After a full-on few months my husband, Mark, and I can’t wait to spend two nights away in Rotorua.
It’s been bucketing with rain on our drive from Tauranga. The forecast doesn’t look very promising and we wonder if we’re going to get out and enjoy some of the experiences Rotorua is well-known for, but as we wend our way up the hill towards Peppers on the Point, the skies clear. Things are looking promising and we’re not disappointed as we drive through the gates of the property.
The Lodge Manager, Ann Gregor-Greene, is on site to meet us and, as we drink in the beautiful views out across Lake Rotorua and towards the historic Mokoia Island, we learn that this was once a Māori Pa site and is steeped in true stories of ancient battles, love, family and life.
Mark and I have been allocated an exterior, Lake Cottage Suite – a self-contained cottage which sits in front of the main mansion. We definitely plan to spend some time unwinding and enjoying the uninterrupted views from our own deck or, even better, whilst relaxing in the spa pool. But first, it’s time to explore the property.
A family home until 2004 and still privately owned, the charming 1930s flagship is a two- story mansion that has been lovingly refurbished to retain its timeless appeal and character. Up a gorgeous wooden staircase, the mansion offers a selection of suites – each individually decorated and offering spacious living areas, underfloor heating, spa baths and aircon.
On the ground floor there is a large communal lounge with open fireplace, secluded dining and seating areas and a billiard room. The timber panelling, comfy furniture, chandeliers, antiques and exquisite art pieces work beautifully together to give an inviting, luxurious and cosy ambience.
Photo by John Miles 
There’s been a wedding the day before and the conservatory at the back of the mansion is still dressed for what must have been a stunning event. Peppers on the Point is proving popular with brides as there are a number of outdoor settings for ceremonies and receptions and a stone chapel that offers panoramic views as its backdrop.
The owner’s residence, the Lake Villa, sits above the main lodge and can be booked out by families and groups. It’s a more modern addition to the estate and offers the same stunning views, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, open dining and living areas and extensive balcony areas.
The property also offers a range of onsite activities from massages, a small gym, tennis courts, fly-fishing from the private beach and water sports. There’s a small jetty for boat tours and, even better, guests can book a trip on a float plane for an aerial view of the region.
The 2.8 hectare lakeside estate has never been divided and the rolling grounds run down to the lake’s edge. There’s a lovely walk around the front part of the estate and, if you have carrots on hand, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the two donkeys and miniature ponies.
Each morning, as the sun pours into the breakfast room, we enjoy freshly made omelettes and a buffet of fresh fruits, cereals, breads and pastries. It isn’t long before we’re chatting to the other guests – comparing notes on what we’ve enjoyed in Rotorua.
On certain evenings, fine dining is also on offer at Peppers. The Mains is open to the general public, so you do need to book beforehand, and offers an à la carte menu using fresh produce from the lodge’s garden and locally sourced meat and fish.
Photos by by John Miles
Less than 10 minutes from the heart of Rotorua CBD, Peppers on the Point is a peaceful and luxurious base where we return to each evening, collapsing onto the comfy mattress, exhausted after a day well spent exploring the delights of Rotorua’s tourism offerings.
Our visit is over far too quickly but we hope it isn’t too long before we’re heading back this way again.
