Story by Jasmine
Sea Spray Getaway
Adventure in New Plymouth, Taranaki, NZ
On the fringe of the coastal surf town of Ōakura, a country lane lined with leafy foliage and rolling hills lead us to Ahu Ahu Beach Villas, a rustic retreat nestled between the Kaitake Ranges and the reeling waves of the Taranaki coastline. Overlooking the ocean and encircled with native ferns and macrocarpa trees, Ahu Ahu Beach Villas is the destination to reconnect with nature and enjoy the slow moments.
The beach villas have an unconventional, yet inspiring and creative build history. The villas have been lovingly handcrafted with upcycled wharf timbers from Port Taranaki, salvaged lattice windows and 100-year-old French clay roof tiles.
As we stepped foot on the sun-soaked concrete floor inlaid with pāua shells and foraged beachy treasures, we felt an air of cosy, coastal indulgence and the sweeping seaside views from the re-claimed windows were truly magical.
Our mornings were filled with sipping tea and listening to the waves lapping on the shoreline as we lay beneath the weathered beams. We ate breakfast in the sun-drenched dining nook with the ocean breeze flowing through the sliding windows (which remained open all day long). We lay on the grass and lounged in the sun reading a book and took the short stroll down to the beach for a sunset swim. In the evenings we huddled around the firepit with a tipple or two.
If you feel like venturing out of the beachy bliss of Ahu Ahu (I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t), there are plenty of adventures to be had. We explored the towering redwoods of Lucy’s Gully and drove the breathtakingly beautiful Surf Highway (if you’re a surfer, ditch the car and surf your way down instead). We took a stop at Sugar Loaf Islands for some seal spotting and explored Egmont National Park for magnificent views of Mount Taranaki. If you’re looking for some self-indulgence, we also drank great coffee and ate delicious food in the heart of Ōakura. We really couldn’t have wished for anything more.
The hosts, David, Nuala, and Seth have the most infectiously warm and welcoming nature and their fascinating stories of the history of Ahu Ahu Beach Villas and sheer love for the land made our stay truly memorable. We look forward to returning to this slice of New Zealand paradise in the very near future.
The beach villas have an unconventional, yet inspiring and creative build history. The villas have been lovingly handcrafted with upcycled wharf timbers from Port Taranaki, salvaged lattice windows and 100-year-old French clay roof tiles.
As we stepped foot on the sun-soaked concrete floor inlaid with pāua shells and foraged beachy treasures, we felt an air of cosy, coastal indulgence and the sweeping seaside views from the re-claimed windows were truly magical.
Our mornings were filled with sipping tea and listening to the waves lapping on the shoreline as we lay beneath the weathered beams. We ate breakfast in the sun-drenched dining nook with the ocean breeze flowing through the sliding windows (which remained open all day long). We lay on the grass and lounged in the sun reading a book and took the short stroll down to the beach for a sunset swim. In the evenings we huddled around the firepit with a tipple or two.
If you feel like venturing out of the beachy bliss of Ahu Ahu (I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t), there are plenty of adventures to be had. We explored the towering redwoods of Lucy’s Gully and drove the breathtakingly beautiful Surf Highway (if you’re a surfer, ditch the car and surf your way down instead). We took a stop at Sugar Loaf Islands for some seal spotting and explored Egmont National Park for magnificent views of Mount Taranaki. If you’re looking for some self-indulgence, we also drank great coffee and ate delicious food in the heart of Ōakura. We really couldn’t have wished for anything more.
The hosts, David, Nuala, and Seth have the most infectiously warm and welcoming nature and their fascinating stories of the history of Ahu Ahu Beach Villas and sheer love for the land made our stay truly memorable. We look forward to returning to this slice of New Zealand paradise in the very near future.
Things We Did
- Forest
- Swim
- Surf
- Café
- Restaurant
Get lost amongst the towering redwoods and listen to birdsong whistling through the native bush in Lucy's Gully, situated at the western end of the Kaitake Ranges. Lucy's Gully is a short drive from Ahu Ahu Beach Villas, just opposite the turning for Lower Ahu Ahu Road. A magical spot for a walk and a picnic in the woods.
Stroll down to Ahu Ahu beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean or a relaxing walk along the beach. Watch the orange hazy glow across the horizon, breathe in the salty air and feel the sea spray on your skin.
The coastal town of Ōakura is home to some of New Zealand's best surf breaks and is renowned by surfers across the country for its long glassy reeling waves. If you’re keen to catch a wave or three then grab your board and surf your way down the incredible beaches of Surf Highway.
High Tide Cafe can be found in the heart of Ōakura, offering fresh pastries and delicious wholesome food. Stop in for a great cup of coffee and one of François epic surf stories!
If you are a lover of authentic Italian wood-fired pizza and freshly cooked pasta like we are, you must visit Toret Cucina Italiana, also located right in the heart of Ōakura.
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Where we stayed
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