A Hidden Retreat & Yet So Well Located
The Host: From the start of our booking enquiry, Gabriella have set a very good impression. When we met her the 1st time, she came across as very cheerful, warm, friendly and very helpful. We knew that she is going to be a fantastic host throughout our stay esp when this is our final stop and she did. Big Thanks Gabriella!
The cottage, the sanctuary: It has a car park lot and entrance, providing easy accessibility esp when we have a lot of luggage. There is a beautifully maintained garden with herbs and vegetables that one can pick for the kitchen. Besides, there are outdoor tables, benches & bean bags. We had our breakfast outdoor enjoying the sun and watching the birds. Inside the cottage, we find it tastefully decorated in shades of blue. It is well-sized with a living, dining, kitchen and a bedroom. There is a TV, Bluetooth stereo, extensive collection of DVDs, wide selection of books, complete kitchen incl oven (we love cooking & churning yummylicious meals from this kitchen), cosy sofas for reading, watching TVs or just chill-lax. The Wi-Fi connection is very strong - the best in our entire South Island travel! In the bedroom, we sunk into the cosy bed and were lulled to sleep with the sound of waves and awaken by the melodious sound of birds. The entire cottage is so cosy and peaceful, that it was sometimes hard for us to get out!
Then, the surroundings: located almost door steps from the Ashley River mouth and North Pegasus Bay, we explored the place on foot and further with the mountain bikes provided by Gabriella. The Wetlands, Ashleys Spit, Pegasus and Woodend can be reached on foot and/or bikes. A long stretch of uncrowded sandy coastline, sand dunes and variety of birdlife. One can easily spend the entire days here. We had our fruits picnic on the sand dunes watching folks kite surfing! For delicious ice cream/sorbet, we find the 2 Fat Ladies opposite the front of the house is simply irressistible. Just a 3mins walk to get our "daily dose"!!
The location: Waikuku is strategically located. From the cottage, it is just a mere 5mins drive to Higway 1, 10mins drive to Inland Scenic Route 72, 15 mins to Rangiora where one can stock up your groceries esp Pak n Save supermarket; 35mins to Christchurch Central; 45mins to Godley Head Beach Park/Dyers Pass Road to Governors Bay (scenic coastal drive & diverse trails) ; +/- 1.5 hours to Hanmer Springs/Cheviot/Gore Bay.