3 bedrooms - 50 metres from the beach, a 1 minute walk! Only 45-60 mins to drive from Auckland to this Snells Beach holiday home.

Alison's Beach house is 90 m2 on a 600 m2 section, situated in a quiet cul de sac which is so not the city! It faces north, enjoys views and is weill positioned for sun. There's a carport and covered entrance with lighting, if needed, for unpacking/packing the car.

There's plenty of room for children to play at this Snells Beach accommodation, and the house is well equipped for a baby. There are 3 playgrounds within a 2-3 minute walk, and an additional feature of the beach for all to enjoy when the tide is out, is the rock pools at the north end - about 20 mins walk. In addition, the local Mahurangi Village, with a 4 Square store, hire centre, large new Warehouse, dvd hire, cafes, take-aways, etc, is only a 10 minute walk away. And you can refuel the car locally, too.

The interior of Alison's Beach House has recently been refurbished with modern and comfortable furnishings, and most appliances are new; the living area of this one level home is large and open plan, and spills out to the west to the patio, BBQ and deck which, together with the back section, is fully fenced - the fences and gates across the deck and driveway are kiddie safe. The full kitchen is modern with excellent facilities, including dishwasher. The TV, new this year, includes Freeview. There are comfortable cushions on the front, bay window seat where you can sit and enjoy the view, read, or just relax.

The deck faces north-west, and is sheltered from the west and south. This year, a new, larger outdoor umbrella has been provided, which gives extensive shading over the outdoor furniture. The quality BBQ and outdoor furniture (with padded seat covers) provide convenience and comfort - you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the sea, visiting tui, and the view out to the Bay through the Pohutakawa trees while you dine!

There's a contemporary-style Queen bed (mattress on timber frame) and a more traditional-style Queen bed (mattress and base) to choose from. Plus single divan, suitable for a child but also sturdy for an adult; standard single bed, and port-a-cot.

The bathroom, situated close to the 3 double bedrooms has 2 basins, a heated towel rail, wall heater, and shower with strong water pressure (safe for children at 55 degrees). The toilet is in a separate room with another handbasin, and the laundry is separate also.

There is plenty of room for a boat at this Snells Beach holiday home, and there are many bays and beaches in the area where a boat can be launched.

When you stay at this beach house, you can enjoy the facilities close at hand - and/or experience the wonderful attractions just a short distance away!

Regional events/attractions - some examples:

March 10-18 - Art in the Woolshed - art by some of NZ's top artists
web-site: tossi.org.nz/News and Events

There are many wineries in the area. The closest, Brick Bay, is only a 3 minute drive. Discover the sculpture trail and enjoy coffee or wine in the amazing Glass House! Approximately a 5 minute drive further on is the Mahurangi River Winery, where you can get a delicious brunch or lunch. website: matakanawine.com

There are beautiful regional parks nearby, eg: Scandretts (south) and Tawharanui (north) - each a 10-15 minute drive approximately. A forthcoming event at Tawharanui Regional Park is the Art in the Woolshed event 10-18 March.

Other beach and regional locations, such as Omaha, Leigh, Pakiri, Goat Island, and Martins Bay are within a 15 or 30 minute drive, respectively. Each has its own unique attractions, such as a marine reserve glass bottom boat tour, surf, snorkeling, horse riding, swimming, or golf.

At Sandspit, try the Cafe Sandspit right at the water's edge, or catch the ferry and explore Kawau Island!

Drive 10 minutes to enjoy the village of Matakana, stopping for Charlie's Gelato on the way. Experience the farmers market (Saturdays), boutique shopping, cinema, Nosh Food Market, cafes, and nearby Morris and James Pottery where there's a free tour at 11.30 am most days. website: matakanavillage.co.nz

Warkworth, a 5 minute drive away, is a vibrant town with an Information Centre, supermarket, shopping centre, op shops, support services, cafes, and picnic tables by the river.

The museum just south of Warkworth is worth a visit, as is the neighbouring Parry Kauri Park. Pick up a brochure from the museum, and follow the numbers along the easy 15 and 25 minute walks through the Kauri Park.

At historic Puhoi, a little further south, call in at the oldest cottage in NZ for Devonshire tea.

Within a half hour drive south, you can visit Orewa, the Waiwera Hot Pools, Snow Planet, or the Albany Mega Centre.

Experience all this and more on your next retreat to Alison's Beach Ho