Kotare Country Lodge Birdwatch and Farmstay accommodation New Zealand

Relax on the wide verandah and savour sweeping farmland views, enjoy short, botanical bush or wetland walks, or just sit by the reflection pool. The property is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. Birds to see and hear include the welcome swallow, grey warbler, kookaburra, fantail, kingfisher (kotare), harrier, plover, paradise duck, tui and kereru.

Learn about our NZ native trees. Arrangements can be made to visit a QE2 covenanted totara forest nearby. Say hello to the heifers – but please close the gates behind you.

Race out to the verandah to view the occasional freight train rumbling by.

Seventy minutes north of Auckland. A tranquil base from which to explore historic Warkworth village and the Matakana region, renowned for its arts & crafts, vineyards and fine restaurants – or a stopover on your trip north.

Self catering, with full kitchen, including coffee, tea and some basic supplies. Continental breakfast available. Two bedrooms (one queen, one with two single beds) but can sleep 5. Large lounge/dining room with ranchsliders to wide verandah. Bathroom with shower, separate toilet.

From $100 per night for two people. Bookings essential.

Contact your hosts – Spencer and Carrie Drinkwater, phone/fax 09 427 5517.