Takou River

Peace and tranquillity epitomise Magic Cottage and Takou River Lodge. Guests enjoy beautifully appointed cottages set in lush sub-tropical gardens on the banks of the Takou River with a wealth of natural beauty, wildlife and activities on hand.

Takou River and the surrounding area are steeped in local history from the first Maori who used the river many centuries ago to the Early Europeans who settled here in 1860. Reminders of that history are still evident - the Monument to the Waka Mataatua sits on the river bank just upstream from the cottages and the stone fireplace from the original European settlers’ Kauri villa has been retained as part of the Summer House – the original villa burning down over 50 years ago.

Wander through the gardens to the river and our private boathouse; take a kayak upstream to the secluded swimming hole or paddle downstream to the deserted beach at Takou Bay where you can surf, swim, hunt for shells, shellfish, surf cast or simply wander along to the secluded bays.

Explore the river bank and discover the Monument to the Maori Waka Mataatua; wander through the organic pastures and native tree plantings and discover hidden picnic spots; drop a line from our private jetty and try your luck fishing; sit quietly and watch the water birds or simply lie back in one of our beautiful alfresco claw foot baths, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Surrounding Area

Magic Cottage and Takou River Lodge are centrally located in New Zealand’s “Winterless North”. Ideally placed to explore the Bay of Islands and the Far North’s attractions, yet positioned away from the hustle and bustle of tourist towns. Kerikeri is a convenient 25 minute drive, while the marine attractions at Paihia, the historic town of Russell and Treaty House at Waitangi are all easily accessible 40 minutes away. Whangaroa Harbour and Matauri Bay are just 25 minutes north.

Spectacular bays and beaches are bordered by unspoilt native bush and rolling countryside. Stunning coastal scenery provides a backdrop for an excellent range of marine activities:

Whangaroa Harbour and Matauri Bay with its stunning views to the Cavalli Islands are both just 25 minutes north. Whangaroa has great opportunities for Big Game Fishing for Marlin and Sea Fishing for Snapper, Kahawai, John Dory, Trevally and more. Nearby, Sea Kayaking trips provide a unique and non-intrusive way of experiencing the coastline and marine life. The Cavalli Islands are beautiful, unspoilt and largely uninhabited. The seabed around the islands forms the final resting place for the Green Peace flagship the Rainbow Warrior. Diving the wreck which sits in 25 metres of water, covered in jewel anemones and myriads of fish, is one of the highlights for any diver visiting New Zealand.

Paihia is the tourist centre of the Bay of Islands and the starting point for a great range of sailing and sea adventures. Swim with Dolphins, take a cruise around the Bay of Islands, or a fast boat out to the Hole in the Rock. For more sedate and peaceful sailing adventures, a day cruise on the Tall Ship R. Tucker Thompson is a unique way to explore the islands. Bare boat or skippered sailing charters are also readily available. For something a little different take a sedate and historic ride along the picturesque Kerikeri Inlet on a gracious wood fired Steam Boat – the SS Eliza Hobson.

For those looking for adventure try a tandem sky dive over the Bay of Islands. A range of scenic flights from the Bay of Islands Airport, just 25 minutes drive provide a more relaxed way to experience the beauty of the Far North’s coastline from the air.

Magic Cottage & Takou River Lodge are perhaps the closest boutique accommodation to the world class Kauri Cliffs Golf Course and offer an excellent base from which to play the areas courses – Kauri Cliffs, Waitangi, Kerikeri to suit your budget and preferences.

Puketi and Omahuta Forest form one of the largest continuous tracts of native forest in Northland and provide a range of walking and tramping opportunities. Perhaps best known for the magnificent Kauri Trees, the forest is an important habitat for a wide range of native plants and animals including the iconic kiwi, kaka and kokako. The forest is an easy 25 minute drive from Takou River.

A wide selection of walking routes can be recommended in the Bay if Islands area, including trips to Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri; longer forays to Haruru Falls via the Waitangi National Trust Mangrove Walk; coastal treks around Cape Brett; to Marsden Cross site of the first Christian Sermon preached by the Rev. Samuel Marsden and on the Islands themselves.

Northland is the historical birthplace of viticulture and wine making in New Zealand. The Rev. Samuel Marsden planted the first vines at Kerikeri in 1819. Northland now boasts 6 wineries, 3 or which - Marsdens Estate, Cottle Hill Winery and Omata Estate are within easy reach of Takou River and provide excellent original cuisine to compliment their wines; great for long lazy lunches or a little more serious wine tasting.

A comprehensive range of contemporary and traditional New Zealand and Maori Art can be viewed at many of the Arts and Crafts Venues in and around Kerikeri.

The Bay of Islands is known not only for its beauty and climate, but also as one of New Zealand’s most significant historic areas. It supported a large Maori population and was a scene of much early contact and conflict. Kororipo Pa the site of a Maori fortified village together with Rewa’s Village a full scale reconstruction of a Maori Village in pre-European times provide an insight into early Maori way of life. Both are set around the beautiful Kerikeri Basin.

The oldest surviving European Stone and Wooden buildings are also found around the Kerikeri Basin. The Stone Store built from 1832-36 and the Kerikeri Mission House or Kemp House built in 1821/22 have been preserved and provide much interest and information on the local early European history.

A visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, House and Visitor Information Centre, the site of the signing of Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of modern day New Zealand are an essential element for anyone interested in the history of New Zealand. Just a 40 minute drive from Takou River, Waitangi is only minutes from Paihia from where the passenger ferries depart for Russell. Possibly New Zealand’s most historic village, Russell has seen much change and had a chequered history. Beautifully situated in a sheltered harbour in the Bay of Islands, Russell has drawn early Maori, explorers, settlers, whalers, sailors and missionaries, not to mention their attendant and often colourful followers! Once described as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”, Russell has seen many conflicts. It is now known for its well preserved colonial architecture, quaint surroundings and beautiful setting.

The historic small town of Mangonui is an easy 45 minute drive north of Takou River. The Polynesian navigator Kupe visited the area in about 900 AD, and Mangonui was known as a safe harbour for whaling vessels by the late 1700s. In 1831 the first European Settler arrived, and by the mid 1800s Mangonui was a centre for whalers and traders with flourishing saw mill and flax industries. Mangonui has a wealth of historic buildings and a well marked Heritage Trail. The Butler Point Whaling Museum is just a 15 minute drive around the coast. The house dates back to the 1840s and houses a fascinating collection of original whaling artefacts.

Venturing further a field, a range of day trips offer guests the opportunity to explore further north to New Zealand’s spectacular 90-mile beach with its miles of pristine sand and dune systems; to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northerly point; across to the beautiful West Coast and Hokianga Harbour and Waipoua Forest and the giant Kauri Tane Mahuta.

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