21-23.1.2012 Mike, Suzanne, Basil, Switzerland and Tobias, Christchurch.

We really had a great time in this beautiful area.  Your B&B is a beautiful place to relax and explore the exciting West Coast of Auckland.  Thank you lots for our great stay.  It will always be in our memory!  We would love to be back one day.

10-13.1.2012   Paul and Emma, Matamata

We’ve had a wonderful 3 night stay here- a perfect stay to married life.  We couldn’t have wished for a nicer place (and Hosts) to spend our honeymoon.  Many thanks for your hospitality and generosity!

9.1.2012 Christina and Ben, Auckland

Absolutely beautiful place to stay.  We had a gorgeous relaxing romantic time away from home and children...only wish we could have made it 3 nightsJ  Definitely coming back.  Such a perfect escape from life in town.  10/10 for accommodation, facilities, the breakfast and afternoon tea and the location.  You have both done a magnificent job on this apartment from ceiling to floor.  Thank you for leaving us to ourselves too!  Warm regards.

29 12.2011-9.2.2012 Greg and Sue, Auckland

Thanks for a lovely stay.  We had a very restful stay in between our visits to the Karanga Camp.

23-27.12.2011 Simone and Caroline, Auckland.

The bach is gorgeous and so quiet.  The views fabulous over the black dunes and on to the sea- a lovely spot.  Thank you for the loan of the Christmas tree, for the delicious Christmas cake and beautiful hand-crafted (flax)flowers.  We feel guilty not being able to consume all the lovely food supplied.  Lyn and Alan, you are great Hosts.  All the very best for 2012.

9-12.12.2011 Aimee and Scott, Takapuna, Auckland.

Thanks so much for a wonderful stay!  It was an awesome way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.  We had a wonderful time and especially loved the burgers at Jims.  (Jim;s cafe, open fri and weekends summer only)

3.12.2011 Jeremy and Tabitha, Auckland

Jeremy (my new husband) and I would like to say a big thank you for all of the nice little extra details you added for our wedding night.  Not only was the accommodation beautiful with gorgeous views but the fact that you assisted my best friend when her dress broke was fantastic.

I still can’t get the smell of those beautiful roses around the cottage out of my head and it was nice to wake up in the morning to have my car moved underneath the house which stopped us from bearing the rain on Sunday. Have a great day!

27.11.2011 Andrea, Whangarei, New Zealand, and Diane Adams, Perth, Australia

Bush Sand and Sea is very handy to the Bethells Beach.  Stunning setting, jaw dropping views, peaceful.  Loved the freshly baked bread, freshly squeezed juice and home made Christmas cake.  Beautiful roses grown here.  Bed was extremely comfortable. Lots of food,  Thanks.

18-21.11.2011 Rosemary  and Dave Lind QSM

An exceptional experience.  Two warm, natural hosts giving us the benefits of their careful attention to’ detail.  Lovely setting, beautiful scenery.  Breakfast food  to die for.  The facilities are all top class.  Thank you both so much.

13.11.2011 Piet and Beka, Mt.Maunganui

Salubrious!!!

30.10-3.11.2011 Cameron and Kirsten, Mt.Maunganui, NZ

"What an amazing place!  We had a great time here, and want to express our deep gratitude for your hospitality, and for agreeing to witness our wedding!  Thank you so much."

29.10.2011 Gareth and Anna, Auckland

What a fantastic place to retreat to after a full-on wedding!  Thanks so much, Lyn, for making us feel so welcome and being so amazingly accommodating- you were definitely one id the highlights of our wedding.  Thanks so much.

9-11.4.11 Jean and Alden, Fort Wayne, United States of America

Thank you for your outstanding hospitality!  The walk home from the beach was heavenly, as the sweet smells of the bush and the soft black sand surrounding area.  I will always cherish the conversation with Alan, Jenny and yourself at dinner, most sincerely, Jean.

 6-8.4.2011 Eva Johansson and Martin Sharman, Brussels, Belgium

Martin- It’s very, very hard to write this-not just because it’s goodbye to this lovely place and two wonderful people, but because it seems as if we’ve hardly been here a minute and it’s much too soon to be writing in this book.  And yet in that short minute we’ve done and seen so much.  From interesting discussions over a glass of wine to acrobatic climbing up hillsides and down waterfalls.  You have been the perfect hosts.  For my part, I can’t tell you how much I admire your pioneering energy and vision, creative imagination and respect and love of your country, its geology and its fauna and flora.

 Eva- from the minute we saw your website, we knew this was the place to come for our last nights in New Zealand, but we never imagined how enjoyable it would be!  Thank you, thank you for your warm welcome and generous, heartfelt hospitality!  We came as Guests and we leave as friend.  One thing though, we were so busy tramping around that we never got around to using the spa!!  That’ll have to wait for next timeJ

 20-22.3.2011 and 3-5.4.2011 from “Pump Engineer” Lee Fook Sin, wife Helen, Singapore ( eldest and retiring brother of Margaret).

Dear Lyn, I love the balcony outside the bedroom.  From there, there is serenity all around wit the foliage, meadows, hills, birds and insects.  But in the distance, you can see the roaring waves slaping on the beach, Bethells Beach.  You don’t hear, but you could feel the tiny rush in yourself.  What a great view.  Above all, you make this place greater with your friendliness and hospitality.  Thanks a lot.  Great! Great! Great!

 3-5.4.2011 Margaret and family, Singapore,( returning Guest at end of NZ tour with siblings)

Thanks Lyn for the generous discount, if not, I wouldn’t have discovered this wonderful place of yours, and I would definitely have regretted it.  Everything here is beyond words to describe.  Thanks again, will hope to return next time with my children

 1-3.4.2011 Nick and Laura, Sydney, Australia

What amazing hospitality, all the little things really make a difference and thank you for making us feel so welcome.  The accommodation and surrounding area is beautiful and we will be sure to pass this little gem on to our friends and family!!!

 1-3.4.2011 Kevin and Sue, Aucklamd

Dear Lyn and Alan, Thank you for this lovely gentle place-your generous hospitality and kindness.  We a needed a restful and revitalising couple of days and have had that and more!  We will be back.  Arohanui.

 20-22.3.2011 Margaret and Alvin, Singapore

Thanks Lyn for the great hospitality, bush walk, lovely house (home away from home), the glow worms, simply wonderful, the whole surrounding area!

 20.3.2011 Paul and Nicky. Warkworth, New Zealand

Thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality.  We had a lovely relaxing holiday.  God bless

 15.3.2011 Bjorn and Libby, Auckland, NZ

Woke up, the day after our wedding to beautiful sun, view and stillness.  A much needed and appreciated restful start. The breakfast was amazing, Lyn!  You are a beautiful host.  We will visit again some day.

 10-12.3.2011 Ryan, Zoe, Olivia and Darcy  Perth, Australia

What an amazing and beautiful place to spend our last few days in New Zealand.  We loved the beautiful wlaks, watching the sunset and listening to the birds and insects. Scones were beautiful and food provisions excellent.  Thank you for the wonderful stay, (and letting us bring the kids).  Olivia thinks that this is the best place we stayed in during our holiday.

 5.3.2011 Tania and Tony, Mt Albert, Auckland

Dear Lyn and Alan, thanks for the lovely mini break away from our other life to celebrate 10 years of marriage.  This place is just what I had in my minds eye (and more).  Will see you again, hopefully soon.

 4.3.2011 Amy and Troy, Onehunga, Auckland.

Thanks for a relaxing break, was nice to get out of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet.

 Feb 16, 2011 "Relax and unwind in a fantastic natural place"  Jodi HunterExcellent service and nothing was too much trouble. All the little touches had been thought about to make the stay in such a beautiful environment a delight. Somewhere to come to where simple times and bush, sand and sea is what you desire. We will be returning...

16-21.2.2011 Gerry and Jen, Australia.

Thank you for making us feel most welcome.  Your B&B is a paradise and we truly feel relaxed.  It is the perfect place for a holiday.  We really enjoyed the fresh bread, the nature walk, the recommendations and the spa times.  Hopefully we can come back one day. ps. your scones are amazing!

28-30/1/2011 "Peaceful" Waitakere, Auckland.

Lovely peaceful stay, thanks for everything and all the special touches."

21-23/1/2011 Michelle and Graham, Auckland.

Thank you for your hospitality, all the special little touches.  What a beautiful place to spend our 29^th anniversary, so peaceful and calming.  Unfortunately the weather did its best to disrupt our stay-but what better place to be stuck in a storm!  Thank you.

Jan 19, 2011 "Peaceful Getaway" Azeem Haqqani and Tabassu Zareen.,Invercargill, NZ.

Dear Lyn and Alan, We are grateful for the opportunity to live in this beautiful heaven for a few days. Everything about this place and how you are managing it is of the highest quality. Your delightful company, especially on the walk in the bush was great. We would love to come back again hopefully for a

longer stay. Lots of love.

16/1/2011 "Romantic Getaway"  Craig and Sera, Cockle Bay, Auckland.

What an amazing little secret you have here. We have had a wonderful stay. I wish it was a little bit longer. All the special touches were much appreciated. We leave engaged to be married and very happy. Thank you.

15/1/2011 Leisa and Andy, Auckland.

What an amazing place. We switched off as soon as we

arrived. Just beautiful. Thank you Lyn and alan for your wonderful

hospitality and the lovely food. We wish we were staying longer but

we will be back.

Jan 14, 2011 "Best place to stay to explore nature and Auckland" Hans and Liesbeth, Holland.

What a joy it was to spend a few days in this beautiful house. We

loved the bush walk by night as well as by daytime! So lucky we found

you on the internet. Your website looked very tempting and so it is in

reality! Thank you for your kindness Lyn, and all the lovely goodies

you gave us. All the best for the future.

Jan 9, 2011 "Hidden West Coast Gem" s01ipsist

Plush self-contained accommodation nestled in the native bush of the

Waitakere's.

Gorgeous sea views, especially at sunset! It's a short drive to the

beach but you might be happy relaxing right here, soaking in the spa

or going on the private bush walk - which even has glow worms at

night. The owners are very friendly and provide a fresh home-baked

loaf of bread on your doorstep in the morning to go with the bacon and

eggs.

It's a great spot for doing the Muriwai-Bethell's walkway which is one

of my favourite coastal walks, the owners can arrange transport so you

only have to walk one way.

The unit is only a few years old and all the amenities are brand new.

A wonderful hidden gem on Auckland's West Coast.

Jan 6, 2011 "Loved it!" Anark21 United Kingdom

We stayed here at the end of October, for the first 4 nights of our 6+ weeks in New Zealand and just loved being "out in the bush". The apartment is huge with large areas of decking and lovely views down to distant Bethells Beach. It was the best equipped B&B; during our holiday- full kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, free wi-fi, flat screen TV, DVD, i-pod docking station etc etc etc and even had access to a spa. A great breakfast is provided for you and is very, very generous.

Loved the freshly baked loaf of bread left for us in the morning.

Friendly hosts who just want you to relax and enjoy your stay. A special place - thank you Lyn for being such a generous, friendly and helpful host. When we next come back to NZ & Auckland - I know where we will be staying...An absolute gem!

24-29.12.2010 Jeremy, Nell and Chance, Sydney, Australia.

Dear Lyn and Alan, a simply wonderful place with everything we could have wished for and more-thank you for the smaller touches like the present for Chancie.  He leaves with a new word, “Tui”.  We will try to return one day-enjoy the passionfruit and Grand MARNIER SAUCE.  Anon.

12.12.2010 From Ken and Barbie (Ngaire)

Once again a wonderful relaxing weekend away and as always a truly magical time.  Merry Christmas and may we see you both in the New year.

28.11.2010 Ang and Sam, Auckland.

Thanks for a relaxing break, an escape from the city, a peaceful spot where it is so easy to unwind.  See you soon.

15.11.2010 Annie and Mark, Buckinghamshire, UK.

Thank you for letting us share your fabulous home.  We have really enjoyed our brief stay and wish we could linger longer!  The accommodation is wonderful, food fantastic and views to die for.  We will definitely recommend to all friends and family.  Thank you.

6.11.2010 Kylie and Roger, Auckland.

We said we would return, we have and much sooner than expected!  This time we ran in the Speights West Coaster Run: Roger the 21km and Kylie the 10km which was very demanding but a great achievement.  Once again the spa eased our weary limbs and the peaceful tranquility of this amazing spot made for a memorable and peaceful weekend.  Thanks again to Lyn and Alan for a perfect stay.

28-30.10.2010 Joao and Kathy, Auckland.

Sweet retreat!  A place to reflect on the positive and recharge.  What wonderful Hosts and fabulous eye candy everywhere!

23-26.10.2010 Jonathon and Allison, Sussex, England.

Our first few days in NZ and how we have been spoilt.  Beautiful surroundings, great accommodation and so many delightful treats.  Most of all though, a very big thank you, Lyn and Alan, for being such delightful hosts.

18.10.2010 Elizabeth and Don, Mt Eden, Auckland.

We’ve had a lovely three day in this bushy retreat. We’ve come to know a lot more about the Bethells area.  The Unit is very cosy and the food delicious.  We’ve especially appreciated your friendliness.  Sheila’s Track is great.  Thank you so much.

8-11.10.2010 Kelly and Shaun.

Lyn, this was the perfect place for me to hang out with the girls before our wedding day, and then to share the same memories of the place with my new husband after the wedding.  Thanks for your kind hospitality and making sure we were well cared for.  We will definitely return.  Thanks

“What a beautiful and easy walk through a well preserved piece of New Zealand's lowland forest! A big thanks to The Happys for making their beautiful property accessible for visiting nature lovers!”

Dr. Alexander.H, International Forest Consultant, Germany

“Thank you for your warm hospitality. We had a wonderful stay in this lovely location. We will return soon!”

Mr and Mrs.M, Just Married, UK

“Beautiful spot.  A real gem.  Thanks for being so welcoming.”

Dave, Auckland NZ

“Thank you so much, what a pleasure staying in such a wonderful place.”

Sean.J, Auckland NZ

“Enjoyed our stay and listening to the early morning birds. Very relaxing and excellent hospitality.”

Adrian and Robyn.R, Auckland NZ

“Thanks Lyn and Alan for sharing your piece of paradise.  The peace, privacy, bush and views made for a truly special retreat. You have succeeded in creating wonderful accommodation that, despite all the mod cons, gets you close to nature.  The bush walk and glow worms are highlights.  Highly recommended for a true getaway, just don't tell too many people.”

- Richard T, Auckland NZ

“Wonderful hospitality. Thanks for your warm welcome. The view is awesome and so wonderful to wake up to the sounds of the bush.  A restful retreat, thanks so much." 

-  Ken and Anne, Blenheim NZ

“Thank you for such a relaxing and peaceful time in your beautiful lodge. 

Your kindness and hospitality is very much appreciated. 

Best wishes.”

- Craig and Sue, Warkworth NZ

“Well appointed, splendid isolation, don’t undervalue or downgrade at all. Thanks.”

- Melbourne Australia

“Thank you so much for letting us stay at your beautiful hideaway :)

The walk down to the glow-worms was MAGNIFICENT!!!." 

- Jan, Greg and Sophie, Titirangi, Auckland N

“Thank you for wonderful stay.  Your hospitality goes way beyond the course of duty.  The accommodation is excellent-very well appointed and all the mod cons are in supurb condition.  Very comfy bed too!  Thank you- we will highly recommend this to friends..”

- Catherine, Ger and Ash, Orewa NZ

“Thank you so much for your warm hospitality.  We love your beautiful home!  We love the fresh vegetables that you provided for our dinner and the fresh bread was yummy!!  We will be back! :}.”

- Vanmany and Eli, California USA

“Tenei te mihi ki a korua mo to whare a ataahua!!! Tino ataahua." 

- Shane and Sione, Ponsonby, Auckland NZ

“Just what we needed!  Stunning location, beautiful home.  Décor.  Pathway to the door, window frames very tastefully done.  Splendid hospitality that exceeded expectation.  What a find.  We’ll be back!  Thank you." 

- J James and Paula, Waipu Cove, Northland NZ