Story by Stephanie
Little Bush Haven
Adventure in Raglan, Hamilton – Waikato, NZ
I decided to make the most of an opportunity to head to Blackwood Cabin on my own. I was looking forward to escaping the busyness of my daily life and taking a couple of days to slow it all down and reconnect with nature and myself. I packed my bags and headed off, driving the two hours down around midday so I could explore a couple places before settling into Blackwood Cabin for the night.
My first stop was Te Toto Gorge Lookout, which didn't disappoint thanks to its uninterrupted views of Raglan’s rugged west coast. I then headed down to Manu Bay, where I met some locals and took in the view of one of the world's famous surf beaches. After this, I made my way to Blackwood Cabin and immediately felt a sense of calm as I followed the tree-lined driveway. I veered to the left and saw the cabin nestled in its own private nook on the 25-acre property, overlooking the beautiful blackwood bush and walnut tree grove. With the perfect amount of afternoon light hitting the deck, this was exactly where I wanted to be.
The cabin evoked a sensation of both luxury and comfort. It was beautifully decorated and I was grateful to find that Lucy, the host, had left a bowl of her farm-fresh eggs as well as local coffee and ethically farmed Raglan pasteurised milk. It was a beautiful touch and very much enjoyed throughout my stay.
I poured a glass of wine, sat on the deck as the sun went down, taking it all in. It’s moments like this that I savour in life. Listening to the birds, feeling the cool Autumn breeze, celebrating these slow moments that sweeten life when we pay attention. As the sun disappeared, I put on my favourite playlist and enjoyed cooking a beautiful dinner in the cabin, followed by a dreamy soak in the outdoor stone bath. I relaxed and soaked up the secluded serenity of my own natural paradise.
The next morning, I woke to birds singing and the sun piercing through the blackwood bush. I felt incredible and poured a cup of the delicious Raglan roast, thoroughly enjoying every second of reading my book, sipping the hot coffee and reconnecting with nature. After a nice slow start to the morning, I jumped in the Jimny and went off exploring Wainui Reserve and Ngarunui Beach Lookout. Not far from Blackwood Cabin, Wainui Reserve is the perfect spot for a picnic, with lookouts to Raglan's coast as well as sculptures and walking trails. I then headed into the town centre and its colourful shopping area, stopping in to the highly recommended Raglan Artisan Bread for a loaf of sourdough to go with the eggs. I couldn’t help but head down to the wharf to check out Tony Sly Pottery too, which was filled with handmade ceramics and a curated collection of homewares – a definite must-check-out place when you visit.
Back at Blackwood, I enjoyed a quiet evening of wine, delicious food and an outdoor bath. Waking up on my last morning, I sipped my coffee and read my book in the swinging chair attached to the trees just outside the cabin doors. Enjoying the view with eggs on sourdough, my life couldn’t get any better. I said farewell to the cabin then headed off to check out one more local recommendation – Bridal Veil Falls. It's a plunge waterfall with a 55-metre drop, located along the Pakoka River. The views were incredible from three seperate viewing platforms and it was only a short walk through the native forest.
Summed up, Blackwood Cabin is the type of place you stay for two nights and wished you booked for five. It's a place I will definitely return to and one that I highly recommend you see for yourself....
My first stop was Te Toto Gorge Lookout, which didn't disappoint thanks to its uninterrupted views of Raglan’s rugged west coast. I then headed down to Manu Bay, where I met some locals and took in the view of one of the world's famous surf beaches. After this, I made my way to Blackwood Cabin and immediately felt a sense of calm as I followed the tree-lined driveway. I veered to the left and saw the cabin nestled in its own private nook on the 25-acre property, overlooking the beautiful blackwood bush and walnut tree grove. With the perfect amount of afternoon light hitting the deck, this was exactly where I wanted to be.
The cabin evoked a sensation of both luxury and comfort. It was beautifully decorated and I was grateful to find that Lucy, the host, had left a bowl of her farm-fresh eggs as well as local coffee and ethically farmed Raglan pasteurised milk. It was a beautiful touch and very much enjoyed throughout my stay.
I poured a glass of wine, sat on the deck as the sun went down, taking it all in. It’s moments like this that I savour in life. Listening to the birds, feeling the cool Autumn breeze, celebrating these slow moments that sweeten life when we pay attention. As the sun disappeared, I put on my favourite playlist and enjoyed cooking a beautiful dinner in the cabin, followed by a dreamy soak in the outdoor stone bath. I relaxed and soaked up the secluded serenity of my own natural paradise.
The next morning, I woke to birds singing and the sun piercing through the blackwood bush. I felt incredible and poured a cup of the delicious Raglan roast, thoroughly enjoying every second of reading my book, sipping the hot coffee and reconnecting with nature. After a nice slow start to the morning, I jumped in the Jimny and went off exploring Wainui Reserve and Ngarunui Beach Lookout. Not far from Blackwood Cabin, Wainui Reserve is the perfect spot for a picnic, with lookouts to Raglan's coast as well as sculptures and walking trails. I then headed into the town centre and its colourful shopping area, stopping in to the highly recommended Raglan Artisan Bread for a loaf of sourdough to go with the eggs. I couldn’t help but head down to the wharf to check out Tony Sly Pottery too, which was filled with handmade ceramics and a curated collection of homewares – a definite must-check-out place when you visit.
Back at Blackwood, I enjoyed a quiet evening of wine, delicious food and an outdoor bath. Waking up on my last morning, I sipped my coffee and read my book in the swinging chair attached to the trees just outside the cabin doors. Enjoying the view with eggs on sourdough, my life couldn’t get any better. I said farewell to the cabin then headed off to check out one more local recommendation – Bridal Veil Falls. It's a plunge waterfall with a 55-metre drop, located along the Pakoka River. The views were incredible from three seperate viewing platforms and it was only a short walk through the native forest.
Summed up, Blackwood Cabin is the type of place you stay for two nights and wished you booked for five. It's a place I will definitely return to and one that I highly recommend you see for yourself....
Things We Did
- Lookout
- Beach
- Walk
- Food & Drink
- Town
- Waterfall
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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