There is a new buzz-word out there that only pregnant couples know… Babymoon! Wairua Lodge is the perfect place for couples to come and enjoy some together time before their lives are changed forever by the arrival of their child. Bethany and Kent are such a lovely young couple and they have been kind enough to recount their Babymoon experience.
One of the things my husband, Kent, and I most enjoy doing is traveling, even if it’s just for the weekend. When we found out that we were expecting our first child in June 2021, we knew that we’d want to have a final getaway as just the two of us. We began looking for places to go when I was around 21 weeks pregnant with the idea that we’d take our trip when I was just approaching 32 weeks. Our criteria was that it needed to be within reasonable driving distance from Auckland, have access to some easy hikes or outdoor activities, and be a beautiful and comfortable place to relax. Wairua Lodge easily fit all our criteria!
Upon our arrival at Wairua, Debbie showed us around and gave us a tour. She was so accommodating and even had our room ready for us earlier than the listed arrival time. After our tour, we settled in, showered, and then took a short drive to Whitianga for dinner and to grab some groceries so that we could cook dinner on the fire ring the next day. Debbie had great suggestions of where to go for dinner Whitianga, and eventually we ended up at Blue Ginger. After returning to Wairua, we found our breakfast platter waiting for us for the next morning. The highlight was the freshly made bread and eggs from their own chickens!
We intentionally didn’t plan much for our trip, unsure of how I’d feel in my third trimester. There’s so much to do around Wairua Lodge and in the surrounding area, so we knew that no matter how I was feeling we’d have plenty of options. We slept in each morning and enjoyed the provided continental breakfast on our patio, relishing in the sounds of native birds and the warm sun. One day we got coffees in Whitianga, then spent the rest of the day lounging around Wairua before enjoying an evening at The Lost Spring. My husband went for a lengthy run around Wairua Lodge’s trails and the surrounding roads. His favourite part was climbing the waterfall on his last loop around the lodge! While he ran, I took advantage of the outdoor bath and checked out the native birds, a curious fantail even getting so close I thought I’d be able to touch it. I also napped and enjoyed the peace and quiet, every pregnant lady’s dream! Between the comfort of the beds and the tranquil setting, it was almost impossible to get up afterwards. Later that night, Ernst set up the fire ring so that we could cook our fajitas and provided us with equipment and ingredients to make s’mores, one of my favourite desserts. On another day, we took a day trip out to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, a short 40 minutes away from Wairua Lodge. The walk to Cathedral Cove was more difficult than I thought it would be at 32 weeks pregnant, but with a few breaks and an encouraging partner it wasn’t unmanageable.
After three nights at Wairua Lodge, we sadly said goodbye; however, we’re already looking for excuses to return! It was the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway to enjoy our last few weeks as “just the two of us” before we venture into our new roles as parents.
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