History

Waiata Tropical Gardens were originally established by Clement Wragge a visionary but eccentric meteorologist in the early 1900's.  The palm trees and some other lush vegetation still exist on our property which stands on the cliff edge of Little Shoal Bay in Birkenhead on Auckland's North Shore.   

About us

We are a couple in our late fifties with one teenage son still at home.  Judy is part time teacher at a local school and a writer.  Wayne, a civil engineer, is employed full time as a special projects manager for a construction company.  Spencer is in his last year at secondary school.  We have two friendly cats Gus and Sooty. 

Facilities

Our homely bed and breakfast facility caters for one couple without children or a single guest.  The house is on three levels.   We sleep upstairs and have an ensuite. The guest bedroom is on the middle level. There is a double bedroom for guests with a comfortable Queen sized bed.  The room has doors opening out onto decks with a dazzling view over the water and comings and goings of the tide.  Adjacent to this bedroom is a private guest lounge originally part of the old villa, with a quaint tiled fireplace and window seats.   There is a television, small library and tea and coffee making facilities in this sunny room.  The house is centrally heated in the winter. Your own outside entrance is between these two rooms.   Down the hallway is a huge bathroom with a shower and spa bath. The toilet is separate.  The bathroom and toilet facilities are host shared mainly by our son.  The third level has the kitchen, a conservatory and our family lounge room.     

Laundry facilities are available if required.

Broadband Internet access is available on request.

Fresh towels are provided daily. 

Awanui Street is a no exit street leading down to the sea, with scarcely any traffic and we have off street parking if required.

Breakfast

Self service continental breakfast is available, with fruit juice, cereal and fresh fruit; bread/croissants from the local bakery and home made jam.  You might choose to eat in the guest lounge or breakfast out on the large decks below to take in the birdsong and peaceful ambiance. There is a microwave and toaster in the guest lounge for your convenience.   You can choose to get up at your leisure and plan your day accordingly.  You will be provided with a house key and alarm code if I am teaching.

A fully cooked breakfast is available in the weekends.  

Check out time can be flexible depending on your needs. We want you to feel relaxed and at home. 

Ferry

We are a five minute walk to the Birkenhead wharf.  The ferry to the CBD takes approximately ten minutes. The ferry leaves every half hour on weekday mornings and hourly in the early afternoon.

Local Area

Birkenhead Point and the surrounding area are seeped in colonial New Zealand history.

There are many charming older houses and at almost every turn in the road, picturesque views of sparkling water, sailboats, the harbour bridge, sky tower and the city.  Highbury a bustling shopping centre is a ten minute walk from Awanui Street up hill. You might need the exercise if you decide to dine out at the many fine traditional or ethnic restaurants along Hinemoa Street .   Highbury has a wide selection of shops, boutiques, art studios and restaurants.  There is a small mall with a supermarket. 

For those who love films, Bridgeway cinema at Northcote is a five minute drive.

Things to do at our place

Walking

Le Roy's bush is a delightful reserve which meanders through native trees and ferns with entrances at busy Onewa Road , Hinemoa Street and Little Shoal Bay.  It is hard to believe you are in the middle of the city as you negotiate the boardwalk around the wetlands, listening to the melodic calls of our native birds and laughing at the antics of the curious pukeko. You can also walk around to the iconic Chelsea Sugar Works Factory.

Swimming and beach combing

In summer we swim an hour each side of the full tide, entering the water at the bottom of our garden or at the steps at the end of Awanui Street.  Beach shoes are provided to guard against cuts from rock oysters.  

Relaxing

Our decks overlook palm trees, a huge Morton Bay Fig and Little Shoal Bay.

Watch the tuis feed from containers of sugar water.  Enjoy the clumsy flight of the native wood pigeon as it feeds upon the bright red palm berries in the autumn.  Listen to the shining cuckoo as it lulls you to sleep in a deck chair.  These are the only sounds you will hear other than voices occasionally floating across the water.  We face north-east and are very sheltered from the wind. 

Home cooked meals

These are available on request using fresh New Zealand lamb, beef and salmon, locally grown vegetables and washed down with a glass or two of New Zealand wine.  Vegetarians especially catered for.  Approximately $35.00 a head depending on ingredients. 

If you are staying a day or two, simply give Judy notice of your requirements in the morning.   

Room Rates

Room rates:  
$180 per night per couple
$140 per night single

15% discount for a week

How to get here

8 Awanui Street, Birkenhead, Auckland.

Our location can be found using Google Maps or Google Earth, just enter the following address into the search window on Google Earth to guide you to exactly where we are, by entering Awanui Street, Birkenhead 0626, Auckland.  Or use Google Maps Online here and under the "directions" tab type the following:
Awanui Street, Birkenhead 0626, Auckland
This will give you excellent directions and times/mileage. 

You can also visit our map page > here

We are approximately 30-50 minutes from the airport depending on traffic flow.

Taxi fares can differ but Discount Taxis will charge $50 to our door. Their free phone number is 0800 5291000. They will meet you outside Door 9 at the International Airport approximately 5-10 minutes later.

Buy a good map book if you intend to drive in Auckland.

Travel safely. We look forward to meeting you.

Contact us

Home: 09 4192191 (+64 area code for New Zealand)

Judy Mobile: 021 880 409

Email: raymondfamily@xtra.co.nz