Piha, near Auckland
bathroom mansion include a 15-metre infinity pool, swim-up bar, outdoor Jacuzzi, superb gym and fitness pavilion, three-level home theatre/media room, state-of-the-art surround sound, games room, and spa baths. The 3m heart rimu kitchen island and matching bespoke dining table are just beautiful. See amazingaccom.com. Dave and Emma’s three-bedroom house is perched on the ridge between the dramatic black sand beaches of Piha and Karekare. We spent a weekend there in late summer hiking the magnificent coastal tracks. I’ve always been strongly attracted to symmetry so the visual impact of the house was an instant hit. The two cubes of different heights create a striking silhouette. Clad in silvery Lawson cypress with Australian blue gum decking running right through the centre of the house, there’s a large expanse for outdoor living on both sides. The front, north-facing deck leads to a tropical sun-filled garden and outside dining area with a massive macrocarpa table, while the back deck and spa pool are suspended above the Waita¯ kere Ranges with the black sands of Karekare Beach shimmering in the distance. The place has a feeling of freedom, warmth, airiness, light and tranquillity. See bookabach.co.nz.
Muriwai Estate, Auckland
If you are looking for a private, peaceful haven in beautiful rural surroundings not too far from Auckland, Muriwai Estate ticks all the boxes. On 6.6 hectares of land, including a garden designed by awardwinning landscape architect Mark Read, this luxurious property is just a 40-minute drive from the city and close to the spectacular black sand beaches of the west coast. The generous seven-bedroom, five-bathroom property accommodates 14 within the main homestead and selfcontained pool house. The master bedroom has its own living area, ensuite bathroom and sauna. With a 480-squaremetre living area, 130sqm terrace, fullyequipped kitchen, additional chef’s kitchen and walk-in pantry, sheltered barbecue and outdoor dining area and fire, the estate is streamlined for entertaining and relaxation. There’s a fabulous 18m saltwater swimming pool and spa, and a lovely children’s playground. Your Touch of Spice concierge who will help co-ordinate every aspect of your stay. See touchofspice.co.nz.
The Rock on Gibraltar, Auckland
We live rurally, so a trip to Auckland is a major highlight – an opportunity to visit the city’s shops, restaurants and cafes. The Rock, a luxurious, architecturallydesigned, three-level abode in central Auckland, with splendid views of the city and the Domain, will be our home-awayfrom home for our next trip to the big smoke in February before a family wedding. Tranquil and private, the spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is just a short walk to Parnell, and a two-minute drive to the central city, perfect for the foodies and shoppers in the family. The Rock has fabulous spaces for socialising and entertaining, everything you need for a relaxing and indulgent holiday, including a large open-plan kitchen with a scullery, a lounge with a huge projector home theatre and open gas fire, and a study-library equipped with a computer, printer, fax and books. The central level opens out on to a large deck with an open fire, a teppanyaki table that seats 10, a barbecue and reflection pool with views of the city lights at night. I’m looking forward to the master en suite with its Japanese-style solid granite spa bath, three vanities, and triple shower. The lower level has a self-contained studio, and a double garage accessed by an automated security gate. There’s plenty of room and privacy for our whole family, which has recently expanded to include a couple of sons-in-law. It’s fair to say the lads are pretty excited about the home theatre. See amazingaccom.com.
I still get goosebumps thinking about that ramshackle old Arrowtown house where I spent many blissful childhood and teenage holidays.
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