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Waiheke Island, Auckland
Waiheke is known to locals as 'Paradise'. Kevin and Jenny Appleton constantly find themselves commenting to each other how lucky they are to live there. Getting to Waiheke Island? The Island is a 35 minutes' foot passenger ferry ride away from Central Auckland, or 45 minutes' car ferry ride from Half Moon Bay. Only about 92km2 in total area, it boasts 133km of coastline, including Discovering Waiheke... When our oldest daughter was only a toddler, and we were still fairly new to New Zealand, we went away together for our first weekend ever without children, -to Waiheke.
The weather was stunning, and we used our temporary freedom to walk and walk - we covered most of the populated end of the Island in 2-3 days. We completely fell in love with it. |
We found a tiny cottage in Palm Beach, expecting to spend a few weekends a year here, and lend it to friends and family the rest of the time. But it was addictive, and we were hardly ever to be found at our Auckland home.
Friends and family hardly got the chance for a look in! Eventually, we Patangatanga Cottage We have personally always preferred to stay in baches and cottages on our holidays, rather than hotels or motels. We have often noted details that we would like to offer if we had a place to share with others. One day, we discovered a sad, run down old cottage near Hooks bay, that needed love. In the three weeks before Christmas, we re-built the bathroom and kitchen, bought furniture, and sanded the floors. The next spring, we demolished mouldy old sheds, and built a large sunny deck. Gradually we have added a small bunkroom to the double and twin rooms. There is always work to do, and each year, the cottage develops further.
We can loan a cot and highchair, and accept pets (by arrangement only). We always try to provide little extras to make you feel at home, -and are always happy to give advice on the best places to go, and things to see and do. |
Where is the cottage? The cottage is only 300m from a secluded bay, and is conveniently close to bus stops. A dairy, two cafes, an Irish Music bar, a restaurant, and several shops are 300m down the road. There is a huge garage, and plenty of off street parking. Guests often bring their boat, kayaks, bikes etc. Others choose to walk, or use the frequent bus service.
At the bottom of the garden is a path and a narrow walkway across wetland to the bridle path that leads to the beach, so I am sure some visitors hardly use the road at all during their stay! Activities on Waiheke?
"We welcome you to Patangatanga Cottage. Waiheke has a different, more relaxed atmosphere out of peak season, when it becomes a friendly retreat from the hectic pace of the city. We also offer reduced rates for mid winter breaks, particularly for those looking for a longer stay. We have stocked a bookshelf in the cottage with books, magazines, and games, for rainy days, and for those who really want to escape from it all and do nothing but relax. We can always supply further books, games, or even music and DVDs from our own shelves to the totally determined hermit." If you would like to book this bach or find out more, you can view the listing here. |
