About Us

About your Kiwi hosts, John and Marg Ritchie

We moved to Waihi in 2001 from Hawke's Bay, where we had been farming, since time began. We farmed just out of Hastings, then Wairoa, then Takapau - all of which are in the Hawke's Bay. We have always lived quite away from any towns.

We moved here because, it is a convenient part of NZ for us to live. John now works for an Auckland company, ZeeTags who manufacture animal ear tags. I was nursing (now retired). We have two children who are both married with children of their own. We are very fortunate and have 5 grandchildren. My son is farming at Onewhereo (south of Auckland) and my daughter is farming at Otorohonga, which is in the south Waikato region.

We found Poets Corner by accident. I always wanted to be by the sea, but we love the bush and I didn't think that it would ever be possible to find anywhere like that to live. However we did, and we love it. We built the lodge so that we could share this special place with others. Plus I needed something to do. Without nursing, I still needed people to look after. This is a great way of doing just that, but these days our guests are all well and happy, on holiday, which is wonderful for me.

We have a cat (with attitude). We are very privileged to live in his house. His name is Noodle and we have discouraged him from occupying both places, not that I have much say in these things.

We have a dog Bella. Bella is every ones friend. She thinks it is her job to greet everyone and makes a big deal of it. If you don't like dogs please totally ignore her. She hates that and will leave you alone. If you even so much as look at her and pat her you will have a friend for life.

The lodge is Eco friendly. That means we are very conscious of waste and what happens to it. We have solar hot water, and planted thousands of native trees. We also like to know what we eat and where it comes from. I grow my own vegetables and we know the farmer who supplies our meat . We use local fresh produce where possible. I like to do my own baking and make our bread.

We feel very lucky to have the lodge and be able to share it with others. Let us make your time at Poets Corner, a special time. We look forward to meeting you.
Marg

Poets Corner
Boutique Lodge


Hi There!

We’re Noodle and Bella, your true kiwi hosts
We manage this lodge nestled high on New Zealand’s East Coast.
It’s fair to say the owners, John and Marg, play a part
But it is us who really runs this show and steals your heart

Noodle, my feline buddy, is a cuddly adorable dude
He runs the whole show with precision and real attitude.
Me I’m Matured, your likeable newest best friend,
I’ll do anything; just name it, for a pat on the head.

Once you’re settled, and relaxed we come for a look
Just who are these strangers that have recently booked?
Noodle’s stamp of approval … A purr ‘All’s well’
We seek all your attention before your farewell.

Beware John and Marg who’ll try and lure you away
Tempting food, wine and amazing views of the bay.
Day’s end conversations are full of so many wonderful things
Shared secretly by us looking forward to what the morning brings.

Now what can we say….We know it’s really us
That makes for a most memorable stay.

Love to see you soon

Noodle and Bella