Welcome back to A Deer Cottage in Kaukapakapa, our little bed & breakfast less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Auckland's busy city life. Kaukapakapa is a pretty special little spot, where tranquility and natural beauty converge. In this May blog edition, I am pretty happy to share one of our recent projects that I have been working on, as well as highlight nearby attractions and delectable delights, that help make Kaukapakapa such a lovely place to visit.
Continuing on from my last blog, Te Kani and I added some much needed hand rails to some areas that were slippery when wet, especially the garden pathway to A Deer Cottage's entrance. I felt that our railway sleeper steps under the archway, leading to the outdoor bath area, had a steeper incline that was "less than perfect", I had been mulling over in my mind for a wee while, trying to figure out a solution to fix this problem. Te Kani and I came up with the idea that if we added extra treads in between the existing railway sleepers, and added more gap 10 fill, to the riser in between, surely that would make the stairs less steep. The next problem was how to get the materials to the property....fortunately a great friend of mine, was willing and able.
Te Kani and I got to work, laying out the treads, and securing them. Unfortunately on the last tread, I had trouble hammering in the warratah, so Te Kani stepped in.....next minute we cut through a drain! Anyway, we got it sorted, and now look at the end result......I am more than happy!
I hope we have made the incline more manageable, and guests can descend with ease and fully enjoy the tranquil ambiance that surrounds this serene oasis 🦌❤️🦌. If you wish to check out A Deer Cottage and book a stay you can do so through here
A couple of quotes I really like regarding how I feel about projects and inspiration in making A Deer Cottage a great place to visit are:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt and.......
" If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
Now that we have completed this latest project we are going to explore the wonders and unveil hidden gems near A Deer Cottage, so I would like to welcome my fellow adventurers! and if you find yourself nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of A Deer Cottage, consider yourself fortunate. Our picturesque retreat serves as a gateway to a treasure trove of awe-inspiring experiences awaiting your discovery. From enchanting natural wonders to captivating cultural landmarks, the surrounding area offers an array of attractions that will delight every guest's heart. And after a day of exploration, sky diving or visiting a sculpture garden, fear not, for the culinary delights are as abundant as the scenic wonders. From charming cafes serving aromatic brews to exquisite restaurants offering tantalising flavours, we'll also unveil the finest places to appease your appetite. So, grab your sense of adventure and let's embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems that lie just beyond the doorstep of A Deer Cottage.
For guests seeking a unique experience, you can venture to Snowplanet in Silverdale a 25 minute drive, you will escape to a winter wonderland regardless of the season and enjoy thrilling snow sports, tubing and even lessons for beginners, here you can dive into the excitement of skiing or snowboarding and if you just wish to watch all the excitement you can have a hot chocolate and something to eat from the café onsite. You can check out Snowplanet in Silverdale here
Or you can travel just over 20 minutes in the other direction to Skydive Auckland in Parakai, where the daring and adventurous can experience the exhilaration of soaring through the sky, marvelling at panoramic views of the Kaipara Harbour, and feel the rush of adrenaline as you embark on an unforgettable adventure as you skydive down. You can check out Skydive Auckland in Parakai here
After your adrenaline filled adventure you may like to visit the nearby Parakai Thermal Pools, and indulge in relaxation, where the warm mineral rich waters invite you to unwind and rejuvenate, you can immerse yourself in the therapeutic pools, enjoy the invigorating hydro slides, or simply bask in the serenity of the tranquil surroundings. All this could enhance your blissful escape at A Deer Cottage. You can check them out here
If you wish something a little more sedate, you can uncover the magic of Omeru Scenic Reserve and Falls, a hidden gem just a stone's throw away from A Deer Cottage. Take a tranquil walk through native forests, revel in the enchanting sound of cascading water, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the reserve's abundant birdlife. Nature enthusiasts will find solace and serenity in this pristine oasis.
Just a kilometre or so back from Omeru Falls, you can immerse yourself in art and nature at the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens, where you can meander through stunning gardens adorned with captivating sculptures, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Kaipara Harbour. Allow this inspiring blend of art and natural beauty to ignite your senses and stimulate your creativity. Check them out here
At certain times of the year Gibbs Farm is open for visitors and this is a must! especially for those with a penchant for art and architecture, this private farm boosts a remarkable collection of large-scale sculptures set within a sprawling landscape. You will simply marvel at the awe-inspiring creations as you wander through the farm, blending nature, art and innovation into a unique and thought-provoking experience. Have a read all about Gibbs Farm here
After all this gadding about, I am sure a tasty little treat will go down well..Swiss Bliss in Waitoki is a 12 minute drive from A Deer Cottage, their heavenly creations are handmade artisanal chocolates crafted with love and expertise, from velvety truffles to rich chocolate bars, every bit is a taste of pure bliss! You can find out more about Swiss Bliss here
Te Kani and I recently tried out the new Butcher/Baker in Helensville, we were so excited to indulge our taste buds and experience their culinary delights. Butcher/Baker is a delightful cafe and restaurant offering a fusion of flavours and locally sourced ingredients. From scrumptious breakfasts to mouthwatering lunches and dinners, savour their creative dishes in a cozy atmosphere, in the cooler months they have an inviting fire, and in summer a lovely courtyard. Check out their menu and hours here
If you like the idea of visiting a local vineyard, The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant is approximately a 20 minute drive from A Deer Cottage, here you can experience the perfect marriage of exceptional wines and exquisite cuisine, set amongst picturesque vineyards, The Hunting Lodge offers a sensory journey of flavours, delight in their farm-to-table menu, complemented by their award winning wines, as you soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Read a little more about The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant here
At A Deer Cottage we are constantly seeking ways to enhance your experience, with this in mind, we are looking in the warmer months introducing the option of romantic picnic baskets. Imagine immersing yourself in nature, surrounded by breathtaking views, while savouring a thoughtfully curated picnic basket filled with delicious treats. Stay tuned for this delightful addition, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
As May winds up, A Deer Cottage invites you to embrace the latest updates, embark on nearby adventures, and indulge in culinary delights. From our revamped railway sleeper steps to the captivating attractions nearby, such as Snowplanet, Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens and Parakai Thermal Pools there is something for everyone. Discover the flavours of local gems like The Butcher/Baker and The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant, and delight in the heavenly chocolates at Swiss Bliss. Keep an eye out for our upcoming picnic basket option, a perfect way to celebrate the warmer months. A Deer Cottage promises an enchanting escape that combines natural beauty, adventure and gastronomic delights.
Until next time, thanks for having a read of my May post. You can follow A Deer Cottage on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest. And of course you can book through our link here
Take care, with aroha Angela & Te Kani 🦌❤️🦌
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