Destination: Holman Estate

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POSTED: 31 OCTOBER 2009

ANN RICKARD pulls up the anchor and indulges in a little cruising in the New Zealand lake district.

Picture this. It’s about nine in the morning of a glorious day. You’re sitting in a natural thermal pool in the middle of gorgeous pristine bush, enjoying the warm water, when out of the bushes appears an attractive, uniformed young man brandishing a flute of champagne and orange juice.

“Yes please,” you say as he reaches down to hand it to you in your prone position in the soothing warm water.

“Anything else I can bring you?” he asks as he trots off through the bushes back to a luxury yacht tied up at the shore, where he will cut up fresh fruit, open another bottle of bubbly and cook breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast, to be ready and waiting when you decide to get out of the thermal pool.

Luxury is certainly the key during a cruise with Clearwater Charters on Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua in New Zealand.

We’d had an early morning start, boarded the five-star vessel about seven and were greeted with freshly made coffee and chocolate biscuits.

“This is so us,” we’d said to each other as we inspected the perfectly appointed vessel with its comfortable leather seats, kitchen and bar, dining area and barbecue on the after deck.

“This we like very much.”

And then it was anchors up and ropes off and we were sailing across the clear, clean and calm water of the lake at the foot of the majestic Mount Tarawera.

Our destination ... a private lakeside spot where we’d trooped ashore for a soak in the thermal pool and to be spoilt by the first officer bringing the champagne and orange juice.

This breakfast and hot springs cruise us just one of a variety of options offered by Clearwater Charters.

Trout fishing trips are extremely popular. The lake brims with trophy-sized rainbow trout. Fun family cruises or serious corporate sailings can all be arranged.

It’s all about flexibility and giving guests an experience – in sumptuous comfort – of the natural beauty the lake and the surrounding environment.

Enthusiasts come from all over the world for the trout fishing on Lake Tarawera, often catching whopping seven-kilo trout.

Like so much of New Zealand, Lake Tarawera and its surrounds are pristine, unspoilt, protected.

Access to some of the bays and little beaches on the lake is available only by boat and even that is regulated.

The spectacular Tarawera Falls can be reached by foot after tying up and make for a special day trip. There are walking tracks galore through beautiful native forest. The options are many, whether it’s jet skiing, kayaking or fine dining on board.

Then there is the sheer indulgence of just sitting on board, being pampered while looking out to the astounding scenery.

We especially loved our little soak, sipping champagne, in the thermal pool.

Although the pool appeared to be set in the middle of the bush, it was only a few minutes walk from the anchored yacht along an established track.

And with no snakes or other nasties to worry about, the barefoot walk was easy.

What a way to start a day on holiday in New Zealand.

Fur further details, please visit Clearwater Charters.

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