"We were delighted to see that Waihi Beach had grown up and there were some excellent cafes and restaurants," says Matthew.
Close enough to Auckland, too, that the couple and children Adriana, Ryan, Alex and Taylor could pop down just for an overnight stay.
"We often would head down on a Saturday after sport and head back Sunday night as the trip was always easy. It rarely, if ever, took longer than 1 hour, 45 minutes from Remuera.
"We used the home as often as we were able, juggling a busy schedule, but in particular long weekends and Christmas."
The house, an award-winning design from Landmark Homes (which built the home in 2012), is single level and made a pleasant change from the stairs of the Hitchs' three-level dwelling in Remuera.
Built on the back of a large native reserve and in front of Shark Bay, the design and layout of the black linear weatherboard exterior and white joinery home made the most of the 180-degree vista out to Mayor Island, Waihi Beach and the Mount. At nights the family could watch the lights come on in Tauranga; on a clear day the kids enjoyed looking out to White Island.
"We have often spent time at some of New Zealand's great lodges (Cape Kidnappers, Blanket Bay, Wharekauhau and Kauri Cliffs) and found that living in this home was like being inside a luxury lodge," says Matthew.
"It is simply stunning at any time of the day and in any weather."
The couple put in the adjoining gas heated pool and hot tub. The 8mx5m pool is fresh water and can be heated in a couple of hours.
"We extended the deck to give us more living space and added a large rumpus for the kids to both play and sleep in the bunks," says Matthew. "We also refitted the garage to accommodate a built-in gym so we had access to all the things we needed from the city."
While the home's design lends itself to entertaining, the Hitchs have used it more for R&R. "But we have entertained our close friends, their kids and families a number of times ... many wines and espressos have been enjoyed on the deck at various times of the day."
Living, formal lounge, master and guest bedroom all open on to decks and the views with bi-folding doors. Double-height windows in the living room let in abundant light and warmth in the winter. "It's a room we spend a lot of time in," says Matthew. "The lounge has the effect of looking over the deck like an infinity edge into the sea which is pretty cool, too."
The house is air-conditioned with a fresh air recirculation system for when no one is home. The property also has a well and water purification system.
It certainly was a great bolt hole for the family when they were living in Auckland but now they are based in Los Angeles - where Matthew, a senior partner at Deloitte, relocated with his firm - the house is on the market.
"We are just not getting enough use of the property save for a couple of weeks a year. Time for someone else to get the enjoyment we have had - either those wanting to retire to a beach location without the hubbub or for those wanting a second home to get away from the city but still have the amenities they expect."
