Summary:
Come and experience the beauty of Lower Saddle Views by Tiny Away! The ideal holiday homes NZ retreat located in a rural saddle that offers panoramic views of agriculture and native bush-clad valleys spanning across the east and west. Where you can experience the serene and soothing sounds of nature, breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, and relax under the starry night skies by the hilltop fire pit.
For more sights to see, Wenderholm Regional Park and Mahurangi Regional Park are not far away.
The Space:
Lower Saddle Views by Tiny Away is located in the tranquil neighbourhood of Tahekeroa - North Island New Zealand, just 27 minutes from Puhoi. This tiny house sits on a corner of Sarah and Joe's rural section, near the driveway and away from the main house, with stunning sunrise views to the east and Makarau River Valley views to the west—overlooking a charming brush-covered valley that will take your breath away.
A charming 139-square-foot tiny home situated near Gibbs Farm that showcases unique artwork. Helensville to the West and Puhoi to the East are some of the towns located conveniently close to the property. All with easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities, including a waterless eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste-holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas heated for hot showers) for you to use.
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ retreat here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities like food and water during your stay with us. Thank you!
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny home with a deck, the grassy space to the north, the seating area, and the fire pit signposted up the hill—except for the storage shed, which has restricted access.
Guests are welcome to visit the pigs and poultry, but please check in with your host first. If you are interested, we also have pre-booked activities listed below by prior arrangement with the host 24 hrs before arrival.
- Low Saddle Passive House is the main house and has been featured in several magazine articles, studies and was shortlisted for the Home of the Year 2022 award. Tours are available on request!
The Neighborhood:
Lower Saddle Views by Tiny Away is located in the tranquil neighbourhood of Tahekeroa - North Island New Zealand, just 27 minutes away from Puhoi. A quiet rural community spread out along the Makarau River valley, and from the tiny house a short walk down the gravel road brings you across the train line to the river, with farmland and bush views along the route.
It's one of the best tiny homes in New Zealand where you can explore shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
Our local recommendations:
- Puhoi is located East of the property, which offers kayaking, excellent local pubs, and cafes.
- Gibbs Farm is a sculpture park that houses site-specific artwork commissioned from famous artists.
- Kaukapakapa is a local town that offers a petrol station, a takeaway, and a variety of shops for supplies.
- Omeru Reserve is a popular bushwalking with three waterfalls that takes you to Omeru Falls, Waitangi Falls, and Waitangi Stream Cascade.
- Kaukapakapa Village Market is hosted every Sunday morning, with local crafts, food, and music (currently held in Helensville due to flood damage).
- Kaipara Coast Plant Centre is a popular attraction with 3.5km of garden, sculpture, and forest trails to explore. It is a garden centre with a coffee shop, and an entrance to a Sculpture Walk through mature gardens, with installations that vary regularly.
30-40 minutes drive away:
- Wenderholm Regional Park is a seaside region park north of Auckland, ideal for swimming, hiking, kayaking, and camping.
- Helensville is located west of the property, known for its green pastures, historic architecture, and Parakai thermal springs.
- Mahurangi Regional Park is mostly known for its loop walks, where you can find sheltered bays, native bush, open pastures, and historic sites.
Getting Around:
By car:
From Auckland head north up Highway 1 to the Wainui Road junction, just past Silverdale. Drive approx 10 minutes to Wainui before turning right onto Weranui Road, then take the first left down Haruru Road. After about 5 minutes the road turns to gravel, and after another 10 minutes you’ll pass under a low bridge and get to the Makarau Road/ Tahekeroa Road junction. Turn right and pass over the river, then trainline, and drive approx 5-8 minutes down Tahekeroa Road to number 274 on the right - keep an eye out for the red post box. Up the gravel drive you’ll see the red house, and at the top of the drive you’ll see the tiny house.
Approximately 50 minutes from the north side of the Auckland Harbour Bridge (depending on traffic!)
By public transport:
The closest bus terminal is at Silverdale, however from here Lower Saddle Views isn't accessible by public transport and you will need your own car to get around. There is a local taxi service - Liberty Shuttles, Waitoki, and may be more in Silverdale, however they may not be available.
Other Things to Note:
- No smoking allowed on the property
- All mobile reception signals are weak.
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- We have 2 pigs named Wilma and Tammy who would love a scratch
- Feeding of the animals is not allowed as they follow a regular diet
- We also have 3 young children playing around and will likely say "hello"
- We advise guests to wear appropriate clothing and footwear as the property is situated on a farmland/ working agricultural farm
- Please note that the tiny house sits on a rural section with related risks, such as uneven ground, farm animals, electric fences, material storage, etc.
Important note:
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- Due to the property's rural location, you may encounter inconveniences such as insects during your stay
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilets and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
