OMAIO a maori name meaning "place of peace, quiet and tranquility", is a coastal property of 18 acres on the Takatu peninsula, one hour's drive north of Auckland. Islands, Kawau, Goat, Rabbit and The Bee Hive in Kawau Bay, are viewed from the log cabin. The cabin sits in a NZ native bush setting with the largest of the feature trees being an 800 year old Puriri. While the planting is predominantly native, there is a fusion of other carefully selected plants which suit the setting. Take "Jane's Lane" to the raised vegetable garden shaped like a koru (coiled fern frond), and small orchard situated in a sheltered bush clearing.   The path from this area, lined with arthropodiums and hostas, leads through bush and a stand of Kauri, Rimu, Totara and Pohutakawa to "Johny's Deck" a viewing platform on the water's edge.    Leading from the main garden, paths lead to "Totara Trail", "Kowhai Coast" and "Olioli Way" - easy walking tracks through native bush.

The cabin was built in 1981 as a holiday retreat and development of the garden commenced in June 2006 when we moved to settle permanently.     Morning/afternoon teas and lunches available on request.