Amazing Kereru pics taken last weekend by Guests
25 May 2017
A thirsty kereru’s (native wood pigeon) thirst is satisfied. Look at these amazing photos taken by last weekend’s Guests. He had spotted our ruru (owl) photo on our website, (thought it must have been a decal stuck to the window. It wasn’t!) Because of this, he came with his camera charged and ready. I mentioned that many birds are now using the birdbath on the front lawn, in full view from the B’&B’s lounge windows and deck: wax eyes, tui, fantail and kereru. He took many photos, but these are his two best and he very kindly gave us the pics, with his best wishes!
At this time of year, the trees around the B&B are supplying birds with a range of seeds from the native trees. These include lancewood, five fingers, nikau and cabbage trees.
Upgrade of the Second Bed.
25 April 2017
We have just installed a Queen size tilt down wall bed with a super luxurious Sierra 2 mattress, brand “Askobed” . This is a significant ‘upgrade’ for the second couple or third person who will use of the ‘second’ bed in the lounge. The days of Guests using the sofa bed are over, as it’s good bye to the old and in with the new!
The sofa bed had been satisfactory but the improvement has meant our Guests now have the convenience of a real bed, which can be put away into the cabinet without having to re-make it each day. It no longer occupies floorspace during the day, and is easily lowered when they are ready to sleep. Perfect!
We had always felt that the second couple got a second rate deal, and that the couples should ‘choose straws’ to determine who got the bedroom with it’s king size bed. But this is no longer the case and they also have the advantage of a fabulous bush view from their bed. Can’t wait for the Guests to be impressed as much as us!
Cancellations mean we are available in April 2017 after all
27 March 2017
Due to 2 cancellations, Bush Sand and Sea B&B has become available again in April 2017. We would welcome new enquiries and will work hard to tailorise your stay.
Now available this Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January
Due to a late cancellation, we are now available this friday 13 January and Saturday 14 January. Make the most of a summery friday night down at Bethells Beach, enjoy the great food on offer from the Bethells Cafe, plus live music. This Friday its Johnny and the Cashtones. Cancelled if wet.
Plenty of food for native pigeons
16 March 2016
The Kereru, NZ pigeon, are busily feeding on the fruit of the cabbage tree on the rear deck of the B&B. The building was designed to accommodate the tree as a feature of the rear deck. It is currently fruiting, so for a precious 1-3 weeks, at this time of year, the kereru can be spotted right outside the unit on the rear deck. They are so clownish. They are clumsy birds, swoop in gracefully and land with a clatter onto the bush. They will hang upside down, edge along the fruit spikes, trying to reach every ripe berry. They frequently drop off and have to fly up and off, then returm for another try. I think this is such a special time of the year.
They eat fruit from about 70 species of plants but are the Only bird which can swallow whole the fruit of mata, miro, tawa, puriri, taraire and karaka. These seeds can be the size of a 20 cent piece. These forest giants rely on the kereru for their survival as the birds consume the fruit and disperse the then fertilised seed.
I took these pics on monday this week, while cleaning the glass of the bifold doors.
An electric car for Bush Sand and Sea
18.1.2016
We decided to buy an electric car this year, a Nissan Leaf.
We feel so passionate about Climate Change and decided to commit not just words to the cause, but funds to purchase a car. This is a personal commitment to reduce our CO2 emissions.
Something we feel passionate about at Bush Sand and Sea B&B.
It is due any day. Watch this space!
Due to late cancellation
21/1/2016
A late cancellation has meant that we are available for 5 days, January 24-28 2016. Checkout our calendar on the Rates page and be in quick! This has opened a window of opportunity for someone else. Minimum stay is 2 days.
Coming soon: Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’m quite excited. We have been developing a FAQ section to add to our website, designed to answer, (hopefully) all those little questions our Guests have. Over the years, we have noticed both a pattern AND a unique-ness to things Guests would like to know when they are considering coming here. We pride ourselves on trying to ‘personalise’ each stay, as required. So, keep watching! Please send us any feedback on this section when it arrives, especially if you still have questions. Tell us what you want to know to help make your stay more enjoyable. Thank you.
Summer bat walks
Bat Walks, a summer highlight- Discover the mysteries of the rainforest at dusk and the nightlife below the forest canopy on a Waitakere Ranges bat walk this summer. Park ranger Dennis Badan says Cascade Kauri is one of the few places Aucklanders have the opportunity to spot a long-tailed bat.
Bookings are essential – contact the Arataki Visitor Centre on 09 817 0089 or the Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 to book.
Numbers are limited to 25 per walk and book up fast. The cost of the walks is $5 for adults, $2 for children and $12 for a family pass, including two adults and two children.
