One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Barbecue
Fenced yard
Fireplace
Explore the area
South Head (Kaipara), Auckland
Shelly Beach
Place, Shelly Beach
18 min drive
Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve
Place, Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve
29 min drive
Parakai Springs
Place, Parakai Springs
31 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
double bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
double bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Extra mattress
1 Double Futon
master bedroom
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge
Visit South Head, Auckland's best kept secret. Just over an hour west of Auckland, is the SOUTH HEAD sand duned-peninsula, bound by the Kaipara Harbour on the east and to the west is the Tasman sea's wild Rangitira ocean beach that stretches for miles. 2.5 kms from the beach is the eco-friendly barn accommodation, nestled between Tea Tree and the swimming ponds. The lodge is a converted barn, now with more in the means of fine art than of shearing sheep. It has a huge barn door that provides open living for sunny days and warmth on cooler times. The view with the door open is subtropical plants, ponds, a stream, alpacas and is ever changing. The barn location provides a tranquil environment with the sounds of bird life as they visit the ponds.
All the power on the property is generated from the solar panels and a windmill. The barn has a coal range for cooking and heating, a warm fire in the evening. Traditional flush water toilet. The generous sized bath uses pure rainwater. Feed the alpacas carrots/nuts and the huge grass carp, bread and grass. Take the time to float in the ponds, it's a great attraction in the summer months, very relaxing. Visit a beautiful hidden lake 1km from barn or investigate large Lake Kereta, next door. The ocean is a 3km walk from the barn, Start walk at edge of Lake Kereta (South side),follow fence line to the Forestry road, cross the road and along (approx 20m?) and see adjoining track through bush, and pines to the beach Take a picnic to the sea and enjoy being in sand dunes there are no prickly weeds, so you can enjoy the benefits of being barefoot if you wish. A walk to the windmill on the top of the hill gives astounding views of sea and on special days sunset. The barbecue area is undercover with room to enjoy outdoor eating whilst looking at the view of the ponds. Special conditions: CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AROUND PONDS, FEED FISH ONLY GRASS AND BREAD. When swimming try not to have sunscreen make contact with the water, it can affect water quality for fish.
Pets by negotiation. The property does not have cell phone coverage. Bookings can only be made through the website. No freezer, small fridge, no washing machine. Limited power. Payment has to be made according to the TandC This is a farm - there may sometimes be noise, mess or smells. Extras: cleaning (Optional, NZ$25.00 per night)
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
South Head
Located in South Head, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools and Tree Adventures are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kaipara Harbour and Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve. Parakai Aquatic Park and Parakai Springs are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve - 29 min drive - 24.5 km
Parakai Springs - 31 min drive - 24.8 km
Palm Springs Geothermal Pools - 31 min drive - 24.8 km
Parakai Aquatic Park - 31 min drive - 24.8 km
Restaurants
MacNuts Cafe & Shop - Macadamia - 10 min drive
Shelly Beach Cafe - 9 min drive
Moana Omana - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
As of 21 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge on 3 Oct 2026 start from AU$493, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 5.6 mi (9 km) from Kaipara Harbour and 12.4 mi (20 km) from Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools and Parakai Aquatic Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Susan the host was there to greet us and show us around on arrival, she was very helpful, doing all she could to ensure we enjoyed our stay. The barn was very rustic but comfortable. Had everything we needed for our stay. Bonus of Alpacas to feed and geese to watch in the paddock. Short drive to a local lake where we enjoyed paddle boarding. We had an enjoyable 4 night stay, thank you!
We had a lovely stay in the barn - plenty to see around the property to keep entertained and relaxed. Kids enjoyed using the dingee in the pond and being able to take our dogs was a bonus.
We loved staying here with a fire to warm us and a pond to row on and alpaca to look at - the kids were stoked. Very comfy beds and a nice set up. The host was helpful and we had a nice stay. Would love to try swimming in the pond in summer!
That is extremely kind of you! considering the weather. The road is being fixed tomorrow and solar next week, thanks for everyones patience over the worst weather EVER!
This basic but charming converted barn is off the grid and provided us with a great opportunity to unwind.
Susan is a lovely host. We enjoyed the relaxed setting and, of course, the alpacas.
Steffi S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jan 2023
Thanks Steffi for staying, pleased you had a good time, cheers
This was my 4th visit (and this is coming from someone who tries not to stay in the same place more than once). I just find so much peace and tranquility here. Thanks Susan, no doubt we’ll be back again
Susan was a gracious host and very welcoming! The barn was cute and warm, it had almost everything we needed. We were told that a gas barbecue was available however it was an old coal one, that had very little coal to use, but we managed to adapt our meal plan to use the stove! Overall a great stay
Zoe P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan 2025
Thankyou for staying, it was fun to see you enjoying the boat, sorry about the barbecue, it 's legs have been repaired so it looks a bit better now, thanks again for staying and leaving it clean, cheers and Happy New Year Susan
We had a great weekend off the grid and without reception away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland life. The barn was perfect for us, warming the space as we gathered around for dinner and drinks.
We loved exploring the trails our to the beach and over to mosquito bay and saying hello to the alpacas first thing in the morning. Highly recommended!
Definitely suit people looking for something different i.e. an awesome concept, that has a very retro feel.
A great place for ‘isolation’, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to the tranquility of greenery, wild life and free from ‘Wi-fi!
It’s such a special place. Had a relaxibg weekend away for 3 adult couples and a dog.
Very helpful pre arrival contact with Suzanne which set us up well.
Lovely lazy weekend walking at Lake Kereta, reading at the swimming ponds and taking the rowboat out.
The barn is exactly as pictured, cosy, unique and bohemian with a wood fired bbq.
Would recommend the bush track to the beach as a circular walk with the lake track on the way back.
I’d go back anytime. We all loved it.
A true way to relaxation. Wifi rehab. A place to make memories, to read a book in front of the fire and listen to the rain on the roof. Unwind, walk amongst nature. Admire the alpacas. Play a board game. Was a great weekend to spend in great company. Also the host was very flexible and accommodating with some last minute changes to our group, very helpful!
Adrienne G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2022
Thanks to all of you! it was a pleasure to have you all visit, cheers
The perfect off-the-grid return-to-nature stay for our family
This property is breathtaking. Outside the hustle and bustle of everything, this quiet little farm has a lake with fish you can even boat on, alpaca, bunnies, dogs, ducks, etc. Our city kids enjoyed getting lost in nature. This was just what we wanted. It might not be the right fit for everyone - there’s no wifi or cell service (and no TV, microwave, etc) - and the converted barn is very rustic, but this was what we were looking for on the last leg of our NZ adventure and it was perfect for us. Lovely host.
Our expectations of the property were not met. Photos were not correct we thought we had a coal range, but only had gas rings to cook on with a very tired fireplace. The beds very uncomfortable, spring’s digging into us hence soften it with blankets on top of mattress. We listened to rats in the ceiling at night.
Bathroom very tired and new cutlery would go a miss. We felt it was extremely over priced for what it was. We left one night early.
Wendy O.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May 2024
Sorry Wendy for such a disappointing response to the barn, yes it is rustic and hidden in the bush, but I have taken notice of yoour concerns, even though the mattresses are reasonably new your one was pput on upside down for some reason, my apologies. the wood burner is also quite new as noticed by the glass door, it is great for boiling water, stews etcbut also 4 gas hobs are in good working order. We do have rats and possume at night, sorry again if they kept you awake. I have special nature a24 traps on all corners of the barn, but they must be bored with peanut butter and wanted what. you had inside, Autumn is a difficult time for rats and mice,
About the host
Hosted by Susan Wilson
What makes this property unique
Enjoy meeting the 20 alpacas and a resident lama, Bandit, who roams free, jumping deer fences!