Escape to Egmont: NZ's Eco-Paradise Awaits!
Escape to Egmont: NZ's Eco-Paradise Awaits! – A Messy & Magnificent Review
Alright, folks, buckle up! Because I’m about to spill the beans on Escape to Egmont: NZ's Eco-Paradise Awaits! – and let me tell you, it's a journey. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished hotel reviews you're used to. I'm aiming for real. Think a slightly chaotic, wonderfully imperfect adventure, much like…well, life itself.
I’m gonna be brutally honest. I went in expecting, you know, the brochure. Lush landscapes, maybe a few awkward interactions with overly-enthusiastic staff. What I got was… well, read on. 😉
First things first: The Vibe
Honestly, the name "Eco-Paradise" had me a little skeptical. Like, am I going to be forced to hug trees and eat kale smoothies? Not that there's anything wrong with kale smoothies… but I'm more of a "bring on the bacon" kind of gal. Turns out, the eco-bit is actually pretty darn cool. It's not preachy or in-your-face. It's just there, running quietly in the background, making you feel good about, well… not destroying the planet while you're getting pampered.
Getting In & Out: Accessibility, Sigh… & The Car Park
Okay, let's be upfront. Accessibility needs a little work. While they do have Facilities for disabled guests, it’s not crystal clear how accessible everything truly is. I didn't need them personally, but if you do, double-check. Call and get specifics. And good luck with that. Because calling can be an experience… more on that later.
Now, the Car park [free of charge]? Bliss! I hate paying for parking. Seriously, it's a pet peeve. The Car park [on-site] is also a plus. (Though I wouldn't mind a nice, shiny Car power charging station – wink, wink, Egmont!) The Airport transfer… well, I didn't use it, so can't comment. The Taxi service is available too, but who wants a taxi when you can chill in your car? As for Bicycle parking… well, the place is gorgeous, but a bike? Maybe not. It's a bit… rural.
Rooms: Comfort & Quirks
The Rooms themselves are fantastic! (See, I'm going for honest, so I'm mixing it up!) Let's start with the good stuff: Air conditioning, thank goodness! Blackout curtains? Essential for someone who wants to sleep past sunrise! And the Extra long bed was a lifesaver – I'm a sprawler, and I hate feeling like I'm going to fall off. Nice touch.
Now for the quirks: My first room, room number… let's just call it "B3" (because I forgot the exact number) had a seriously wonky mirror. I swear, it made me look like I had a slightly crooked nose. I'm not complaining, as it made for great conversation starters at the bar. And the Internet access – wireless was… well, it existed. Sometimes very fast, sometimes not, as per usual. 🙄 And the free Wi-Fi [free] in room, of course, was a blessing. I needed my social media fix. So yeah, the Laptop workspace was handy for that, as was the Desk.
The Coffee/tea maker was much appreciated, especially since it was paired with the Free bottled water!
And just to be sure, let's list all the in-room amenities that are included:
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
My Absolute Highlight: The Spa & The Sauna (Dear God, The Sauna!)
Okay, get ready for a full-blown, unadulterated gush fest. The Spa at Escape to Egmont? LEGENDARY. I could write a whole novel about my time there. They have a Spa/sauna, and the Sauna itself…oh, the Sauna! It's one of those places that melts away your stress like a scoop of gelato on a summer's day. The Pool with view was the perfect place to recover after an hour baking. I am, however, happy to report that the Foot bath was one of the most heavenly experiences I've had in a while.
I also had a Massage. Again: bliss. (Though, full disclosure, I nearly fell asleep and started drooling. Professional, I am not.) They also offer a Body scrub and Body wrap, but I didn't try them. Maybe next time!
And a fun fact: They have a Steamroom! 💖
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Food Coma Chronicles
Okay, let's talk food. Now, the A la carte in restaurant was generally good, though the menu, just a tad predictable. The Asian cuisine in restaurant (I think I spotted some Asian breakfast) was surprisingly good, and the [Western cuisine in restaurant], I was so happy and ready for it. And of course there's a lovely Coffee/tea in restaurant for moments of relaxation.
The Bar? Essential. Especially during Happy hour. Now, the Poolside bar was the cherry on top!
The Buffets
The Breakfast [buffet] was a good start, the Buffet in restaurant was… well, a buffet. I'm not a huge buffet person, but hey – there was something for everyone. Except, strangely, avocados. Which is a crime. (Okay, maybe not a crime, but a disappointment.)
- Additional dining options: Breakfast takeaway service, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
Here's the honest bit: The Food delivery, I didn't use it. Here's the honest bit: the Alternative meal arrangement was never an issue.
The Serious Stuff: Cleanliness & Safety (Because, you know, the world)
Thankfully, Escape to Egmont absolutely nails this. This is a big deal in the post-pandemic world, right? They take hygiene very seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services… it all made me feel safe. Daily disinfection in common areas. They even have Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check! And they're following the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, thank goodness. The staff were all super friendly and wearing masks, which made me feel at ease. They even have Hygiene certification!
- Additional safety notes: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Sterilizing equipment
Fun & Relaxation: Stuff to Do Besides Eat (Shocking!)
Okay, beside indulging in the Spa, Swimming pool [outdoor], what else? There's a Fitness center, because apparently, some people like to move. (Not me, unless there's a chocolate reward at the end). I didn't go, but hey, it's there!
- Additional relaxation activities: Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool
- More fun stuff: Things to do
- Ways to relax
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, this is where a hotel can either shine or… well, not. Escape to Egmont gets a solid B+. Daily housekeeping? Excellent! Laundry service? Super handy. Concierge? Helpful. Cash withdrawal? Always a plus.
They even have a Doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. And the Doorman service was very courteous. Also, Facilities for disabled guests is a big plus.
- More services: **Air conditioning in public area
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're gonna tackle Egmont Eco Leisure Park, and trust me, this is not going to be smooth sailing. This is gonna be more like… navigating a swamp in a kayak with a hole in it while being chased by a rogue kea. (Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea.)
Egmont Eco Leisure Park: A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (Hopefully, Mostly Wonderful)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
- Morning (ish): Landed in New Plymouth. Okay, smooth flight, impressive. Except… I forgot my book. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. My travel plans were entirely based on the premise of curling up with a good book at dawn. Cue existential crisis. The airport coffee was mediocre. This does not bode well.
- Mid-Morning: Pick up the rental car. It’s a slightly battered Suzuki Swift, and I'm pretty sure the last person who drove it was a farmer who preferred sheep to seatbelts. (Just kidding… maybe.) The GPS lady sounds like she's permanently out of breath. “In 250 meters, turn… huff… right.” Good luck with that, GPS lady.
- Lunch: Found a cute little cafe in Inglewood called "The Rusty Spoon" (that's off to a good start!). Ordered a quiche. Honestly, it was a little… too rustic. Like, the pastry was practically fossilized. But the coffee was strong, which is what really matters. Overheard a local complaining about the price of avocados. Classic New Zealand.
- Afternoon: FINALLY arrive at Egmont Eco Leisure Park. Holy. Cow. The view of Mount Taranaki (which I believe is what that giant, imposing volcano is called) is breathtaking. Seriously, it just pops into your face. I instantly forgot about the crumbly quiche. Now, if only the cabin wasn't so far from reception… and if the key actually fits the door…and… oh, joy. My phone has about 3% battery left. This is off to such a good start.
- Evening: Settled into the cabin. It's charmingly rustic, with a fireplace that looks like it hasn't been used since the dinosaurs roamed. Attempted to light it. Fail. Decided to call it a night. Read the brochures. Stressed out.
Day 2: Getting Lost and Finding My Feet (and Possibly an Insect or Two)
- Morning: Determined to conquer Taranaki! The brochure suggests a "gentle" hike. HAH! They clearly haven't met my definition of "gentle." The sun is glorious, the air crisp. And… I'm already sweating buckets. Found a friendly local named Brian who gave me advice on where to hike. Brian gave me a map. The map is covered in Brian's chicken scratch.
- Mid-Morning: Got horribly, spectacularly lost. Twice. Briefly considered abandoning the hike and taking up residence in a nearby stream. But the view! Oh, the view. Worth the potential for a sprained ankle. And the bug bites. So. Many. Bug bites.
- Lunch: Managed to locate a somewhat level patch of grass and eat my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Discovered a rather large, and rather hairy, spider lurking nearby. Proceeded to eat as quickly as possible and then high-tail it the heck out of there.
- Afternoon: Drove to the "Goblin Forest". Holy moly, it's amazing. This place felt like being dropped into a Lord of the Rings movie. Moss-covered trees, twisting branches, an ethereal light filtering through the canopy. I spent a solid hour just wandering around, feeling like a complete fairy. The best part? No spiders! (At least, none I saw). I took approximately 600 photos.
- Evening: Dinner at a local pub called "The Powder Keg". The food was solid, the beer was cold, and the locals were chatty. Learned a few things about sheep shearing, and a whole bunch of other things I've already forgotten because, well, beer. Went back to the cabin. Finally managed to start the fireplace. Victory! Slept like a log – a warm, slightly mosquito-bitten log.
Day 3: The Waterfall of Wonders (and Total Exhaustion)
- Morning: After yesterday's hiking marathon, my legs feel like they're made of concrete. But… the waterfalls! The brochure promised waterfalls, and by golly, I'm going to find them.
- Mid-Morning: Drove to Dawson Falls. The track started out relatively easy-peasy, but then… steepness. So much steepness. I huffed and puffed and swore under my breath (mostly at myself for not training). But the waterfall! Oh, the waterfall! Dawson Falls is absolutely stunning. The power, the spray, the sheer beauty… it was worth every single aching muscle.
- Lunch: Ate the rest of my peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a rock overlooking a gorge. This time, I checked for spiders before sitting down. Found a tiny little one, but he was cute, so I let him be.
- Afternoon: The Egmont National Park Visitor Centre. Okay. I know this sounds a bit boring, but trust me. This museum/visitor centre is gorgeous. Not only it has nice information, but offers excellent souvenirs. A nice place to rest and relax, and I bought… well, let's just say I now own a fluffy kiwi toy that I'm convinced is judging me.
- Evening: Got lost. Again. Decided to embrace it. Found a little hidden swimming hole and took a quick paddle. It was freezing, but refreshing. Had a final (and slightly tearful) dinner in town. Looking forward to my flight, but also sad to leave.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath of Adventure
- Morning: Check out of the cabin. Said goodbye to the view of Mt. Taranaki. Promised myself to bring a better book next time.
- Mid-Morning: Drove back to the airport. Survived the rental car. GPS lady was (thankfully) silent.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Reflecting on how much I loved this trip.
- Evening: Planning the next adventure, already… this time with insect repellent, a better map, and a pre-downloaded audiobook. And definitely a book. The rusty spoon restaurant didn't have any of my favorite books. I'm still salty about that.
Final Thoughts:
Egmont Eco Leisure Park, you beautiful, messy, utterly demanding place. Thanks for the memories, the mosquito bites, the breathtaking views, and the reminder that even when things go hilariously wrong, the journey is always worth it. And for the record: I'm pretty sure that kiwi toy is still judging me.
Hangzhou West Lake Dream: Your Luxurious Yueshang Yunshe Escape
So, what's this "Escape to Egmont" thing all about? Like, actually?
Right, so picture this: you're fried, burnt out, glued to a screen. Your brain's turned to mush. Then, BAM! You see this ad for "Escape to Egmont." It's not just a trip; it's... a *rebirth*. Think lush, green, *breathtaking* Taranaki Maunga (Mt. Egmont, in case you haven't Googled it). Eco-paradise they call it. Personally? I was sold on the "escape" part. Honestly, the 'eco' part felt... well, let's just say I'm more of a 'eat-all-the-chocolate' kind of eco-warrior.
Anyway, it's basically a bunch of nature-y stuff. Hiking, birdwatching, (supposedly) soul-searching. They promise you'll return a changed person. We'll see about that. I'm still pretty sure my favorite change will be from a beer to two after a tough day on the trail.
Okay, hiking. Is it, like, *actually* hiking, or is it one of those "gentle strolls" that leaves you feeling like you’ve just conquered Everest?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. There are strolls. There are... *slightly* more challenging strolls. And then there's the Pouakai Crossing. Dear lord, the Pouakai Crossing. I'm not gonna lie, I almost cried. Not just any cry, either – the ugly, snot-running-down-your-face kind. It's advertised as "moderate." Moderate my left foot! It's a rocky, rooty, knee-killing adventure where you question every life choice you've ever made.
The views, though, are *insane*. Especially the iconic reflection in the tarns (small mountain lakes). You're up there, huffing and puffing, thinking "I'm gonna die on this bloody mountain," then you see it - the mirror image of Taranaki, perfectly reflected. You take a photo (obviously), and you're instantly a better person. For about 30 seconds. Then the blisters start throbbing again.
Birdwatching? Seriously? That sounds... boring.
Look, I have to confess, I'm not usually into bird-watching. My idea of a good time doesn't typically involve binoculars and hushed whispers. But the birds in Egmont? They're different. Some are like, *loud*. One particular little guy (a fantail) was constantly dive-bombing me, chirping away like he was my annoying little brother. Charming, actually.
The worst part? The guides get *super* excited about a tiny flutter. They start rattling on about ‘endemic species’ and ‘conservation efforts’... I mean, good for the birds, I guess. Still, I'd rather watch a movie. Except for the fantails. Those guys are alright.
Accommodation? Is it a yurt situation? Because... no. Just no.
Thank god, no yurts. Although, I *think* I did see a yurt-adjacent situation marketed as a "glamping pod" which... yeah, no. The good news: the lodges are decent. Comfortable beds, actual showers (hot ones!), and, crucially, not overrun by insects. Big points for cleanliness, especially after you realize how much dirt you're going to encounter on the trails.
A funny story, though. I was staying in the lodge, and one night, there was this relentless flapping sound. Turns out, a bird had somehow gotten *inside* the lodge. And it was *panicking*. The staff were trying to coax it out, and I was hiding under my duvet cover, convinced it was going to dive-bomb me. I mean, the irony of being traumatized by a bird after a day of bird-watching... well, I still laugh about it (mostly).
What about the food? Are we talking granola bars and survival rations?
Honestly? The food was surprisingly good. They actually had *real* food! Things like hearty stews and fresh salads. I was anticipating a week of tasteless, energy-boosting bars. I was wrong. They feed you, feed you well, and feed you often. Which is, of course, vital after you’ve spent the day battling the elements and your own whining inner voice.
One night, they had this amazing lamb shank. I'm not even joking, I inhaled it. I *may* have also snagged a second one when no one was looking. Don't judge me; hiking builds an appetite!
Did you find it... relaxing? Did you *actually* escape?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Did I "escape"? Well, I escaped *my* day-to-day routine. I escaped the emails, the deadlines, the incessant demands. I also *escaped* the gym, which felt like a win. I was constantly trying to *escape* (literally) the rain.
Am I a changed person? Hmm... I learned a lot about myself, mostly that I'm incredibly out of shape. I gained a new appreciation for natural beauty (when I wasn’t cursing it). I did feel *something* while staring at the mountain. Maybe a tiny spark of peace? Maybe I still just felt tired from the hiking. Honestly? I think it's the lamb shank I'll remember most. But yeah – I'd go back. Just... maybe after a good lie-down and a giant pizza.
Any tips for a newbie, someone who's never done anything remotely this "outdoorsy" before?
Okay, listen up, because I'm talking from experience. First: LAYERS. Seriously. Weather in Egmont is fickle. One minute you're sunburnt, the next you're soaked. Pack waterproof everything. And good socks. Your feet are your enemy on the trails.
Second: Don't try to be a hero. The trails are challenging, so listen to your body. There's no shame in turning back. And bring plenty of snacks. Chocolate. Definitely chocolate. And maybe a good book for those quiet moments of contemplation (or just plain exhaustion).
Third: Embrace the mud. You *will* get dirty. It's inevitable. Just accept it. And finally: most importantly: Remember that the views and the meals make it all worth it. Even the slightly too intense guides, and the birds, make it a bit worth it.
Would you *recommend* "Escape to Egmont?" Be honest.
If you're looking for a genuine break from the mental monotony of life, and if you can handle a bit of physical challenge? YeahHotels Near Your
