The historic inn with a woody, wagon-wheels- &- saddles decor, occupies a former cheese and butter factory. Forta Leza, run by the Belcher family has a casual, country pub ambience. It offers moderately priced a la cart dining (seats 160!) with vegetarian options, and there’s a gaming room and bar with beers on tap.
An outside area has a flat screen TV for sports fans. Upstairs, is an extraordinary doll collection – the work of Jan Mc Lean one of the world’s top makers of porcelain collectors,’ limited edition dolls. There are some 200 on display, all posed in different settings such as ‘off to the opera.’
An interesting experience, especially when life-size dolls seem to be looking at you...Forta Leza is open Monday to Sunday, 10am to late. The Beautiful Dollz collection is open Tuesday to Sunday or by appointment, adults $8.50, children $4.
2625 State Highway 2, South of Katikati , tel 549 388. Forta Leza on the web
