Entire home

The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge

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Photo gallery for The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge

Aerial view
Fireplace, books
Exterior
Lobby
Interior

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
South Head (Kaipara), Auckland Region
  • Orewa Beach
  • Shelly Beach
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Parakai Springs
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

South Head

On lake.Stay at this South Head vacation home and you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Shelly Beach and Kaipara Harbour. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools and Parakai Aquatic Park are within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Shelly Beach - 16 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Parakai Springs - 28 min drive - 24.8 km
  • The Hunting Lodge Winery - 43 min drive - 41.0 km
  • Snowplanet - 59 min drive - 61.4 km
  • Muriwai Beach - 64 min drive - 49.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Shelly Beach Store - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Macnut Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Moana Omana - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Macnut Macadamias - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Nuts About New Zealand - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge

Visit South Head, Auckland's best kept secret.
Just over an hour west of Auckland, is the SOUTH HEAD sand duned-peninsula, bound by the Kaipara Harbour on the east and to the west is the Tasman sea's wild Rangitira ocean beach that stretches for miles. 2.5 kms from the beach is the eco-friendly barn accommodation, nestled between Tea Tree and the swimming ponds.
The lodge is a converted barn, now with more in the means of fine art than of shearing sheep.
It has a huge barn door that provides open living for sunny days and warmth on cooler times. The view with the door open is subtropical plants, ponds, a stream, alpacas and is ever changing.
The barn location provides a tranquil environment with the sounds of bird life as they visit the ponds.

All the power on the property is generated from the solar panels and a windmill.
The barn has a coal range for cooking and heating, a warm fire in the evening.
Traditional flush water toilet.
The generous sized bath uses pure rainwater.
Feed the alpacas carrots/nuts and the huge grass carp, bread and grass.
Take the time to float in the ponds, it's a great attraction in the summer months, very relaxing.
Visit a beautiful hidden lake 1km from barn or investigate large Lake Kereta, next door.
The ocean is a 3km walk from the barn, Start walk at edge of Lake Kereta (South side),follow fence line to the Forestry road, cross the road and along (approx 20m?) and see adjoining track through bush, and pines to the beach
Take a picnic to the sea and enjoy being in sand dunes there are no prickly weeds, so you can enjoy the benefits of being barefoot if you wish.
A walk to the windmill on the top of the hill gives astounding views of sea and on special days sunset.
The barbecue area is undercover with room to enjoy outdoor eating whilst looking at the view of the ponds.
Special conditions:
CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AROUND PONDS, FEED FISH ONLY GRASS AND BREAD.
When swimming try not to have sunscreen make contact with the water, it can affect water quality for fish.

Pets by negotiation.
The property does not have cell phone coverage.
Bookings can only be made through the website.
No freezer, small fridge, no washing machine.
Limited power.
Payment has to be made according to the TandC
This is a farm - there may sometimes be noise, mess or smells.
Extras: cleaning (Optional, NZ$25.00 per night)

Property manager

Susan Wilson

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: not allowed in the bed room

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: it should be accompanied by parent

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

The Snug and Secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge South Head

The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 71 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 71 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 71 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 71 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Allen X.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Zoe P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Little Barn

Susan was a gracious host and very welcoming! The barn was cute and warm, it had almost everything we needed. We were told that a gas barbecue was available however it was an old coal one, that had very little coal to use, but we managed to adapt our meal plan to use the stove! Overall a great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stuart T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend getaway

2nd time we have visited this property. It's really handy. Works well for our needs. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Wendy O.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Weekend break at Murawai

Our expectations of the property were not met. Photos were not correct we thought we had a coal range, but only had gas rings to cook on with a very tired fireplace. The beds very uncomfortable, spring’s digging into us hence soften it with blankets on top of mattress. We listened to rats in the ceiling at night. Bathroom very tired and new cutlery would go a miss. We felt it was extremely over priced for what it was. We left one night early.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Claire W.

Liked: Cleanliness

nice stay in a quiet place

We had a nice time around the alpacas and the ponds. The fireplace fascinated the kids!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Elizabeth C., Auckland NZ

Perfect retreat

So chill and relaxing! Loved being ‘off grid’!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for an off grid weekend away from Auckland

It’s such a special place. Had a relaxibg weekend away for 3 adult couples and a dog. Very helpful pre arrival contact with Suzanne which set us up well. Lovely lazy weekend walking at Lake Kereta, reading at the swimming ponds and taking the rowboat out. The barn is exactly as pictured, cosy, unique and bohemian with a wood fired bbq. Would recommend the bush track to the beach as a circular walk with the lake track on the way back. I’d go back anytime. We all loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Conrad P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Woodhill wandering

Cool spot, everyting we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

emma p.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved our peaceful stay

We loved staying here with a fire to warm us and a pond to row on and alpaca to look at - the kids were stoked. Very comfy beds and a nice set up. The host was helpful and we had a nice stay. Would love to try swimming in the pond in summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Enjoyed the fire and wood supply comfortable bed. Everything we needed

Everything we required
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kyle B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great fun in the barn

Kids loved being off grid for a few days. The fish were a highlight!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jared E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful spot

Loved our time here, such a beautiful setting. The fireplace and fire pit, the water, the Alpacas. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Liz F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely

Great little get away . Our dog was allowed to stay . Great reconnect family time . Beautiful little spot . Quite magical
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Shar C.

Liked: Cleanliness

We had absolute blast thanks

It was just as advertised and very beautiful
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Tania P.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Wild Weather and hip operations didn't stop us.

We booked our stay in advance of the cyclone Gabbie, and didn't realize how it had hit South Head or Susan. I think she was a bit surprised when I rang on our check in day to say we were running late. When we arrived the barn was a bit neglected as I had to clean a lot of spiders and webs from each room and it was a bit damp....but we lit the fire that Susan (who had recently had a hip opp) had kindly set up and opened the amazing barn door and stepped into our off grid home for the weekend! And that's what we did. Had a fabulous weekend...Rain and all.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate W., NZ

Liked: Cleanliness

Love this place so much!

This was my 4th visit (and this is coming from someone who tries not to stay in the same place more than once). I just find so much peace and tranquility here. Thanks Susan, no doubt we’ll be back again
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Bach

Beautiful property. very cozy stay and our host was lovely, overall a very good experience :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacinta C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Off grid, quirky, pristine beach glam ping experience

Lovely stay. When we drove in along the gravel road, because I had booked months ago, I was worried we would be too far out, as we had our 8 & 10 year old kids. The minute we saw the ‘shed’ I remembered the reason I had booked this place. It was amazing. Curated with love and care, great art and furniture. Lots of frisbee, alpaca’s, walks to the beach and electricity with a fridge to keep the drinks cold. Being that far out away from people but SO CLOSE was quite a luxury . Thirty minutes into Parakai pools (which the kids LOVED) and helensville for dinner or ‘the art of bread’ baked goodies. Dinghy if your kids wanted to paddle the lake………it was amazing. The walk down to the ATV track and then through the woods to the beach was longer than we expected but well worth it. Took us approx 40 minutes to drive back into Auckland the day we left. So nice to be remote and then not having to drive distances with the kids.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeanine W.

Liked: Cleanliness

The perfect off-the-grid return-to-nature stay for our family

This property is breathtaking. Outside the hustle and bustle of everything, this quiet little farm has a lake with fish you can even boat on, alpaca, bunnies, dogs, ducks, etc. Our city kids enjoyed getting lost in nature. This was just what we wanted. It might not be the right fit for everyone - there’s no wifi or cell service (and no TV, microwave, etc) - and the converted barn is very rustic, but this was what we were looking for on the last leg of our NZ adventure and it was perfect for us. Lovely host.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Steffi S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family adventure

This basic but charming converted barn is off the grid and provided us with a great opportunity to unwind. Susan is a lovely host. We enjoyed the relaxed setting and, of course, the alpacas.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Was so nice to be off the grid for a couple of day you have a wonderful place

Was absolutely wonderful being off the grid. Got us thinking outside the box. Made some great memories
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Place to get away from it all

A true way to relaxation. Wifi rehab. A place to make memories, to read a book in front of the fire and listen to the rain on the roof. Unwind, walk amongst nature. Admire the alpacas. Play a board game. Was a great weekend to spend in great company. Also the host was very flexible and accommodating with some last minute changes to our group, very helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alex D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quirky, fun-filled, off the grid getaway

My partner and I booked on short notice for a spontaneous getaway with our dogs- Susan was an amazing host who greeted us on arrival and gave us a detailed run down of the property and activities in the area. She was funny and relaxed which made our stay that much more enjoyable. We fed the fish, said hello to the Alpacas, went to a couple of the local bays, and played the board games on offer. We also got to meet Susan's pups who were both really friendly and placid. Definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting to get away from busy city life for some R&R! We'll be back ☺️
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Matthew R.

Works for Us

Very dog-friendly, quiet, peaceful, eclectically furnished and equipped with the ultimate indoor/outdoor flow, lots of books, board games and art. Stroll through the olive grove, hand-feed the alpacas & ducks.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Numa M.

Liked: Cleanliness

A real escape from the city and technology.

We enjoyed the time away and simple living. Went to the beach which was a long long walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022