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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Bed and Breakfast | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| No Smoking |
| Not Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 32 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Bed and Breakfast |
| Minimum Stay | 2 nights |
| Living space | 100 square meters |
| Bedrooms | 1 Total |
| Bathrooms | 1 Total |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenNo Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleNo |
Description from the owner
Bush Sand and Sea at Bethells Beach is a one bed roomed, self contained and elegant accommodation nestled in New Zealand's native bush of the Waitakere Ranges of Auckland's Wild West Coast.
Enjoy the peace, tranquility and seclusion of this environmentally-conscious retreat. Explore the bush walk with its bridges, board walks and stream. Enjoy our late departure policy after visiting the glow worms in the evening.
Whether you are escaping the city for the weekend, looking to recharge your batteries or looking for a beautiful pause in your trip through Aotearoa (New Zealand), we look forward to welcoming you
For Guests who ar...Read more
Amenities
Location
Bush Sand and Sea B&B Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
A 55 minute drive from Auckland International Airport, or 40 minutes from Auckland central business district. Accessible by train from Auckland's Britomart to Waitakere station.
A private 10acre block of native bush, located in the Waitakere Ranges of West Auckland, with a 10 minute drive to dramatic Bethells Beach, with its towering cliff-tops, blow-holes, sand dunes and sea caves. Enjoy the coastal walks, including a 15 minute walk along the beach to stunning O'Neils Bay (the local surf spot).
Native Forest, Lakes and Wetlands
All a brief drive away: visit the Cascades Kauri Park to see magnificent Kauri as nature intended - many up to 400 years old; the beautiful Scenic Drive, enjoying views of Auckland, Putamatekeo summit and Arataki Visitor Centre; enjoy the collection of lovely bush walks throughout the Waitakere River valley and up through Scenic drive, including waterfalls and stunning views; the striking sand dunes and swim in the land-locked Lake Wainamu; the regionally-significant Te Henga wetland – the largest in the region and former Maori Pa site and view the stunning Waitakere dam, source of the majority of Auckland's water.
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in NZD) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $149 - $169 | $149 - $169 | $842 - $983 | $3,292 - $4,062 | 2 nights |
| Apr. 1 2013 - Oct. 31 2013 OFF PEAK |
$149 | $149 | $842 | $3,292 | 2 nights |
| Nov. 1 2013 - Mar. 31 2014 SUMMER PEAK |
$169 | $169 | $983 | $4,062 | 2 nights |
| All Other Dates | $169 | $169 | $983 | $4,062 | 2 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Discounted rates are offered when more then 3 nights are booked. We are happy to check each quote for long term stays and these must be confirmed before booking is made. Thank you.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 07, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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Average
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Aussie travellers
Canberra AustraliaWonderful location, beautiful surroundings, excellent cabin and
Left on 05/02/2013 for a stay in April 2013
We stayed for 2 nights after landing in auckland and wanted to get out of the city immediately. We selected this because of the location and stunning scenery with walking and outdoor activities close to hand. We prefer smaller (luxury)self catering /B&Bs; in unique locations and like to 'do our own thing' and cater for ourselves but also meet the locals and this certainly allowed us to do all of these things. The cabin was excellent with everything you needed and set up for relaxing and enjoyment of the surrounding bush areas and views with high quality appointments. The hosts were wonderful and really helped to make our stay easy and enjoyable. They set us up with food and wine so we didn't have to worry about shopping etc which was much appreciated. Fresh juice and fresh bread was on our doorstep in the morning. We were invited over for drinks and nibbles before dinner which we really enjoyed and learnt some history of the area and their property and then went for an escorted walk through their rainforest walking trails to view the glow worms at the creek that runs through their property. Had a very memorable stay and would go back next time we visit this part of the world.
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Ruth and David
RockanjeParadise
Left on 04/16/2013 for a stay in March 2013
11.3-3.4.2013! Ruth and David, Rockanje, Holland
We have stayed in Paradise for 3.5 weeks. Everything was perfect, the bungalow, the "garden", and luckily, also the weather. Thanks Lyn and alan for your hospitality, for all the interesting discussions we had, and for the music you played for us. We have stayed in lots of places in NZ, but Bush Sand and Sea is the top. Hopefully we see you again next year.
Response from Bush Sand and Sea B&B - 04/17/2013
Owner
Thank you to the Perfect Guests whom we look forward to welcoming in the future. Ruth has been promised her own musical 'soiree', she has a great voice which blends well with ours!
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Craig & Nicola
Waitakere AucklandAbsolutely perfect place to stay for our wedding weekend
Left on 10/02/2012 for a stay in September 2012
Absolutely perfect place to stay for our wedding weekend. The boys enjoyed soaking in the spa before getting dressed in to their wedding suits. We enjoyed the little notes left by the Hosts, Lyn and alan, making our stay more comfortable. We hope to come back to celebrate wedding anniversaries to come!! Thanks a lot!
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A
AucklandBeautiful, peaceful escape - impossible to improve on this
Left on 08/31/2012 for a stay in August 2012
Perfect getaway from the city. The unit is comfortable and cosy, with everything we needed - double glazing and a heat pump, and a lovely deck in the treetops. Lyn and alan are the best hosts - really welcoming and friendly, but allowing us enough privacy. They provided lots of lovely touches such as the fresh home baked bread on arrival and slices of home made fruit cake.
Te Henga is in my favourite part of the world, so I just loved being there. And although the house is a big walk from the beach, it is a really nice walk through a farm and then over the extensive dunes.
Walking down to see the glow worms and the weta family at night was a real highlight. As was just following the trail over to O'Neils beach in the daytime. And of course sitting in the spa as dusk fell, listening to the moreporks.
We couldn't have asked for anything to be different. Lots of respect for our hosts for their commitment to sustainability. Wishing you all the best. -
Ryan Ashton
Auckland (Originally Dunedin)Tranquil Bush-Palace
Left on 07/29/2012 for a stay in July 2012
Bush Sand and Sea is hosted by Lyn and allan Happy, who have the touch with running a B&B.;
The self contained unit is extremely modern and well laid out for enjoying the scenery with an amazing view of the bush leading down the valley to Bethells beach - which we enjoyed a massive rainbow over on the sunday eating breakfast while it rained in the morning.
The saturday we 'set up camp' inside our palace and went exploring the Waitakere's, which Lyn had a great rnage of info and a book on, so a hikers delight, especially with the outdoor spa to enjoy after your days walking and dinner - the stars were an amazing addition to the whole setting.
Certainly an amazing expereince capped off by the guided tour of the property down to their very own glo-worms, all the history and stories made it all the more personal and enjoyable.
A truely relaxing experience that must be enjoyed! -
Emily
AucklandA fantastic get-away.
Left on 06/19/2012 for a stay in June 2012
We had a wonderful stay here! We enjoyed the company of the weta in the spa (Ed's note- we have good colonies of a native cave weta (often shown to Guests)and they like to move around, good evidence that our rodent baiting is effective. Also a common gecko lives under the spa where it is nice and warm). The house is lovely, cosy, beautiful outlook, and the care taken in design and construction is obvious- love the effort put in to making an eco-friendly home! Recommend the walks at Cascades followed by a drink at the Golf Club. Lyn and alan are wonderful hosts- we hope to be back again one day.
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ChristchurchJules
ChristchurchPerfection - location, accommodation and hosts.
Left on 04/16/2012 for a stay in April 2012
From the first email contact we knew that this would be a wonderful place to stay because Lyn was so helpful and friendly. Her information was detailed and useful and even included a recommendation for our dinner - local vegetable samosas and apple samosas which proved to be even more delicious than we had hoped.
The accommodation is immaculate and beautifully appointed. There were lovely touches such as flowers on the table and chocolates on the bed and then there is the food.
Lyn provides afternoon tea which was a moist, tasty slice of fruit cake each and breakfast which was a basket of various cereals, milk, plums, freshly squeezed orange juice, home made bread, butter, jam, marmalade, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms!
Lyn and alan were incredibly welcoming and nothing was too much trouble for them. They are brilliant hosts and we felt so well looked after.
Lyn said that we would sleep well and we certainly did. I slept for 10.5 hours without even having to get up during the night for the toilet and I can't remember the last time that I have slept that well.
This is truly a beautiful place to stay, the location is stunning and so peaceful and the hosts, Lyn and alan are perfect B and B owners. -
Tekla Vassie
New York CityHome sweet home away from home!
Left on 03/02/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Lovely accomodation on the edge of a wilderness beach. The hostess Lin and her husband were wonderfully hospitable, and not only helped me find them in the middle of the night when my GPS failed, but welcomed me with open arms at last minute notice. Bethells Beach, a black sands beach with warm water, is gorgeous and has a history in the filming of such shows as Hercules and Xena. This is a must stop for travelers wanting to get away from it all. I, for one, will return.
Response from Bush Sand and Sea B&B - 03/02/2012
Owner
Tekla had been touring NZ for 1 month, (and not booked, as locals had recommended). So when a lone gal from New York called for help....well, we would hope our own and all parents' children find similar help..and it was a pitch black night! Bethells Beach was her 'touchstone', an important teenage memory of the very popular TV show, and it was our great pleasure to be able to help her achieve this goal in a very short time frame. Thank you, Tekla, Tui (the dog) and I enjoyed the freedom of the beach too!
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Bronwyn and Pete Alexander
AucklandWould love to come back and stay longer!!!
Left on 02/18/2012 for a stay in February 2012
A perfect way to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary! Thank you Lyn and alan for providing such a magnificent space for us to relax, reflect, laugh and enjoy each other's company and the environment! We will definitely come back during the year for another retreat, but for a bit longer. Your generous hospitality was a1 and you so deserve all the accolades in this Guest book. Arohanui Bron and Pete.
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A&B
AUCKLANDPerfection!
Left on 02/13/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Thank you so much Lyn for your generous hospitality. What am amazingly peaceful spot, outstanding! We will be sure to come back and recommend. Thanks again! B.
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Gayle
Havelock NorthVery relaxing with wonderful hospitality.
Left on 01/31/2012 for a stay in January 2012
29.1.2012 Gayle and Munro, Havelock North, NZ
Wonderful hospitality, gorgeous location. We really enjoyed our stay and would love to return when the sun was shining and the wind calm.
The hosts were very helpful - even offering their own shower when the power went off as the pump would not work. However that was for only about 30mins so wasn't a problem. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the little extras such as home baked bread were most appreciated.I wish we could have stayed longer.
Response from Bush Sand and Sea B&B - 02/01/2012
Owner
NOTHING is TOO GOOD for our GUESTS! Thanks Gayle. Just an explanation. There was a sudden power failure throughout the Waitakere area, due to a car accident. Our Guests were to attend a wedding on the beach within 1hr, but the shower does not operate when the water pump has no power. We had prepared for this moment, (we have a portable generator on standby), so within 20 minutes, full power was restored and they continued on schedule. regards, Lyn and Alan.
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Caroline
AucklandFabulous, tasteful bach with stunning views in Bethells
Left on 12/28/2011 for a stay in December 2011
The bach is gorgeous and so quiet. The tasteful decor is of the highest standard. The views fabulous over the black dunes and on to the sea - a lovely spot. Exceeded all expectations.
Thank you for the loan of the Christmas tree, for the delicious Christmas cake and beautiful hand-crafted (flax)flowers. Wefeel guilty not being able to consume all the lovely food supplied. Lyn and alan, you are great Hosts. All the very best for 2012.
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Rosemary & David Lind QSM
Te Puna, Tauranga New ZealandAn Exceptioal Experience
Left on 11/23/2011 for a stay in November 2011
This was an exceptional experience. We had been given three nights by our son and daughter-in-law as a Christmas present. It was a real gem as we had just passed through a difficult period and were ever so ready for some real rest and relaxation. This could not have been better. The Owners' description is very accurate. All facilities are first class and reflect the professional architectural design. The attention to our comfort was superb and Lyn's personal touches very thoughtful and unexpected. The site is NZ at its best - panoramic views, beautiful native bush and wild water on the black sandy beach. Best of all was the companionship of 2 very delightful people. We will be back.
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Oscar
ChileExcellent to relax!
Left on 10/03/2011 for a stay in September 2011
We had an unforgettable stay! More than a "unit lodge” we found ourselves blessed with the company of great friends, excellent singers and truer souls. Thanks alan and Lyn, this vacation for us was really important and you helped, and made it, to become unforgettable!!! Huge hugs.
Response from Bush Sand and Sea B&B - 10/04/2011
Owner
These 2 delightful Chileans, (father and son), became part of our family: home cooked shared meal awaiting their late arrival; socialized with us and our friends (joined in the sing-along); used our transport option (since they didn’t want to hire a car) and airport transfers; even got an extra night FREE, after error with return date! The 2 Oscars were exceptional Guests and we missed them after their departure.
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6-8.8.2011 Mary, Annie and Angela, Singapore
SingaporeBush Sand and Sea - that's what it is! Go for it!
Left on 08/24/2011 for a stay in August 2011
*6-8.8.2011 Mary, Annie and angela, Singapore*
Bush Sand and Sea is far more beautiful than the images we've viewed in the
internet. All the reviews about the accommodation, environment, etc. is
indeed true. Most of all, we feel so blessed to meet alan and Lyn, the
Hosts who are so lovely, helpful and thoughtful. We will definitely return
some day.
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Rach
Eldora, Iowa, USAPeaceful Retreat with Fabulous View
Left on 08/22/2011 for a stay in July 2011
I am so thankful I found Bush Sand and Sea when searching for lodging for our trip to auckland, New Zealand! (And I totally agree with the reviews that I read that helped me decide to stay there!) We loved the peaceful, private, clean, and unique house that has its own space on alan and Lyn's property near their home. It is large enough that you feel like you have your own, small personal home. The lodging was very comfortable and served us well as our college-age daughter was traveling with us so the fold-out bed in the living room provided just the extra sleeping quarters that we needed. The kitchen was well-supplied for the meals that we prepared and the offer from Lyn to shop ahead of time for our grocery wants was a real help. The view from the guest house is absolutely fabulous!! (If I lived there, I would just want to stay home and relish the view each day.) We enjoyed a hike down to Bethell's Beach over the black sand dunes (well worth the time and physical exercise) and Lyn accompanied us on a ride on the Waitakere Tram. We appreciated alan and Lyn sharing their knowledge and history of the area and also hiking down to the river one night to show us the glowworms. Probably the biggest benefit to us was their willingness to be our transportation for the week. We are so grateful for that as we did not want to do a rental car (due to the oppposite-side-of-the-road driving in NZ) so we hired them. They took us to and from the airport 4 times which is a bit of a drive (and one morning was before dawn even!) Transportation and its cost would be the least-liked part of the trip if I had to list something. (And alan and Lyn graciously assisted us with that!) We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Bush Sand and Sea and were blessed by alan and Lyn's hospitality.
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QldTheresa
BrisbaneA secluded haven not far from auckland
Left on 06/23/2011 for a stay in June 2011
This is a very peaceful and relaxing environment- just what we wanted for our few days stay here. The cottage is so well designed to take full advantage of the superb views - of both beach and bush!This versatile location is great both for exploring the local area and using as a base for travelling further afield. It's easily accessible from the airport, and only 35 minutes to auckland, using the motorway. Thanks to Lyn and alan for their generous hospitality. Lyn very happily bought us supplies so that we were well equipped from the time we arrived. This was especially appreciated as it was a long week-end. In addition to our shopping list, she thoughtfully had extra treats available just in case we wanted them. The freshly squeezed juice and warm home baked bread were scrumptious. We particularly enjoyed walking their well thought out track with 'grand dog' Tui as a guide.
Response from Bush Sand and Sea B&B - 06/23/2011
Owner
Thanks Theresa for the thoughtful review. Shopping for Overseas Guests was a logical development as we thought 'what would we like as Visitors to a new Country, to ease us out of jet lag, and make the stay more enjoyable'. You and Trevor were the 'pilots' and we have decided to offer to all Overseas Guests who come to us directly from the Airport, and who book 3 nights or more. kind regards, Lyn
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Margaret Lee
SingaporeFantastic & Excellent exprience
Left on 04/22/2011 for a stay in April 2011
Dear Lyn & Alan thank you for the wonderful service. I'm really gald that together with my siblings have chosen your apartment to start of our 1 mth trip to NZ and have chosen to return to your apartment again just to end our trip. Whatever comment i wanted to said has already been said by those who have stayed at your apartment.Will definitely recommend to all my friends and to those who have not stay here before, there is no words to discribe it but just have to stay and exprience it yourself. The hospitality, surrounding and the bbq we had so much fun.Thank you and best regards!!
Margaret & Alvin Singapore - April 2011
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Kalense
Brussels, BelgiumArrive a stranger, leave a friend
Left on 04/20/2011 for a stay in April 2011
We decided to spend our last 2 nights in New Zealand here, reasoning that we wanted to be close to the airport yet still in the bush - squeezing out the last minute of connection possible. Lyn and alan made our stay just wonderful, with walks in the wilderness (a.k.a. their garden) and explorations of the neighbourhood (lakes, rivers and waterfalls), as well as companionable evenings setting the world to rights. Our hosts did everything possible to make our stay enjoyable - to the extent of finding a neighbour who had a charger for a mobile phone. We wanted to squeeze the last drops of goodness from our vacation, and this delightful place filled our glasses to the brim.
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Nick
SydneyBush, Sand & Sea. A magical place moments from auckland!!!
Left on 04/15/2011 for a stay in April 2011
1-3.4.2011 Nick and Laura, Sydney, Australia
What amazing hospitality, all the little things really make a
difference and thank you for making us feel so welcome. The
accommodation and surrounding area is beautiful and we will be sure to
pass this little gem on to our friends and family!!!
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Tania & Tony, Auckland
AucklandA different world just down the road...
Left on 03/08/2011 for a stay in March 2011
Dear Lyn and alan, thanks for the lovely mini break away from our other life to celebrate 10 years of marriage. This place is just what I had in my minds eye (and more). Will see you again, hopefully soon. Thanks also for the loving care you have shown the land over the last 40 years and for letting us share your pristine paradise.
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Jen and Gerry
Sydney, AustraliaWe did it all!
Left on 02/23/2011 for a stay in February 2011
16-21.2.2011 Gerry and Jen
Thank you for making us feel most welcome. Your B&B; is a paradise and
we truly feel relaxed. It is the perfect place for a holiday. We
really enjoyed the fresh bread, the nature walk, the recommendations and the spa times. We are glad we stayed more than one or two nights and had a nice long visit and therefore could do so much: visit Jim's cafe on the friday night with its live music, visited The Packing Shed, the Greenstone Factory and had a personalised tour, Crystal Mountain, horse riding and still had time to relax!!!
Hopefully we can come back one day.
Ps. your scones are amazing! -
JCF
SydneyBeautiful Bethells
Left on 02/21/2011 for a stay in December 2010
Dear Lyn and alan, a simply wonderful place with everything we could have wished for and more - thank you for the smaller touches like the present for Chancie. He leaves with a new word, "Tuiâ€. We will try to return one day - enjoy the passion fruit and Grand Marnier sauce. Anon. Jeremy, Nell and Chance, Sydney, Australia.
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Jodi
AucklandRelax and unwind in a fantastic natural place
Left on 02/16/2011 for a stay in February 2011
Excellent service and nothing was too much trouble. All the little touches had been thought about to make the stay in such a beautiful environment a delight.
Somewhere to come to where simple times and bush, sand and sea is what you desire.
We will be returning... -
Waitakere
aucklandPeaceful
Left on 01/31/2011 for a stay in January 2011
28-30/1/2011 Lovely peaceful stay, thanks for everything and all the special touches." Waitakere, Auckland.
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Azeem
Invercargill New ZealandTruly a heaven
Left on 01/19/2011 for a stay in December 2010
Dear Lyn and alan, We are grateful for the
opportunity to live in this beautiful heaven for a few days. Everything about this place and how you are managing it is of the highest quality. Your delightful company, especially on the walk in the bush was great. We would love to come back again hopefully for a
longer stay. Lots of love, Azeem Haqqani and Tabassum Zareen.
Invercargill, NZ. -
Leisa
AucklandPeaceful Getaway
Left on 01/19/2011 for a stay in January 2011
15/1/2011 What an amazing place. We switched off as soon as we
arrived. Just beautiful. Thank you Lyn and alan for your wonderful
hospitality and the lovely food. We wish we were staying longer but
we will be back. Leisa and andy, Auckland. -
Craig
AucklandRomantic Getaway
Left on 01/17/2011 for a stay in January 2011
16/1/2011 What an amazing little secret you have here. We have had a wonderful stay. I wish it was a little bit longer. All the special touches were much appreciated. We leave engaged to be married and very happy. Thank you. Craig and Sera, Cockle Bay, Auckland.
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Liesbeth Janus
Leusden, the NetherlandsBest place to stay to explore nature and auckland
Left on 01/14/2011 for a stay in January 2010
What a joy it was to spend a few days in this beautiful house. We
loved the bush walk by night as well as by daytime! So lucky we found
you on the internet. Your website looked very tempting and so it is in
reality! Thank you for your kindness Lyn, and all the lovely goodies
you gave us. All the best for the future. Hans and Liesbeth, Holland. -
s01ipsist
AucklandHidden West Coast Gem
Left on 01/09/2011 for a stay in November 2010
Plush self-contained accommodation nestled in the native bush of the
Waitakere's.
Gorgeous sea views, especially at sunset! It's a short drive to the
beach but you might be happy relaxing right here, soaking in the spa
or going on the private bush walk - which even has glow worms at
night. The owners are very friendly and provide a fresh home-baked
loaf of bread on your doorstep in the morning to go with the bacon and
eggs.
It's a great spot for doing the Muriwai-Bethell's walkway which is one
of my favourite coastal walks, the owners can arrange transport so you
only have to walk one way.
The unit is only a few years old and all the amenities are brand new.
A wonderful hidden gem on auckland's West Coast. -
JandARJ
Sussex EnglandLoved it!
Left on 01/06/2011 for a stay in October 2010
We stayed here at the end of October, for the first 4 nights of our 6+ weeks in New Zealand and just loved being "out in the bush". The apartment is huge with large areas of decking and lovely views down to distant Bethells Beach. It was the best equiped B&B; during our holiday
- full kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, free wi-fi, flat screen TV, DVD, i-pod docking station etc etc etc and even had access to a spa. A great breakfast is provided for you and is very, very generous.
Loved the freshly baked loaf of bread left for us in the morning.
Friendly hosts who just want you to relax and enjoy your stay. A special place - thank you Lyn for being such a generous, friendly and helpful host. When we next come back to NZ & Auckland - I know where we will be staying...
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Anark21
aylesbury, bucks, englandAn absolute gem!
Left on 01/06/2011 for a stay in November 2010
This has to be one of the best places we stayed during our 3 weeks in New Zealand, although advertised as a B&B; it is completely self contained and very private. The accommodation is beautifully fitted out and absolutely spotless, with views to die for. The welcome we received from Lyn, the owner, was second to none and we were greeted with wonderful home made cake for afternoon tea, breakfast provisions were also extremely generous. It is a fair walk from the beach, but only a few minutes drive and if we had been less tired we would have tried out the walk. We will definitely return one day - for a much longer stay.
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