Honeymoon Venue: Magic Cottages at Takou River
When considering an overseas honeymoon (or even a destination wedding), the venue selection can be rather harrowing with an entire world to consider. As part of our #honeymoonhumpday series, we're going to be bringing you a variety of venue profiles, honeymoon styles and tips every Wednesday to help you narrow your options down to somewhere truly amazing.
Today's venue is Magic Cottages at Takou River, right here in New Zealand.
Located just outside Kerikeri in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Magic Cottages is a beautiful riverside retreat set on the banks of the picturesque Takou River. Voted one of the Top Ten Luxury Lodges in New Zealand, Magic Cottages offers a secluded honeymoon haven, four private cottages, a lodge and a luxury 'Glamping' site among 150 acres of certified organic pasture, native bush and sub-tropical gardens.
Close your eyes and just imaging the indulgence of a private cottage complete with alfresco claw-foot bath, cosy wood fire, pampering spa treatments and delicious gourmet meals all in the privacy and luxury of this hidden locale, just moments from the Bay's sandy beaches.
If you find yourself venturing out of the room, take the opportunity to explore the acreage or borrow one of the lodge's kayaks or canoes to see the location from the water. Just upstream, you'll find the Maori Waka Mataatua monument and downstream, the deserted Takou Bay beach where you can hunt for shellfish or enjoy a romantic picnic.
If you find yourself venturing further, you'll encounter Kerikeri township about 20 minutes from the lodge with all manner of cafes, farmers markets, wineries, contemporary arts and crafts and award winning restuarants on offer. Also around the same distance away, you'll find the beautiful beaches at Matauri Bay, the majestic giant Kauri Forests and the famous ninety-mile beach.
A little further away, you'll find the historic town of Russell, the marine attractions at Paihia and the House at Waitangi. For the avid golfers, you're close to the world class Kauri Cliffs Golf Course or if viticulture is more up your alley, you'll find a plethora of stunning wineries including Marsden Estate and Ake Ake to name a couple.
For the more adventurous, the Twin Coast Cycle Trail offers 84kms of striking scenery including a section of the historic restored steam railway between Kawakawa and Opua or if your preference is to go by foot, there are a number of tracks of various lengths in the area which the lodge can provide maps and guidance to. For something a little extra exciting, opt for a jet boat ride around the islands to the Hole in the Rock, try kite surfing, parasailing or head to Action World to take on the Flying Trapeze, Tarzan Swings, Jousting and Climbing.
Whatever you're looking for for your honeymoon, whether it's a secluded couple's cave hideaway or a chance to explore together, Magic Cottages makes for both your perfect home base and home away from home, all in one.