The Beach House, Kawau Island - New Zealand
By Sue Leitch
Our winter marks the beginning of summertime in New Zealand …and with Auckland being the main arrival point, what better way to begin your holiday than by jumping on an awaiting seaplane for a scenic 30 minute flight to little known and unspoiled Kawau Island. Kawau island is just 8 kilometres off the coast and one of the larger islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf, home to Kawau Beach House , an exciting new addition to grace these pristine shores. The 11 guest rooms range from Oceanside through to two Bush Cottage Rooms nestled on the hill. The guest areas open on to expansive decks on the edge of the beach, framed by an historic Pohutukawa tree – New Zealand’s iconic Christmas Tree! whose striking crimson flowers come into bloom each December, in perfect time for the festive season.
A 4 night stay in a sea view room costs from £525 per person on a bed & breakfast basis – and breakfast doesn’t just mean continental, it is gourmet style, sourced from fresh local produce, served indoors or out. (Picnic lunches can be arranged and the chef creates 2 or 3 course a la carte dinners). Blow the budget and opt for the seaplane arrival for an extra £395 per person ….then take the locals route back via water taxi ferry to the small town of Sandspit, from where it’s an hour’s drive back to Auckland. Stop for lunch at Brick Bay winery in Matakana on the way and do their unique Sculpture Trail! Flights to New Zealand in early December cost from around £1100 (this is based on the cheapest currently – Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur)