A peaceful waterside retreat on the river mouth of the Waiuku River, just around the corner from the Manukau Harbour. You've got total serenity only 35-40 minutes from Auckland airport, and an hour to the city (outside peak). In my beautiful home I have two self-contained units, each with private access and exclusive use of 2 rooms, your own bathroom facilities and a well-stocked kitchen. In each lounge is a sofa which folds down to create a second bed (suitable for one adult or two children). Self check-in is via a lockbox and you can come and go privately, via the back of the house. Unlike many properties, I also provide you with a starter pack of basics for a continental breakfast (enough for at least the first day), at no extra charge.

I'm a single professional woman who loves to travel and meet new people. My work keeps me continuously learning new things - I've just retired from a 30+ year career as an international business educator and professional speaker. I'm also a writer. The first eight books are non-fiction and I'm now writing historical fiction. I love the way a well-written story brings history to life. I'm also very involved with my local community. Hobbies: sailing/crewing - in Auckland I race with the Classic Yacht Association. Hike/walk/cycle regularly for fitness. I have very basic French. Have travelled a number of times to France - could live there very easily! Books - can't live without them! - a very wide range of both fiction and non-fiction. Enjoy a very eclectic range of music - jazz, modern vocals such as Dianna Krall, guitar - Mark Knopfler is my hero. Also enjoy a wide range of classical music. Enjoy sharing good wine with friends. Family - any 'spare' minutes are spent with my large family of children and 17 grandchildren. I love hanging out with them and then, peace and quiet when they all leave is equally delicious :-) (They're not here when I have guests!)

A number of guests use this tranquil home to recover from jet lag - my proximity to the airport, yet total serenity of location makes this a wonderful spot to recharge, ready to start your holiday in our beautiful country. The very popular beachside Clarks Beach Golf Course is only a few minutes away. Across the water from my home you see the Awhitu Peninsula. It's a little-known region and well-worth exploring. At the end of the Peninsula is the Manukau Heads lighthouse, with displays telling the story of New Zealand's worst maritime disaster, the wreck of the Orpheus coming over the Manukau Harbour bar in 1863. The Glenbrook Vintage Rail is a popular weekend excursion. On the other side of the Southern Motorway you've got the Hunua Ranges for great hiking, Clevedon Market on Sundays, and within a short drive you're at the East Coast.