On Christmas morning here in the Democratic Freedom of Rongolia, we lightly tickle our guestomers awake with some peaceful chamber music…then an Indian head massage, pedicure, facial, Jacuzzi and steam bath followed by a three-course breakfast, more chamber music (from our resident live orchestra of course)…

Then it’s into the helicopter and off to an exotic picnic local on a mountain overlooking the Kahurangi National Park, we then prepare a game lunch of wild venison, blue duck, kiwi and swan for our honoured guests on camp fires while they sip French champagne from crystal flutes as our wwoofers act as punkawallas fanning the guests with nikau fronds to discourage the sand flies…

Then it’s Cuban cigars, port wine and coffee around the camp fire as Santa parachutes into the gathering Ho, Ho, Hoing and distributing gold Rolexes and Dior earrings to our delighted guests…then the piece de resistance…Santa rips off his red outfit to reveal his true identity…it’s Elton John!

A grand piano is wheeled out from behind a scarlet flowering rata and he launches into Crocodile Rock as the guests, wwoofers, staff, locals and the fabulous Rongo dancers groove to the setting sun, flushed with the joy of Christmas and glowing with the inner contentment from good food and booze and spend the evening dancing and singing along with Elton on the piano…all this for only $2.50 per guest…$2 for BBH members.

Christmas Elton

Elton Santa

Rongo Christmas Gala Featuring Elton John

The Fabulous Rongo Dancers

Punkawallah