An Eco-friendly cottage nestled within Wharehine Retreat, our 5-acre lifestyle block close to the Kaipara harbour in rural Rodney. At just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, it’s a quick and easy escape from the City.
Set within orchards and lush private gardens overlooking a duckpond, itâ...
An Eco-friendly cottage nestled within Wharehine Retreat, our 5-acre lifestyle block close to the Kaipara harbour in rural Rodney. At just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, it’s a quick and easy escape from the City.
Set within orchards and lush private gardens overlooking a duckpond, it’s an utterly enchanting, romantic little hideaway, surrounded by nature - ideal for a romantic weekend away or mini-moon! . Guests have exclusive use of the gardens, waterside cabin and deck and the orchard.
The accommodation is a beautifully styled 60m2 self-contained detached cottage overlooking paddocks, with a private garden, roll-top bath under the stars, seperate day cabin, water-side dining deck with swinging hammock chairs, and complementary spray-free veggie beds
There’s so much to see and do within a 5-40 min drive.... within easy reach of Matakana, Mangawhai, Warkworth and Pakiri, you can visit historic chapels; the Saturday farmers markets at Matakana and Mangawhai...... marine reserves at Pakiri, Goat Island and Omaha, or maybe take an oyster farm or river tour, or indulge your senses at one of three sculpture parks in the area (Gibbs Farm, Sculptureum & Brick Bay).
There’s also some great walking/mountain bike tracks with stunning views at our local Ātiu Creek regional park, plus many more to choose from along the Matakana Coast headland. If you love wine, we have over 20 local vineyards and many boutique breweries, including 8-wired and the Sawmill Brewery. Boutique shopping and vintage stores aplenty..... plus world class beaches at Mangawhai, Te Arai & Pakiri.
......or you can just simply put your feet up with a good book and a glass of wine, and while the day away in the cabin next to the duck pond listening to old 78’s on the gramophone. (Most guests never even leave the property during their stay!)
Essential Stay Info
Bed and Breakfast
Cottage
Breakfast Available
Access to lakes, rivers, streams & beaches
Digital Detox
Not Suitable for Children
Rural Views
Single Safe
Solitude
Sustainable Stays
Whole House
Check in time: 2pm - 7pm - Contactless Check In / Check Out Check out time: 11am weekdays & Sat. Noon on Sundays
Eating and Drinking
Continental breakfast available. Details sent out with our booking confirmation.
The kitchen has everything you need to prepare and serve meals, including fridge/freezer, gas hob and countertop convection oven/air fryer, toaster, kettle, & coffee plungers. There’s a BBQ and dining table on the deck by the duck pond. We also offer a complementary flat white or expresso, served on the waterside deck on Saturday and Sunday mornings so you can get your Java fix.
Bedding Configuration
1 x Queen bed (maximum occupancy - two)
We style the bedroom to each guests’ personal preference, so if you love a pretty country, or calming moder...
1 x Queen bed (maximum occupancy - two)
We style the bedroom to each guests’ personal preference, so if you love a pretty country, or calming modern look, just let us know when booking and it’ll be all ready and waiting for you! (See photos)
More info about the property
A beautifully styled 60m2 self-contained cottage with private gardens and an outdoor bath big enough for two!
There’s room to spread out during your stay and spend a wonderfully romantic relaxing b...
A beautifully styled 60m2 self-contained cottage with private gardens and an outdoor bath big enough for two!
There’s room to spread out during your stay and spend a wonderfully romantic relaxing break together, surrounded by nature. In addition to the cottage, there’s a super cute little cabin with over-water deck, which has a daybed stacked with squashy cushions and blankets and a wonderful old wind-up gramophone! If you’re feeling creative, there’s also an easel with paper, paints and brushes, yoga mat. Guests have exclusive use of the waterside cabin, deck and gardens during their stay.
The property is run as eco-friendly as possible, with double filtered harvested rainwater, septic waste system, low energy light bulbs and eco-friendly/sustainable cleaning, laundry and personal care products. With the exception of mains electric to the cottage, everything else is off-grid, so you may need a torch for getting to and from the waterside cabin at night. We grow and dry our own spray-free fruit and herbs.
The cottage itself, has a spacious open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area, with Freeview TV, bluetooth speaker and a ceiling fan for those extra hot evenings. The kitchen’s fully equipped with cooking and serve-ware, and there’s a bbq by the waterside deck for al-fresco dining.
The bathroom has a shower - the tub is outside, set within the cottage garden. Just draw yourself a hot bath, sprinkle with dried petals or a fragrant bubble bath bomb (add-on), to enjoy a wonderfully romantic soak together as the sun sets and the stars come out!
There’s a generously sized bedroom with the most comfortable Queen bed ever. With crisp white linen and a choice of pillows, you’re guaranteed a sublime nights sleep. Bathrobes, fluffy white towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and luxury sustainable hand wash all provided.
In the kitchen you’ll find loose leaf tea, coffee, sugar, milk, olive oil & herbs, washing up liquid.
Our three fave spots are watching swallows dipping the duckpond from the hammock chairs, watching the sun go down from the waterside cabin, and snuggling up in blankies by the duckpond to take in the splendour of our fabulously clear dark skies (or it’s just as amazing from the bathtub!)
Unique kiwi experiences for you
In addition to the cottage, there’s also a super cute waterside cabin with daybed for watching the sunsets
Beautiful clear night skies for stargazing by the duckpond - or star-bathing in the outdoor bath!
Visit Minniesdale Chapel, Albertland’s oldest chapel brought from the UK with the first settlers to the area. Stunning location!
Have a question about this property? Click here to send us a message
What we love about this property
A tranquil and romantic couple’s retreat with easy access to Matakana & Coastal villages, beaches, vineyards, Kaipara harbour and Atui Creek regional park.
A tranquil and romantic couple’s retreat with easy access to Matakana & Coastal villages, beaches, vineyards, Kaipara harbour and Atui Creek regional park.
There’s not many places you’re able to choose your preferred style of linen & cushions to transform your bedroom into your dream boudoir!
We have crisp white bed linen, teamed with romantic florals or a calming blue contemporary scheme to choose from....... the choice is yours!
If you have a preference, simply flick us an email after receiving your booking confirmation from us.
If you’re coming away to de-stress and unwind, why not try a QiGong energy healing session in the waterside cabin during your stay!
This non-invasive, no touch energy healing unblocks and clears trapped energy and any energy you’ve picked up from other people or your workplace, releases energetic attachments, and heals anything that needs healing….. leaving you feeling balanced and energised.
Available to pre-order by email just before your stay.
If you enjoy your breakfast preserves, we have a range of homemade preserves and chutneys available for sale to take home with you.
Available to purchase in the cottage during your stay.
We just love Miabelle’s hand made, sustainable bath products, so have created some delicious Pamper packs for guests to purchase.
Choose from ‘Relax, Soak & Bubbles’ (bubble bath bar, bath bomb, Peony Epsom salt soak, whipped body butter, Loofah), or ‘His n Hers Romantic Bath & Shower Pamper Pack’ (Bath bomb, bubble bath bar, shower steamer, deep cleansing face mask, whipped body butter & Loofah in a beautifully presented gift box).
Each includes everything you’ll need to enjoy a wonderfully fragrant and nourishing soak or invigorating shower. Available to pre-order by email just before your stay.
If you’d love to getaway, but aren’t comfortable about being all on your own in the cottage at night, we’re more than happy to lend you Archie for the evening!
An ex SPCA Therapy Dog, Archie has the most adorable nature, will offer cuddles and be happy to keep you company. He’ll bring his own wicker basket and sleep in the lounge so you don’t feel so alone 😄
Reviews
Reviews
Wharehine Retreat was just perfect. The attention to detail everywhere was like nothing else I've experienced in accommodation in New Zealand. The bed was so comfortable, the breakfast food delicious and mostly home made (and fresh eggs from the chickens) and even the hand soaps were natural and luxurious. The outdoor bath was a highlight for me, the ideal peaceful moment to myself each morning. The grounds are beautiful with flowers and native plants everywhere and a veggie patch in front of the cottage to try fresh tomatoes and herbs. Pip & Nige were amazing hosts, very friendly and lovely to chat to over my morning coffees on the waterside deck (another treat). I could go on about all the other great things but what I will say is I would definitely recommend staying here and want to stay again myself!
Nia - Mar 2022
Peaceful, serene and magical – one of the loveliest places we’ve stayed in a long time. The cottage is set away from the main property so very private, and set amongst beautiful, lush gardens. Our highlights were the swinging hammock chairs by the water and the outdoor bath – perfect for stargazing! Pip and Nige were wonderful hosts and had thought of everything from muesli and fresh bread for breakfast to providing the comfiest bedding. Highly recommend!
Jay - Feb 2022
Thank you Pip and Nigel @ Wharehine Retreat for a most memorable and refreshing Valentine's holiday. You have a stunning bed and breakfast nestled in lush tropical plants with so many picturesque spots to explore around the lake. The cottage is so modern, stylish and spacious and we just melted into the hammocks on the bbq deck under the solar fairy lights and starry sky. An absolute sanctuary, not to mention the delicious breakfast! 10/10.
Raquela & Paul, Auckland
Wharehine Retreat was just perfect. The attention to detail everywhere was like nothing else I've experienced in accommodation in New Zealand. The bed was so comfortable, the breakfast food delicious and mostly home made (and fresh eggs from the chickens) and even the hand soaps were natural and luxurious. The outdoor bath was a highlight for me, the ideal peaceful moment to myself each morning. The grounds are beautiful with flowers and native plants everywhere and a veggie patch in front of the cottage to try fresh tomatoes and herbs. Pip & Nige were amazing hosts, very friendly and lovely to chat to over my morning coffees on the waterside deck (another treat). I could go on about all the other great things but what I will say is I would definitely recommend staying here and want to stay again myself!
Nia - Mar 2022
Peaceful, serene and magical – one of the loveliest places we’ve stayed in a long time. The cottage is set away from the main property so very private, and set amongst beautiful, lush gardens. Our highlights were the swinging hammock chairs by the water and the outdoor bath – perfect for stargazing! Pip and Nige were wonderful hosts and had thought of everything from muesli and fresh bread for breakfast to providing the comfiest bedding. Highly recommend!
Jay - Feb 2022
About your host, Philippa
Hi, we’re Pip and Nige; Auckland escapees, now living the rural dream on an idyllic 5-acre lifestyle block in Rodney.
Originally from the beautiful North Yorkshire Dales in the UK, it took us ten years to find a place to call home here in New Zealand. We feel so blessed to live in our little slice of heaven, and would like to share it with you.
We’re into permaculture and organic gardening, zero-waste living and enjoying everything our new lifestyle brings.
In addition to caring for the grounds and birds, Pip practices daily Qigong meditation and offers guests energy healing in the waterside cabin.
Nige can talk for hours about music and football... is a carrot cake aficionado and lifetime member of java-holics anonymous!
So if you can’t survive a weekend without your barista coffee, Nige’s available at weekends for your fix! 😀
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