Tucked away just outside Kerikeri & the Bay of Islands, Magic Cottages at Takou River are beautiful, luxury retreats on the banks of the picturesque Takou River. The secluded romance of Magic Cottage was voted one of the Top Ten Luxury Lodges in New Zealand.
Serenely paddle down the unspoilt river to the stunning sandy beaches at Takou Bay, or venture upstream to deserted swimming and picnic spots. Enfolded in 150 acres of certified organic pasture, 5 acres of sub tropical gardens, native bush and bird life, glow worms and swimming holes, Takou River is the perfect barefoot retreat. Choose from 7 boutique, self-catering accommodation options, hidden in 5 acres of sub-tropical gardens along the river or tucked away on our 150 acre farm, for a holiday that is as eco-friendly as it is decadent.
For the ultimate barefoot indulgence, browse our luxury packages to relax, rejuvenate, romance and pamper. Featuring cosy wood fires, relaxing spa baths, star-lit alfresco claw-foot baths, pampering spa treatments, riverside massages and our unique hot tub experience, hidden away on the river bank.
Enjoy the flourishing birdlife; wander the beautiful riverbank through pasture and native bush; escape the noise and stress of daily life in the enchanted gardens; borrow a rod and fish or find your own secluded swimming spot in the river; paddle a kayak from the Boathouse to deserted sandy beaches; relax, refresh and romance in your very own private alfresco claw-foot bath – or simply bask in the bliss of doing absolutely nothing.
Featured over the years in magazines, newspapers and online, click below to see our journey for yourself.
Anna & Ian Sizer, your hosts, live with their family high on the hill above Magic Cottages, in a home that is entirely off-grid, powered using a combination of solar and hydro technology, as well as multiple energy conserving techniques. The House takes in breath-taking panoramic views of Takou River and the coastline out to sea at Takou Bay. Their relentless commitment to the environment has seen Ian and Anna plant more than 50,000 native trees with the aim of increasing the biodiversity of the area; fencing their riparian boundaries, creating wetland habitats and instigating noxious weed removal and pest control programmes. The 60-ha Takou River Farm is certified organic with Hereford cattle grazing the organic pastures, alongside stunning native birdlife. Touches of indulgence and whimsy in the claw foot baths, alongside eco-friendly bath products make Magic Cottages at Takou River a romantic escape that it's hard to feel guilty about.
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