the'magic cottage'

Holidays this week took us to the 'Magic Cottage' on the Takou River in Northland, close to the Bay of Islands. It was truly magic set just over the waters edge and surrounded by beautiful gardens, farmland and a private beach just an half hour kayak downstream... all very tranquil!

view from the deck of our cottage

we enjoyed bubbles while in the outdoor claw foot bath on the deck right by the river...Michael found a big leaf to cover any wobbly bits for the sake of paparazzi!

a couple of young cheeky farm animals on the all organic agricultural land surrounding the gardens

after our kayak down river to the private and secluded Takou Bay (only accessible by boat) Michael braved the mid winter and took a dip in the ocean...I just paddled

the magic cottage gardens were full of beautiful plants and flowers and is the first place I have seen snow drops in New Zealand

riverside birdlife was abundant...lots of the beautiful Pied Shags and Kingfishers...

there was a kingfisher about every 5m along the river...

inventive beach front property, just park you caravan and build next to it...us at Matauri Bay