Matauri Bay Retreat @ Shearer's Cottage

Matauri Bay Retreat's original Shearer’s Cottage. Outside, views from veranda, overlooking farmland, lake and seawards over the Cavalli Island. Inside, cosy couch, TV, art filled walls, books to devour and suitably comfortable beds, a simple but well equipped kitchen & basic bathroom & wifi. Easy access to Matauri Bay plus many more magical beaches. Enjoy the serenity or venture further afield for amazing beaches, bush, landmarks and local history. Dogs welcome. Your hosts, the artist and the gardener. The cottage is privately located away from the main house on our 30 acre retired sheep farm, overlooking a small lake, farmland and sea. The old shearer’s cottage was recently renovated, a simple and peaceful vibe, with a wide north westward facing veranda with hammock and outdoor table & chairs, perfect for sunsets. Polished wooden floors inside, an easy to use space, with most things you need and beautiful views that really make you feel like the city is miles away. The cottage walls are filled with art, from our personal collection and the artists own work. If you enjoy the art, you are welcome to come visit the artist in studio. The kitchen is modest but equipped with most things you should need for holiday cooking. We supply tea coffee and spices. Fresh herbs in the garden and a Small BBQ. The bathroom has a basic shower with ok water pressure and a separate toilet. Washing machine and dryer. The cottage is in line of sight of the Vodafone tower, and we use wireless rural wifi, with enough data for office and streaming. Outdoors, we are currently in the process of replanting, so trees are young, but growing. The drive is lined with young fruit trees, and the cottage surrounded by peach trees. The beginnings of bush is currently being replanted, a slow but worthy project that is growing. This is a rural property that we share with pests, birds and bugs, we try our best to keep them away from the cottage, with a comprehensive pest management program, but sometimes they like to visit. The cottage water is supplied by tank water that is safe for drinking, but we ask guest to be mindful in dry periods with water use. The property is not off grid, but we do use our own solar panels to boost our supply. We encourage guests to recycle, and compost. Guests are welcome to explore around the lake and farm. Guests are welcome to walk around the farm. If you bring a dog, please be mindful of sheep, and gates. The cottage area only is surrounded by farm fences. There is a lake below the cottage and you are welcome to explore or hang out down by the lake. Pierre , Teresa, the kids and Zane the dog, live at the main house which is a walk away from the guest cottage. We are happy to share local knowledge and directions if required. Matauri Bay is 30 minutes drive north of Kerikeri, off SH10, on a loop road leading to the most magical selection of beaches bays and coves, Matauri Bay being one of them. If the ocean is your thing, you are spoilt for choice. Our farm is located at the top of the hill overlooking the sacred maunga Whakarara, the Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay. 3 minutes by car will take you down to the white sandy beach with gentle rolling surf & Duke the friendly horse roaming the car park, looking for a pat. Out of season your footsteps are often the first on the beach. If you are a keen golfer, or fancy treating your self to some fine dining or spa, Kauri Cliffs is the adjacent farm, and the restaurant, spa and golf course less than 5 minutes down the road. Keep following the costal road for more beach’s, Te Ngarie (good for launching boats), Piapia, Wainui, Mahinapua ( perfect for beaches & hiking), Tauranga Bay finally coming out by Whangaroa Harbour and the historical town of Kaeo (20 minutes) From the farm even though we are in remote rural costal The local ‘Blue Bar’ operating as bar, dairy and fish and chip shop is 5 minutes walk and serves the best fish and chips plus stocks the basic essentials. Great base to explore further into the Far North, 2hrs gets you to Cape Reinga, 1 1/2 hrs to the West Ahipara or the Hokianga Harbour, 45 minutes to the East the historical Waitangi, Russell & Paihia. Driving We are 20 - 30 minutes drive from Kaeo & Kerikeri for amenities, including petrol station, markets & supermarket. The Blue Bar is walking distance and operates as the local dairy/fish and chip/bar located behind the fire station opposite our property. The cottage is in line of sight of the Vodafone tower. Spark is a little sketchy. The water supply is tank water & safe for drinking. We ask guests to be mindful of water use in the peak of summer. Electric car, charging is available. There is free boat launching at Te Ngarie & paid at Matauri Bay. A place to park and wash boat down is available.