With so many beautiful beaches to choose from here are just a few favourites: Matheson Bay is the local beach and what a treasure. Just 10 minutes walk down a stunning waterfall and bush clad boardwalk. Matheson Bay is family friendly, sheltered, sandy and great for swimming or kayaking. Look in the house book for the local’s secret spot!

Or if you fancy something wild and dramatic, Pakiri beach is a vast expanse of white sand, huge dunes and views to take your breath away. Pack a picnic and just start walking – the beach will be all yours in a few minutes with only dolphins and orcas to keep you company.

Head to the famous sandpit that is Omaha beach for something a little gentler and ideal for improving those surfing techniques, stop off at Sculptureum or one of the boutique cafes along the way or collect some fruit from one of the many roads stalls.

For the absolute nature lover, Anchor Bay in Tawharanui Regional Park will have you feeling like you are on a tropical island. With white sand and turquoise waters, bush walks, caves to explore and the occasional dolphin pod to play with, this is the ultimate day out.

‘Eat and drink Matakana’ is well known for being food and wine heaven and with the famous boutique Matakana Village market only 10 minutes down the road, plus the Sunday Matakana Market ensuring local produce is available for even the most reluctant cook to whip up a gourmet meal! Don’t forget to pick up your tray of fresh Matakana Oysters on your way through, or have them waiting on ice for you with a bottle of bubbly (by prior arrangement with the owner).

If bubbles aren’t your tipple then visit one of the many wineries in the area to find your favourite grape. And if that still doesn’t hit the spot then there is the Vintry Wine Bar, Matakana Pub and Smiths Wine Bar to quench your thirst.

If you can tear yourself away from Songbird Retreat the local dining experiences are second to none with favourites being pizza at the Sawmill Café, fine dining at Rothko’s @ Sculptureum, the Stables Restaurant and Smiths Bar, Tapas at the Sawmill Brewery, pre-movie dining at Matakana Market Kitchen and our favourite, Vietnamese takeaway from Viet Q (to list but a few!)

Home to the famous Sawmill Café, the local villagers will have you dancing until the wee hours. Whatever your taste in music, there is something for everyone and with pretty gardens for dining, it’s a favourite choice for a late supper and a jig!

Or if you fancy an afternoon of soulful sounds and tapas, head to the local Smiths Bar and for something a little more lively there are the resident DJ’s at the Matakana Village Pub.

With a boutique village like Matakana, there can only be boutique shops! Shoes, books, clothes, homewares, art, ceramics, flowers and of course a perfect little chocolate shop. For the more discerning shopper, there are eclectic collectable shops dotted around the area for a leisurely browse

Make a day out and travel slightly further afield to Mangawhai or Warkworth for more markets and shopping treasures.

Fore! There is a stunning golf course at Omaha when you fancy a break from the beach or travel further afield for the world class course at Te Arai Mangawhai.

Being surrounded by numerous beaches water activities are abundant, from learning to surf, kayaking, SUPing, kitesurfing, snorkelling and diving, there is a host of water activities for the eager novice or experienced, serious type. With Goat Island Marine Reserve just 5 minutes down the road, explore one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in New Zealand.

If bobbing about on the water is more your thing launch your boat from the local Leigh Harbour slipway for free and explore Little Barrier, Great Barrier or the Mokohinau Islands.

Head over to the prestigious Sandspit Marina and for a small fee you can be on your way to Kawau Island to visit the stunning Mansion House and a spot of lunch at the Kawau Boating Club or for something a little finer make a dining reservation at the Beach House.

Take in a movie at the boutique Matakana Cinemas (remembering to order a glass of wine from the Vintry wine bar), a pottery tour at the famous Morris and James Pottery, an original art collection at the Matakana Art Gallery, a stroll around the delectable Sculpturuem or a walk around the sculpture trail at Brick Bay wines, finishing up with a delicious gourmet lunch and some wine tasting.

The Songbird Cottage house book will list local galleries and places to explore for you to peruse at your own leisure. After all, this is only if you can tear yourselves away from the beauty of Songbird Retreat!!