Every girl dreams of living a fairytale life as a child with every culture having their own versions of these familiar tales. One of my favourites was always Mother Goose’s ‘There Was an Old Woman Who lived in a Shoe’. It always fascinated me as I was unsure how so many people could possibly inhabit a shoe. The Boot Hotel in Tasman, New Zealand has answered that question. This unique hotel is exactly what it sounds like, a boot. If you’re looking for that fairytale vacation, this may be it.
Huddled in a hazelnut grove that opens up to 2.4 hectares of beautiful gardens this Bed and Breakfast is an intimate get away for two. Inside this whimsical cottage you’ll find a kitchenette, wood burning fireplace and bathroom built for two. Up the spiral staircase you’ll find a bedroom that opens up to a Juliette balcony that overlooks the gardens. The one thing this hotel is missing is a television, done purposely to create a romantic atmosphere.
Beer lovers will enjoy the brews at Moutere Inn, with over 100 beers, ales and ciders to choose from. The building itself is a historic site worth seeing, built in 1850. Those who prefer wine have numerous wineries to choose from including Nuedorf Vineyards, Blackenbrook Vineyard and Sunset Valley Organic Vineyards.
If you’re feeling adventurous visit the Ngarua or Te Anaroa Caves. Try a horse trekking adventure with Baton Run Horse Treks, or one of the many companies offering similar services to explore New Zealand’s back country. Get a different view of the land on a hang gliding adventure or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride. Discover the legendary Buller River Earthquake Rapids on a white water rafting trip with Wild Water Rafting, lonely planet’s top choice for 2012.
There was an old woman
who lived in a shoe,
She had so many children
she didn’t know what to do;
She gave them some broth
without any bread;
She whipped them all soundly
and put them to bed.