Karaka House, one of New Zealand's landmark properties, is located at Matakana, Warkworth, one hour's drive north of Auckland. This impressive five bedroom home, plus 2 bedroom guest cottage is situated on twelve acres of prime beach front land, offering accommodation for up to a total of between fourteen to sixteen guests. It is set in Native Bush with spectacular views over the sea toward Kawau Island with its own beach below. Imagine a family holiday with children, grandparents and friends, all enjoying it together. You can spend a lot of time on the beach, go fishing and waterskiing and there are fabulous things nearby like the Tawharanui marine reserve, Goat Island, Pakari Beach and some wonderful vineyards. Children love Karaka as they can play outside, explore little rock pools on the point and there are tree houses in the garden along with swings in the giant Pohutakawa trees. Karaka has a Colonial side to it with whitewashed weatherboards and the extensive verandahs, but it also has unusual design details like the nautilus fretwork on the exterior. It is similar to some of the beach areas in the United States- such as Cape Cod. The extended deck was created as an eating area that basks in the late afternoon sun. Karaka was decorated by local artists and craftsmen using local materials, with the visual interest laying in the play of various textures, rough- cut timber, white linen, sisal carpet, and rugs on the polished Rimu floor boards. The furniture was made locally and outside some 2000 native plants were planted to extend the bush right around the house. It looks as if it has been there forever although it is only some 5 years old. The Native bush attracts lots of birds and butterflies, and it is especially lovely when you are sitting up there in the evening with all the birds flying around and the sounds of the sea slapping on the beach- Incredibly relaxing. Karaka is a most calming place with the focal point being the spectacular view through the great big windows and doors - almost like giant pictures. The house comprises two super king size bedrooms, both with fire places, and their own en-suites, one queen size bedroom, and 2 twin single bedrooms, all serviced by two further bathrooms. It offers generous sized entertaining areas all opening up onto extensive verandas which wrap around the house. The sizable kitchen comes complete with all modern appliances including both gas and electricity. There are also four open fireplaces, 2 in the main bedrooms one in the kitchen and a further one in the lounge room. It has an office and separate TV / Library room. The house is totally child friendly with lock-up gates securing the veranda area. The Guest House which is completely self contained and can be accessed by a separate driveway, offers two bedrooms (one Queen and one Twin single) and one bathroom. Another small cottage on the site, that sleeps 7, offers great informal accommodation - suitable for teenagers or staff This up market property is a unique and very private, self-catered holiday home, to be enjoyed by those seeking a large home with total privacy. Once you have experienced Karaka you may be hard pressed to find anything else quite like it.
7 night minimum Dec 20 - Jan 10; 3 night minimum Easter & Anniversary weekends; 2 night minimum all other times;
1 night stay available anytime on Sunday to Wednesday nights,
surcharge to cover cleaning and linen is payable, apply through the office.
1 night stay on Friday & Saturday nights where available, generally within 1 - 2 weeks of arrival only.
Please note, this website calendar is in real-time, and the availability showing is accurate.
