This is a great spot for a weekend getaway - it is close enough to Auckland to not make it a huge trip, but so secluded and in the middle of nowhere that it feels like you are miles away from home. The cottage was really cute, perfect for a couple, and nice to have the bull paddock right in front. The beach was beautiful, we absolutely loved having it all to ourselves. Easy to drive to with the car, and you can see the cows along the way next to the dirt road. At low tide there is heaps to explore - so many crabs hiding in the rocks! At high tide it looks like absolute paradise, and there are big trees everywhere so you can spend the whole day on the beach with enough shade!
The hosts were really lovely, friendly and very helpful, even giving us the number of a vet when our little dog got sick (not really anyone's fault, she ate something on the beach that she shouldn't have). Would definitely book again in the future :)