The blossoms rustle gently in the breeze, which carries with it notes of citrus and saltwater. Golden sunlight filters through branches and casts shadows, dancing along the brick as I make my way through the courtyard gates. Inside is bursting with “cottage chic”, as the white tones reflect the sun, and the curtains flutter in the breeze. The living area somehow manages to be both spacious and cosy at the same time; with all of the little touches slowly revealing themselves. The bathroom feels like a Victorian reclaimed haven, and the bedroom is comfortable with a view stretching out into the bush.

But the real highlight lays outside, in the beautiful garden where a pair of concrete outdoor baths sit doused in the sunlight. A pīwakawaka enjoyed a bath in the water feature, much to my daughter’s delight, as it coyly flirted with us – flitting and tweeting its shared curiosity, as tuī and rosellas swooped from tree to tree nearby.

I spent my time at Orchard Cottage with my daughter, dog, and cat (as it is pet friendly), floating somewhere between playing games and reading books, relaxing and enjoying the outdoor baths, cosying up by the fireplace heater or in the afternoon sun, as well as enjoying the gardens, admiring the trees as they burst into life, picking fruit, drinking in the views of the surrounding bush, and even exploring the bush track with its spots of interest, where we experienced even more tranquillity and peace. Sunset is the perfect time for a soak in the outdoor baths, before night falls and the milkyway stretches itself across the sky, where the ruru’s call pierces the otherwise blissful silence.

I was lucky to have whānau/family in the area, and so being able to connect with and spend time with them exploring the surrounding areas was also a highlight. Whether it was going on walks, enjoying a meal, testing out new playgrounds, or spending time at the beach – there is no shortage of things to do locally, let alone in the wider Whangārei region.
Blossoms, baths, birdsong, bush - Orchard Cottage may have felt like a dream, but it is every inch a reality. We left with our cups full, and enough memories to carry us through until our next escape.