Story by Tegan
The Perfect Puhoi Escape
Adventure in Puhoi, Auckland, NZ
Puhoi is a bit like one of those places that time forgot - in all of the best ways.
Tucked away off the old SH1, and soon to be flown over entirely by the new motorway bridges, taking a stop in this small but mighty area could be one of the better ideas you'll have.
The accommodation is the best place to start, and after you have wound your way up the metal road and then down through the rolling hills of the surrounding farmland, you will reach the end of the road and your destination.
A striking architecturally designed home sits perched at the end of the hill, taking in big gulps of the views being served up from all angles. The unit at the rear, separate from the main house, is a home-away-from-home - with comfort, class and style all rolled into one.
The unit comprises of a bedroom, bathroom and living area (complete with TV and heat pump), together with a very ample kitchen with everything you could need to cook up a feast.
But why cook indoors, when the outdoors beckons - with your very own wood-fired pizza oven! There's nothing quite like stoking the fire, tossing the dough, and popping a pizza in by the flames for that delicious flavour.
And while we could have devoured our pizza inside or even out on the sunny deck - the best spot would have to be on the picnic table at the top of the hill, overlooking all of those gorgeous views!
But venture out, and the best place to start is in Puhoi Historic Village across the main road. A bit like stepping back in time, Puhoi is actually one of my favourite little spots, where nostalgia abounds. We got together with some friends and enjoyed an afternoon at the famous Puhoi Pub, with great food, entertainment and atmosphere. The next day I caught up with a friend for a slow morning sipping tea and indulging in scones at the Puhoi Tea Rooms. And next time I am there, I plan to rent a kayak and take a paddle down the river.
If nature is more your jam, then do not fear - the retreat is close-by to some of the most beautiful walks and beaches which we also checked out, including Waiwera, Orewa, and one of my favourite Regional Parks - Wenderholm.
So with so much to offer - why wouldn't you give Puhoi a shot at being your next escape? I'll for sure be back to enjoy more of this historic nature-filled destination.
Tucked away off the old SH1, and soon to be flown over entirely by the new motorway bridges, taking a stop in this small but mighty area could be one of the better ideas you'll have.
The accommodation is the best place to start, and after you have wound your way up the metal road and then down through the rolling hills of the surrounding farmland, you will reach the end of the road and your destination.
A striking architecturally designed home sits perched at the end of the hill, taking in big gulps of the views being served up from all angles. The unit at the rear, separate from the main house, is a home-away-from-home - with comfort, class and style all rolled into one.
The unit comprises of a bedroom, bathroom and living area (complete with TV and heat pump), together with a very ample kitchen with everything you could need to cook up a feast.
But why cook indoors, when the outdoors beckons - with your very own wood-fired pizza oven! There's nothing quite like stoking the fire, tossing the dough, and popping a pizza in by the flames for that delicious flavour.
And while we could have devoured our pizza inside or even out on the sunny deck - the best spot would have to be on the picnic table at the top of the hill, overlooking all of those gorgeous views!
But venture out, and the best place to start is in Puhoi Historic Village across the main road. A bit like stepping back in time, Puhoi is actually one of my favourite little spots, where nostalgia abounds. We got together with some friends and enjoyed an afternoon at the famous Puhoi Pub, with great food, entertainment and atmosphere. The next day I caught up with a friend for a slow morning sipping tea and indulging in scones at the Puhoi Tea Rooms. And next time I am there, I plan to rent a kayak and take a paddle down the river.
If nature is more your jam, then do not fear - the retreat is close-by to some of the most beautiful walks and beaches which we also checked out, including Waiwera, Orewa, and one of my favourite Regional Parks - Wenderholm.
So with so much to offer - why wouldn't you give Puhoi a shot at being your next escape? I'll for sure be back to enjoy more of this historic nature-filled destination.
Things We Did
- Walk
- Pub
- Beach
- Restaurant
- Café
- Lookout
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
Just over the hill from Waiwera, you'll find a lookout before you descend into Orewa. On a good day, it affords incredible views over Orewa Beach and beyond - and when the swell is up it is a mesmerising spot to watch as the waves roll relentlessly into the shore, and surfers try their luck. Although on a flat day like the day I visited, it was equally cool to look down into the clear waters directly below and try to spot some fish!
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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