features
Hekerua Bay
Oneroa
Palm Beach
Matiatia
Man O'War Bay
Church Bay
Surfdale
Kennedy Point
Rocky Bay
Orapiu
Woodside Bay
road, approximately 15 minutes’ drive
from Oneroa. Boasting amazing views
over the sweeping bay, many a glass
of wine was enjoyed whilst taking in
views of the island’s national parks and
some untouched beaches and nature
reserves. I even got my yoga mat out
and enjoyed some me time, taking
advantage of the peaceful surrounds.
With two young boys to be kept
entertained, the house was in a great
location, merely a stone’s throw from
the family-friendly hiking path down
to Rocky Bay, or a short jaunt down a
windy road to Omina Bay, where there
were plenty of rocks for climbing and
the boys were happy to mess about on
the shore – with not a soul in sight!
The local supermarket,
butchers, and
seafood market were an easy
10-minute drive away, making it easy to
stock up on brekkie, snacks and BBQ
bits for when you fancied a night-in,
chilling out on the house’s main deck.
We also visited the local farmers’
market, held every Saturday morning in
Ostend, buying locally-made tamarind
chutney and cheese, which were all
devoured within the day.
Luckily for us, the house came with
a car, so we were able to investigate all
of the main beaches and some of
the more unknown ones. A
particular highlight
for us
was Onetangi beach, where if you hit
it at the right time when the tide is far
far out, you are presented with over a
kilometre of powdery white sand, and
easy access to the curious little rock
pool trail at the far‑easterly edge, which
takes you round to the adjacent little
cove. But if beach combing is more your
thing, then there’s a plethora
of treasure to be
found in
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