If a 1920’s era lodge on a gorgeous river in the middle the north island of New Zealand doesn’t sound like a perfect getaway to you, then I can’t help you here. I know I’ve been on a bit of a lodge bender, what with last week and this focusing on wilderness lodges, but I can’t help myself. It’s a primal urge I’m having to get away to somewhere beautiful, remote and luxurious so you’ll just have to suffer through another. Originally a fishing lodge, built to take advantage of the superb fly fishing on the Waikato River, word of the stupendous location and beauty of the area and lodge itself spread fast. It has hosted Charles Lindbergh, James Mitchener and even HM Queen Elizabeth among others. What started as a sparse and simple lodge for fishing enthusiasts has morphed into a truly luxurious spot with a wine cellar to prove it. Sounds like a vacation to me.