[mgbridges]

Just looking for ideas/recommendations really... we had hoped to be doing a pre-settlement visit on Saturday morning and then spending much of the weekend sorting fridge, furniture etc. However, our vendors can't accommodate a pre-settlement visit until next Tuesday sooo... we're at a bit of a loose end this weekend.

We are therefore thinking of having a night away either Wahieke Island, Matakana or possibly Bay of Islands areas. Ideally we need a self catering place with two bedrooms as our son is only 5yrs and sleeps quite lightly so ideally needs to be in his own room. Don't want to spend a fortune either so does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Anneliese

[Bruckner]

Have only been to Matakana and that was a day trip. They have a Saturday's farmers market and aren't too far from Puhoi which is a really neat little town. You'll probably have young Joe with you so that rules out a canoe trip down the Puhoi River but there's a nice little river walk in Matakana. Not like the Warkworth river walk but still very nice.

Emily

[KerryS]

Matakana is nice - and close to one of my fave spots, the Tawharanui Regional Park. Lovely beach, great walks and it has a campsite too - although a bit too chilly at this time of year!
http://www.arc.govt.nz/auckland-regional-parks/northern-parks/tawharanui.cfm

Have you looked at renting a bach for the weekend? It's often cheaper to get one during the off-peak season than it is to stay in a motel or hotel for a weekend.

[mgbridges]

Thanks both, we've actually decided to go further north to here: http://www.bluewatercottages.co.nz/index.htm

Planning to stop off in Matakana at the Farmers Market for some supplies.

Cheers,
Anneliese

[mgbridges]

So we went for bit of chill out time and stayed at Bluewater Cottages http://www.bluewatercottages.co.nz/index.htm this weekend and can heartily recommend it! We really wish we could have stayed longer and hope that we can go back another time. We stayed in Matapouri Cottage which is right next door to Poor Knights cottage but still very private, the first picture on the right on their home page. If you were a larger family or group they'd be perfect. Will post a few pictures once i've resized them!

Anneliese