August at A Deer Cottage – Creative Projects, Family Joys & Local Discoveries

adeercottage
Aug 28
4 min read

As August settles over our little corner of Kaukapakapa, Auckland, New Zealand, life at A Deer Cottage has been filled with creativity, family celebrations, and a touch of winter cosiness.

We began August with a rather special project – bringing home a pair of wrought iron gates from the Helensville Recycle Depot. They came to us a little bent and battered, having been red-stickered in the Muriwai disaster, but we felt so lucky to give them a new life. After plenty of welding, burning off rust, painting, and love, they now stand proudly at our entrance. Even though they carry their warps and twists, to me they feel like a symbol of resilience and beauty, and I smile each time I walk or drive through them.

On a more personal note, our family has been celebrating new life and milestones. I knitted a tiny pair of soft merino pants for the latest addition to our whānau – our new grandson. There’s something so special about crafting a little garment with love, knowing it will keep him warm through these cooler months. Becoming a grandmother again feels like such a precious gift, and the whole whānau (Māori for Family) has been wrapped up in that new-baby glow.

August also brought a milestone of my own – a surprise 60th birthday party, lovingly organised by friends. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter and happier gathering, filled with laughter, shared stories, and hugs that lingered.

Angela at the Surprise 60th birthday party ❤️

Soon after, our son and his girlfriend whisked us off to try the new Shed 16 Restaurant and Pub, just a short drive from A Deer Cottage, nestled on the edge of Kaukapakapa's tiny town. It was wonderful to sit around a table together, enjoying good food and even better company.

A Little Inside Info on Shed 16

Historic charm meets community revival

Shed 16 is the lovingly restored version of the original Kaukapakapa Hotel—a local icon dating back to 1865, when it began (rather cheekily) as an illicit distillery before gaining a legitimate liquor licence. Burned down and rebuilt in 1912, the building has stood witness to generations of laughter, stories, and gatherings.

A restoration filled with heart and history

Sophia and Matt Pedersen spearheaded the renovation, aiming to bring the beloved pub back to life as a vibrant community hub. They created distinct zones within the venue, each with its own character:

The Distillery, nodding to its rowdy roots
The Workshop, with its bar-style seating, pool table, and big-screen TV for sports
The Hawthorne Lounge, a function room named in honour of a family once residing on-site
Throughout the venue, you’ll also find beautifully curated history walls and storytelling murals that tie the space to Kaukapakapa’s rich past.

A place for all seasons

With a flexible layout spanning around 500 m², Shed 16 offers something for everyone—whether you’re here for casual drinks, a family meal, or a function. Their autumn/winter hours are:

Wednesday–Thursday: from 3 pm
Friday–Sunday: from 11 am(Closed Monday–Tuesday).. The venue’s motto—“The Respect is Local”—captures the warm, rural hospitality they aim to share.

Bringing community back together

Many locals watched Shed 16 evolve with anticipation; community members contributed to the renovation and history boards, reinforcing that this isn’t just a place to grab a pint—it’s a space for reconnection and shared stories.

Highly recommend if you wish to have a meal or even drop in for a pint, to make a booking. Shed 16 has been very popular since it has opened, and I would hate for you to miss out.

Essential Info for Shed 16:

Address: 3 North Crescent, Kaukapakapa, Auckland 0873
Phone: 09 777 1616
Email: sophia@shed16.com
Open Hours (Autumn/Winter):
- Closed: Monday–Tuesday
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 3 pm, and Friday–Sunday from 11 am until close
- If you wish to find out more click here: Shed 16

My wanderings through Helensville brought home another treasure – a small outdoor table and tray that now sit perfectly beside the pond, near our quirky cut-out bath chaise lounge. That little corner has become one of my favourite spots, especially if we have had a gorgeous end of Winter afternoon, to pause with a cuppa, listening to the water and birdsong. Our pond is still a work in progress, but I love to see each and every little improvement we have made.

One of the simple pleasures here at A Deer Cottage is watching the breathtaking sunsets that grace our Kaukapakapa skies. Guests often linger by the pond or settle into the bath, letting the warm water soak in while the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s the perfect way to soak up the tranquility of our surroundings, and we’ve been fortunate to capture a few of these magical moments in photos, which we’re excited to share this month.

And now, as August draws to a close, we are packing our bags for a few days at Bland Bay. It’s one of those places that seems to breathe life back into us – the salt air, the wide open sky, the sound of the waves rolling in, Macy having free range to enjoy the beach, oh it is just so blissful. I always come home from there feeling restored and inspired, and this time we are heading up with company, my younger sister and her husband, so that also means some homebaking!