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)
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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
On-site 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
About the area
South Head
Located in South Head, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools and Tree Adventures are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shelly Beach and Kaipara Harbour. Travelling with kids? Consider Parakai Springs and Muriwai Gannet Colony. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.
Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve - 23 min drive - 24.5 km
Parakai Springs - 23 min drive - 24.8 km
Palm Springs Geothermal Pools - 23 min drive - 24.8 km
Parakai Aquatic Park - 23 min drive - 24.8 km
Restaurants
MacNuts Cafe & Shop - Macadamia - 10 min drive
Shelly Beach Cafe - 9 min drive
Moana Omana - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
As of 16 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge on 1 Oct, 2026 start from S$165, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge located?
Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is 7 mi (11.2 km) from Shelly Beach and 8 mi (12.9 km) from Kaipara Harbour. Parakai Springs and Palm Springs Geothermal Pools are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a lovely stay in the barn - plenty to see around the property to keep entertained and relaxed. Kids enjoyed using the dingee in the pond and being able to take our dogs was a bonus.
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!
That is extremely kind of you! considering the weather. The road is being fixed tomorrow and solar next week, thanks for everyones patience over the worst weather EVER!
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.
Steffi S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jan, 2023
Thanks Steffi for staying, pleased you had a good time, cheers
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
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
Zoe P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2025
Thankyou for staying, it was fun to see you enjoying the boat, sorry about the barbecue, it 's legs have been repaired so it looks a bit better now, thanks again for staying and leaving it clean, cheers and Happy New Year Susan
We had a great weekend off the grid and without reception away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland life. The barn was perfect for us, warming the space as we gathered around for dinner and drinks.
We loved exploring the trails our to the beach and over to mosquito bay and saying hello to the alpacas first thing in the morning. Highly recommended!
Definitely suit people looking for something different i.e. an awesome concept, that has a very retro feel.
A great place for ‘isolation’, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to the tranquility of greenery, wild life and free from ‘Wi-fi!
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.
Great place to get away from it all and remind you what life is about. Thank you for sharing your part of NZ paradise with us. Lovely place with a pet-friendly environment with no stress or hassles. The kids are still reminiscing about it at the dinner table weeks later.
Simon V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Mar, 2021
Thank you for that!, I'm so pleased the kids enjoyed themselves without Wifi or TV! cheers
Verified
6/10 Okay
Dawn T.
27 Dec, 2021
Liked: Location
The grounds were very relaxing and peaceful, however the beds were very uncomfortable
Need to replace beds as we cut our trip short due to lumpy creaky beds. 2 nights was enough.Cant get to the lake as advertised as private land and only way of walking to beach from there was through hunting ground, as informed when there by host. The grounds and alpacas were great.
Dawn T.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan, 2022
So sorry about the beds, No one has mentioned it before, I think I know why, I took off the alpaca fluffy layer that sits on top of the mattress keeping the beds warm and dry in winter, but not necessary in summer, You should have mentioned this to me so I could help, maybe put them back?
Thanks for your comments on the grounds
cheers
Susan
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!
Adrienne G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul, 2022
Thanks to all of you! it was a pleasure to have you all visit, cheers
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.
Jeanine W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
About the host
Hosted by Susan Wilson
What makes this property unique
Enjoy meeting the 20 alpacas and a resident lama, Bandit, who roams free, jumping deer fences!