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Te Whau Lodge in the Media
Stuff.co.nz - Wining and Dining on Waiheke - July 2009
"We roll out of there (Te Whau Vineyard) 2 hours later ready to sink into our beds at Te Whau Lodge, a luxury retreat which is, thankfully, just next door.
We're late but our hosts Gene and Liz don't care. "Late? We don't use that word around here," says Gene in that laid back Waiheke way we're becoming accustomed to.
After a (yet another) glass of wine on their panoramic balcony, we discover we're in for yet another culinary assault on our senses.
Gene, the chef, talked us through the mouth-watering delights to follow - from island tempura oysters through to a dessert of local figs.
Listening was nearly as pleasurable as the eating experience itself.
After wine-matching (yes, more) we sunk into our glorious beds before awaking on another crisp and clear Waiheke day to repeat the whole process."
Click here to read the full article on stuff.co.nz
Cuisine Wine Country 2009 - Waiheke Island
"Staying in the region - Te Whau Lodge:
Gene O’Neill and Liz Eglinton share their intimate knowledge of the island with guests at this contemporary lodge. It’s a perfect retreat with four well-appointed, en-suite bedrooms, all with views back to Auckland city and delicious breakfasts and dinners. Gene makes superb breakfasts, pre-dinner snacks and offers the option of a 2-course plat du jour dinner.
Food producers - Gulf Providore: The owners of Te Whau Lodge produce excellent muesli which is available on-line, and in busy months make traditional French-style terrines, hummus and tapenade, available on the island only.”
Comments from Adrienne Rewi's blog...
"As if the loveliness of Waiheke Island’s Te Whau Lodge wasn’t enough, owners Gene O’Neill and Liz Eglinton have given in to their passion for things French. For the last four years they’ve taken time out from Te Whau Lodge and taken small groups of like-minded travellers to the Vaucluse region of southern France. It’s a bonus that Liz speaks fluent French, that Gene is a superb cook and that together they’re sublime hosts. Their annual jaunt to their favourite village, St Didier is not a tour so much as a group of six people having a holiday together – visiting local markets and wineries, drinking coffee, walking through nearby villages and soaking up the pretty Provence scenery. And when it’s all over, they return to take up the reigns at Te Whau Lodge on gorgeous Waiheke Island, just a ferry ride from central Auckland that pretty much has all of the above except Provence’s depth of history. It is without doubt the very best of both worlds."
Ordinary and Extraordinary New Zealanders doing Interesting Things - Adrienne Rewi - April 2008
"Liz Eglinton and Gene O’Neill of Te Whau Lodge, Waiheke Island, are off to St Didier in Provence again. The trip has become a regular pilgrimage over the past few years and while there, they will offer four themed excursions covering food and wine, local villages and walks, and ancient sites.
The intimate, all inclusive five-to-six day excursions, in May next year, are limited to two couples each. Liz and Gene meet their guests at the Avignon TGV station. Dining experiences will range from smart local restaurants to a visit to the Velleron evening market to select ingredients for dinner prepared chez vous."
Return to Provence Cuisine Magazine Issue 126, January 2008
"When Gene O'Neill and Liz Eglinton decided to abandon corporate careers and set up Te Whau Lodge, they wanted to create the small, intimate, personal retreat they had longed to find in their own travels. The result is quintessentially 'Kiwi' - a laidback island escape for no more than four couples. Perched high on a hill with views of the island, the sea and Auckland city in the distance, this corrugated iron hideaway features spacious rooms with great bathrooms and balconies. After seven years in the lodge business, Gene and Liz have refined the art of relaxed hospitality, fabulous dinner-party style meals cooked by Gene and an inspiring mix of local and international guests. Exploring the island's beaches, walkways, artist studios and vineyards may persuade you to join the couple on their annual jaunt to their favourite French village, St Didier, where they'll shower you with Kiwi hospitality in a French setting."
Ten of the Best New Zealand Lodges
Kia Ora - Air New Zealand Magazine - April 2007
Te Whau Lodge has been selected as one of the 7 best boutique hotels and small lodges in New Zealand by writer Adrienne Rewi – "Every time I visit Te Whau I'm convinced all over again that Gene O'Neill and Liz Eglinton give you the best of everything – winning personalities, fabulous food, great rooms and views you won't believe. There's something quintessentially Kiwi about the whole experience that I'm proud to recommend."
Frommer's Travel guide to New Zealand - 4th edition 2006
"Te Whau Lodge presents breathtaking vistas of the harbour and the island below, the sea beyond and Auckland sparkling away off in the distance. Friendly, hospitable Gene O'Neill and Liz Eglinton transform their lodge into a Parisian salon with communal dining of the highest order."
Australian Gourmet Traveller - WINE - Oct/Nov 2005
"Nights in white cotton - one of eight of the best of Auckland's luxury hotels. If you want to stay somewhere with a postcard view, you might consider Te Whau Lodge, it has the whole postcard stand cornered. Staying at Te Whau is like spending time at a very wealthy friend's bach. I would recommend a stay of at least 3 nights at Te Whau: the first to rest, the second to enjoy and the third to prepare to leave."
SUNDAY VIEW - December 2005
"Complete, comfortable and confident, their purpose-built Lockwood lodge stretches along a promontory. Gene's passion is food, as well as wine, and he rejoices in a large commercial kitchen from which he produces flavoursome and inventive food. The décor is modern and minimal, yet soft and artistic."
STYLE - Winter 2005
"An Island Lodge - Te Whau Lodge is at once luxurious and relaxed, an ideal combination for a weekend getaway... Features - the sweeping view and Gene's superb cooking, the outdoor spa and visiting masseuse."
Sunday Star Times - May 2005
"A Te Whau of a Time - Ideal romantic escape for gourmets."
Air New Zealand In Flight Magazine - March 2004
"Out of the Blue - Liz and husband Gene O'Neill have the serene smiles of people who are doing exactly what they love to do and doing it brilliantly..."
Australian Gourmet Traveller - December 2003
"Waiheke Island - Superb hospitality is offered at this small, well-designed lodge - a perfect retreat from the city..."
Cuisine Wine Country Annual - 2005
"A journey here, and the time at Te Whau Lodge, will give those who make it a refreshing break from reality."
A Place to Stay - Hotels of New Zealand - December 2004
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