Maison de plage Shipwreck Bay, surf et couchers de soleil depuis la terrasse

You're right in the bay, you can't get much closer than this. Quintessential Kiwi beach living on Shipwreck Bay (Te Kōhanga), with the surf off the front lawn.

THE HOUSE
One bedroom with a king bed, plus a single bed in the lounge, so it's set up for two adults and a child or two. Bathroom inside, plus an outdoor bath and shower in the courtyard for rinsing off after the surf, or a soak under the stars.

The kitchen and dining area open through bifolds onto a big, partly covered deck looking straight down the bay. That's where you'll eat, sit and watch the waves roll in. A second balcony runs down to the courtyard with a barbecue, outdoor dining, an open fireplace and a second place to entertain. Gas fire inside for the evenings, WiFi, washing machine and everything you need for simple beach living.

It's a beach place, not a hotel. Comfortable, clean, and set up for people who come here for the ocean. Off-street parking right by the door. Dogs welcome.

THE SURF
The beach is right off the front lawn. You're on it in under a minute without touching your car. If you don't have a board, I'm sure I can find one for you, and there are paddle boards here too. If you've never surfed, this is one of the best places in the country to learn: sand bottom, long gentle lefts, and I'm happy to get you started. If you have surfed, you already know what Shipwrecks is. Peaks, Mukies 1 and 2, Blue House and the Wreck, some of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world, right at the gateway of the property.

YOUR HOST
I've lived here for 20 years. I surf, paddle board, dive for crays and paua, and fish, and I know every spot on this coast. Want the best wave for your level, a feed, or a beach for the kids? Ask me. I'm around most days.

THE AREA
Four or five minutes puts you in Ahipara village: cafe, dairy, bottle shop, gas station, takeaways, horse trekking on the beach, quad bike and blokart hire, and a golf course. Fifteen minutes more and you're in Kaitaia for the supermarket, pharmacies and surf shops. Ninety Mile Beach starts right here at the bay, and Cape Reinga is an easy day trip. But honestly, most people who stay here don't leave the bay much.