TIDE is our guest apartment at our lovingly renovated 1980's era property. now known as The Sea House. The view of the sea is outstanding from your glass fronted balcony. You can fish right out front from the rocks at low tide, or catch the waves practically from your doorstep. It's secluded and quiet, perfect for those who want to spend time together, and take a break from busy lives. If you have always dreamed of sleeping to the sound of the sea, and dining on your own private balcony with an uninterrupted view, this is that place. You have exclusive use when here, as while we have a second guest apartment below, this is available only to you to rent for additional family or friends, otherwise it stays empty. This is a small beach village of around 50 houses with gated access only for owners and their guests. So no crowds, and our location at the end of the private road means very few vehicles pass by. As we are tucked down by the water, it feels like this is your own private world. From here, this perfect sea view may include an occasional boat on its way to catch a fish or two for dinner, orca or dolphins traversing the sheltered waters or a surfer or two out front. Sometimes the sea looks looks like a calm lake, sometimes there are gentle waves rolling in and sometimes there are perfect surfing conditions. The apartments are self-contained and fully equipped with everything you may need and more. A little outdoor pavilion near the sea has a bath big enough for two, and is perfectly positioned for absolute privacy. A third space, The Lounge, has a quirky loft area for an afternoon shady nap, and a music system with our vinyl and CD collections and books to read. You are free to use this space while you are here. In our three eclectic spaces, each has their own art collection and many nods to mid century design. If snorkelling, kayaking or fishing is your thing, it really is just twenty metres from your door to the water. There is only one word. Paradise.

I share my time between my place here, and Whanganui on the lower west coast of the North Island. If I am here when you are, I am next door, if not I can be reached by phone or text. What I love most about guests staying is seeing the look on their faces when they see the view from their deck for the first time.

Tapuawetahi is a small beachfront settlement of around 50 houses and the area is accessible only to owners and guests through a coded gate. A lovely uncrowded sandy swimming beach is just a short walk from SeaHouse, but right out front we have a shingle beach with access to the water The fishing from this spot is rewarding, and there are lovely places to snorkel, kayak or swim. There is a lagoon and an estuary in our area, lots of birdlife to watch and fish to catch. At night it is not unusual to hear the cry of the kiwi. We are a twenty minutes rural drive from Kerikeri and 40 minutes from Paihia, so we suggest exploring the wider Bay of Islands before or after your stay here, as once you settle in, you will be reluctant to leave.