lolaiy will demonstrate how to break down a wild duck and prepare his acclaimed duck and barberry terrine. Local finalists of the NZ Outstanding Food Producers, Matakana Bacon Co and Salumeria Fontana will talk and taste-test their winning bacon, sausages & sausage making techniques.There will be a tasting of the delicious artisan Sawmill beers, and a three course meaty lunch will be served of charcuterie with pickles and chutney, smoked duck breast and a locally inspired dessert. Dariush is head chef at Cazador Restaurant, where he is known for his meat and wild game cookery.
Thursday, 11 May, 10.30am–2pm Venue: Cathy Gould and Roger Donald’s home and garden, Matakana. Monique Fiso will cook from Cathy and Roger’s garden especially planted for this feast, and will include local fish and shellfish from Leigh Fisheries on her menu.There will be wine from adjoining vineyards and an opportunity to walk in this spectacular garden. Monique, of hiakai, has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and is modernizing traditional Maori cuisine
Plus a visit to Gibbs Farm is a sculpture park located on rolling farmland beside the Kaipara Harbour, 47 kilometres north of Auckland. It contains the largest collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures in New Zealand.
In all a very busy week.

Fleur Sullivan has never strayed far from her rural New Zealand upbringing, but serious foodies travel the world to dine at her rustic portside restaurant in a little South Island village.

02/12/2017

https://youtu.be/Bm_r20jj-Lc

Another great fire. Thanks to everyone who came and made it a great night.

21/10/2017

Kowhai's in full flower around the property. Tui's love them.

25/08/2017

I have taken advantage of the quiet month and painted the end bedroom, plus new curtains. Now feels fresh and light.

25/08/2017

It has been 5 years since the old spa pool was removed. I have been slowly filling in the hole, now thanks to Scott Odell Concret it is completed. Now to decide what to use the Gazebo for???

05/08/2017

The Magnolia and daffodils tell me that the days are getting longer and Spring is on its way.

10/07/2017

Full moon. Stunning evening. Cold but calm. Warm and cozy in the house with the fire going.