June Reflections from the Hills — Milestones, Sea Breezes & Winter Sunshine

adeercottage
5 days ago
3 min read

Kia ora from our little slice of paradise here in the hills of Kaukapakapa!

What a month it has been — filled with milestones, family moments, and those simple winter joys that remind us how lucky we are to call this beautiful corner of New Zealand home.

The biggest news in our household is that Kani has bravely tackled his second total knee replacement — all within a matter of weeks. He’s recovering well, and to help him rest and recharge, we escaped to one of our favourite quiet spots — Bland Bay.

Bland Bay gave us the gift of time — time to slow down, breathe in the salty sea air, and celebrate life’s special moments. For me, that meant marking a big milestone of my own — my 60th birthday. It was a peaceful, laughter-filled few days, made even more special by my younger sister and her husband joining us to help out and celebrate.

My sister, who is normally not one for cold water, let me twist her arm into taking a mid-winter dip with me on my birthday — a memory I’ll treasure (even if we were shivering!). We enjoyed beach walks with Macy, played endless games, and indulged in a beautiful homemade coffee cake — the perfect birthday treat.

Returning home to our bed and breakfast, we’ve been blessed with crisp winter days and the most breathtaking sunsets from Deer Cottage. Those colours over the hills never get old! I’ve also taken advantage of the cooler days to get stuck into some winter weeding and tidying around the pond area — one of my favourite little corners to potter about and reflect.

Of course, I’m never truly alone out there — our curious little crew of chickens and ducks love to follow me around as I work, keeping me company (and no doubt checking to see if I’ve brought them a snack!). I captured a fun little video of them recently — it always brings a smile.

No such thing as a solo gardening session around here… my little feathered fan club makes sure of that! 🐓🦆🌿 Always good company — and always checking for treats!

There’s something about this season — quieter, but no less full of life — that makes winter in Kaukapakapa so special. Whether it’s watching the mist roll through the valleys, cosying up by the fire, or enjoying the ever-changing views, winter reminds us to slow down and savour the moment.

If you’re craving a winter escape with peace, fresh air, and plenty of natural beauty, we’d love to welcome you to our bed and breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or just need a change of scenery, there’s always a warm spot here waiting for you. If you would like to find out more about our bed and breakfast: A Deer Cottage, in the hills of Kaukapakapa, Auckland you can do so here