Auckland

Magnificent sea and native bush views in a truly restful and secluded environment are all yours just an hour north of Auckland on the Tawharanui Peninsula at Matakana. Soak up the morning or afternoon sun, enjoy romantic sunsets or star gaze to your heart’s content with no city lights to dim the Milky Way. Situated on a coastal ridge with sweeping views, Kaka Ridge Retreat is a 60 sqm two-room cottage offering you privacy and tranquility. Boasting a bedroom, a living room, two bathrooms, decks on three sides, an outdoor bath and a pretty cottage garden, it is designed to provide you with the ultimate getaway. The luxurious bedroom is French country chic with a super comfortable king bed and 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets to ensure you’re well rested. From your bedroom you have a stunning view of the sea – a 180 vista including near and far islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Kawau seems only a stone’s throw away, while Waiheke and Rangitoto are visible in the distance. On a clear day you can even see the Auckland Sky Tower peeping over the horizon. Your living room looks across a gently sloping lawn directly at a huge stand of covenanted native bush, home to many NZ birds. This is a bird lover’s paradise: tui, kereru, kaka, ruru, piwakawaka, kotare, kakariki and korimako often come to the edge of the decks and into the gardens. If you are lucky at dusk you will see a flock of kaka flying overhead or ruru in the trees catching their puriri moth dinner. It’s a strange claim to fame but our visitors have said that we have the best “loo with a view” in New Zealand. The second bathroom feels as though it’s totally immersed in the bush canopy. This retro styled room is relaxingly comfortable and includes a small dining area plus fridge, kettle, toaster, microwave, and a disposable BBQ; everything you need for the delicious continental breakfast we provide, or to put together a simple meal. For dinner, we highly recommend you try one of the many wonderful local restaurants. You can even order in as there's a food delivery service that will deliver to the cottage door. Access to Kaka Ridge Retreat is via our driveway and shared parking area with a short walk past the house. The cottage itself is separate from the house and once there you have exclusive use of our guest accommodation and can enjoy your peaceful seclusion with only the sound of bird song to interrupt your thoughts. The cottage garden and a large native tree area create space and visual privacy from the main house. An easy 15 minute drive takes you to the renowned Matakana Village which hosts a weekend farmers’ market, vintage market, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and a cinema complex. With many vineyards and art galleries in the surrounding area, there is always plenty to do. If you are a swimmer, surfer, bird lover or bush walker this is the perfect place for you. Kaka Ridge Retreat is only three km from the stunning 600 hectare Tawharanui Regional Park bird sanctuary and marine reserve. Tawharanui features fantastic white sand surf beaches, great walks and rare NZ bird-life such as takahe, tieke and even kiwi, at night. Goat Island is only 25 minutes away for snorkeling or viewing marine life from the glass bottom boat or clear kayaks. Kaka Ridge Retreat truly does offer an exceptional escape experience. It would be hard to better this coastal getaway, its expansive views, country location or its ease of access to all the attractions of the Matakana area.