Reviews (9)
Shaun
30 Jun 2024
We booked two nights at this retreat based on the existing positive reviews and nice photos provided on the listing. Unfortunately due to a number of factors with the property, we decided to leave ear...ly and head home after the first night.
Positive notes were - the property is as photos show and the directions were easy to follow. The property itself has been built well and stayed toasty warm all through the chilly night. Bathroom was adequate and clean. Location is beautiful and going up the little hill provides excellent views of the river. Dog was friendly!
Negative factors - We realise some are minor (i.e. could have been sorted if hosts were around) while others are larger and may require bigger fixes.
Minor issues: The air conditioning did not work (we didn't think we'd need it but the room was very warm after a full day of sun), the TV was on a wonk and the bedroom wardrobe had no hanging bar or doors. Toaster would emit an alarming amount of smoke when in use.
Major issues: the fridge & freezer could not keep our food cold (freezer items all defrosted as basically everything was at room temperature) and the pillows would essentially deflate when your head was laid on them, leading to a very uncomfortable sleep.
Most disappointingly, there was no effort made to make the space 'romantic', with odd artwork on the walls, an old dresser that didn't match the modern aesthetic of the property, no bedside lamps or tables. We felt that there is a lot of potential with this place but it hasn't been achieved yet.
We wish the hosts the best of luck as they have something that could be really good but sadly for us, it was not up to par.
Helen and Shaun
Positive notes were - the property is as photos show and the directions were easy to follow. The property itself has been built well and stayed toasty warm all through the chilly night. Bathroom was adequate and clean. Location is beautiful and going up the little hill provides excellent views of the river. Dog was friendly!
Negative factors - We realise some are minor (i.e. could have been sorted if hosts were around) while others are larger and may require bigger fixes.
Minor issues: The air conditioning did not work (we didn't think we'd need it but the room was very warm after a full day of sun), the TV was on a wonk and the bedroom wardrobe had no hanging bar or doors. Toaster would emit an alarming amount of smoke when in use.
Major issues: the fridge & freezer could not keep our food cold (freezer items all defrosted as basically everything was at room temperature) and the pillows would essentially deflate when your head was laid on them, leading to a very uncomfortable sleep.
Most disappointingly, there was no effort made to make the space 'romantic', with odd artwork on the walls, an old dresser that didn't match the modern aesthetic of the property, no bedside lamps or tables. We felt that there is a lot of potential with this place but it hasn't been achieved yet.
We wish the hosts the best of luck as they have something that could be really good but sadly for us, it was not up to par.
Helen and Shaun
Peacefulness
Brendon
29 May 2024
Great spot, close to home (for us in Auckland). Place is super clean and felt great. Initially, I was thinking what's the point of going somewhere so close, but upon arriving got that feeling of being... on holiday as everything was different.
We enjoyed pizza's on the first night and ticked off everything except the markets (since I thought they were Sunday and they were actually Saturday)
Would certainly stay again and made the most of the weekend to visit Omaha, Tawharanui & of course the Puhoi Pub
We enjoyed pizza's on the first night and ticked off everything except the markets (since I thought they were Sunday and they were actually Saturday)
Would certainly stay again and made the most of the weekend to visit Omaha, Tawharanui & of course the Puhoi Pub
Challenge
Unplugged
Spontaneity
Rejuvenation
Megan
1 Jul 2023
This was so cute! My partner and I loved it so much! Was nice to get away from the city but still close enough to go visit the matakana markets and everything around there. This is the perfect place e...ven if the weather is not so nice… we just watched movies and made yummy pizza. Not to mention… the sweetest doggie is there to greet you! 100% recommend.
Excitement
Freedom
Joy
Self-discovery
Rejuvenation
Groundedness
+1
Peacefulness
Host
Kamini
Email Verified
Phone Verified
Puhoi, Auckland, New Zealand
1Listings
Romantic getaway in stunning, rural Puhoi. Perched on a hilltop with unparalleled views of the Puhoi and Wenderholm.
Enjoy a slice of rural living, in an architecturally designed, self-contained studio guesthouse. Brand new pizza oven for the perfect romantic dinner in!
Ask a QuestionAdventures on the Property
Wood Fired Pizzas For The Win
Who doesn't love a good wood-fired pizza?! Well if you're like me and you absolutely do, then you won't want to pass up the opportunity of stoking up the wood-fired oven and cooking your very own pizza! Delish.
Location
Listing location
Adventures nearby
Adventures Nearby
Kayaking
Experience kayaking in one of the most famous spots including Mission Bay, Orakei, or Puhoi river. Glide around the water and surround yourself with breathtaking scenery.
The Historic Puhoi Pub
Established in 1879, the Puhoi Pub is an institution, to say the least. The interior of this old gem is an overload for the senses, you barely know where to look and where to start enjoying the relics of the pub's long history. Outside you'll likely be treated to some live music, while you sit on the long lawn throwing back a few cold ones and tucking into some decent pub fare. Definitely an experience for the list!
Enjoy A Cup Of Nostalgia At The Puhoi Cottage Tearooms
When I was a kid, my mum would often take me and my sister to our local tearooms for a Devonshire Tea (tea and scones), and it's a memory that always fills me with joy. My old tearooms no longer exist, but being able to remember that magic at the Puhoi Cottage Tearooms while sitting sipping on tea and indulging in scones, all those same feelings of happiness come flooding back. So whether you're a "jam on top" or "jam on bottom" person, there are scones, high teas and much more on offer, in a beautiful garden setting, at the Puhoi Cottage Tearooms.
Wenderholm Regional Park Something For Everyone
Wenderholm is one of my favourite Regional Parks in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region. Calm, tranquil estuaries, bush walks teeming with birdlife, BBQ/picnic areas, a beautiful beach and more - what isn't there to love?
Wenderholm Regional Park
Wenderholm National Park is 7 minutes away for beautiful beaches and summer fun!
Waiwera Beach
Waiwera is most well-known for the glory days of the Waiwera Hot Pools, which are now sadly long and forgotten, but especially since it was bypassed by the new motorway people also often forget about the gem that is Waiwera Beach - with its calm clear waters, estuary and beautiful views, it is the perfect place to escape the crowds of some of the more popular beaches.
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$230per night
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