When I decided to embark on this journal Series, Piha Hideaways was very high on my list of stays to feature.
The Ozich family have created an idyllic native bush retreat with two tiny cabins (rented separately) tucked into the Waitakere Ranges enroute to Piha. I had previously stayed in the smaller of the two cabins. ‘The snug, at 10sqm, sleeps two and is a great cosy option for a short term stay.
For this feature, I took my 9 year old daughter Tilly to stay with me at ‘The Tiny’… an 18sqm tiny home on wheels, permanently parked amongst the nikau, rimu and ponga, fitted with a covered deck and private outlook to the native bush. The Tiny had all we wanted for our little stay. Two Ladder accessed Queen beds, sat atop a kitchenette at one end and the bathroom at the other. A couch and small table and chairs fitted snuggly in the middle to utilise the small space optimally.
Eleanor, an accomplished cookbook and wellness writer, along with her husband Valentin (owner of menswear label I love Ugly), purchased the two small dwellings, placed them onsite, amongst the trees and have added their skill and style to the Hideaways. The interior of the Tiny is finished in warm, natural tones.
With hanging pot plants, art work and some great reads, Tilly and I felt well settled in the homely little space. The weather closed in on us as the sun went down (often part of the deal in the bush clad ranges). We whipped up an easy picnic style dinner then spent the evening playing cards and reading books before cozying in to the mezzanine bed as raindrops drummed on the tin roof.
Waking to birdsong and the swish of wind through the trees was a welcome change to the traffic noises we are used to at our home. Fresh brewed coffee and Eleanor’s signature homemade granola was the perfect start to the day before Tilly and I ventured out.
Piha beach is just a few minutes drive down hill from the hideaways and was a must-do during our stay. We wandered the black sand and spent some time exploring the rocky outcrops around Lion Rock. I’ve enjoyed many a day at the west coast beach, having lived in Waitakere for some years. But for Tilly (who was just a baby when our family moved out of the area) it was a different world to the less wild, sandy shores of Mt Maunganui that she is now growing up with.
There is something about Auckland’s west coast that I often feel drawn back to. There are endless adventures to be had in this little corner of Aotearoa. With multiple beaches and bays, each have their own personality. My daughter is a sucker for a good nature walk and there is no shortage of those around here too. We shall be back to enjoy Piha Hideaways again for sure…. Next time we may just have to invite the boys too. x Alice Veysey
Find Piha Hideaways via Airbnb