Driving through the hills of sunny Hawkes Bay, you will pass by grazing sheep, cows and an abundance of majestic hawks. Hidden within green pastures is a stone driveway leading to the quaint cottage, and when arriving, two friendly donkeys will greet you along with hilltop views of Hawkes Bay. These views are best enjoyed at sunset as the sun begins to descend.

The cottage is designed for a rustic and simple way of living, with gorgeous wooden floors spread throughout the main parts of the house, along with white wooden walls and high ceilings that give the illusion that the space is bigger than it is. The mornings are best spent rising with the birds, as the sun shines through your windows, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee kindly catered for by the lovely hosts.

Spend the day enjoying the little cafes that Waipukarau and Waipawa have to offer; my personal favourites are Zinc Cafe, in Waipukarau, and Nola's Cafe, in Waipawa. A little hint: Nola's baker bakes fresh cakes on Wednesday when they open. After enjoying small-town life, come back to simplicity with a gentle walk through the farmland, stargazing on a clear night, and reconnecting with a simpler way of being.