Matakana Garden Retreat

Escape the city and recharge in our peaceful, private garden studio, just five minutes from Matakana and Warkworth. Surrounded by mature gardens and abundant birdlife, the retreat includes access to private native-bush tracks and a beautiful riverside spot. Enjoy a relaxed indoor–outdoor stay, unlimited Wi-Fi and warm local hospitality in a wonderfully secluded rural setting.

The space
The retreat comprises a comfortable sleeping and lounge pod, a covered outdoor kitchen and separate bathroom pod, all connected by a spacious deck. There is also a private, sheltered courtyard—a lovely place to relax away from the midday sun.

The sleeping pod has a queen-size bed and a window seat overlooking the garden. By prior arrangement, the window seat can be made up as a child’s bed; please let us know when booking if bedding will be required.

The covered outdoor kitchen is equipped with a two-burner gas hob, microwave, barbecue, full-size fridge, kettle, four-slice toaster, cookware, crockery and cutlery—everything needed to prepare and enjoy meals during your stay.

The bathroom is finished to a high standard and has a beautiful, private outlook into the surrounding bush.

Set well apart from our main house, the retreat feels peaceful and private, with views across native bush, mature shrubs and olive trees. Birdlife is abundant, and the spacious deck makes the most of the tranquil rural setting.

Guests are welcome to explore the private tracks we have created through the property’s native bush. A reasonably well-defined path leads to the river in just a couple of minutes, while the wider network offers a peaceful 15–20-minute bush walk without leaving the property.

Guest access
Drive down our driveway and follow it to the left around the turning circle. You can park directly in front of the studio. Our main house is approximately 50 metres away.

Other things to note
We have two very friendly dogs, Mollie and Charlie, who may pay you a visit during your stay. Friendly, well-socialised dogs are welcome too. Please include all pets in your booking and contact us before booking if you plan to bring more than two dogs.

The retreat has an indoor–outdoor layout designed primarily for relaxed, warm-weather stays. Access between the sleeping pod, covered kitchen and bathroom is via the deck, so guests who prefer completely enclosed facilities may find the setup less comfortable during prolonged wet or cold weather. Please review the photographs to make sure this style of accommodation suits you.

Although the upper deck has a balustrade, the lower end has an unfenced drop and may not be suitable for toddlers or young children who like to explore.