Whangarei Heads: Peninsula paradise

Many rooms in the home open to the lush, tropical garden.

Look no further for a taste of the waterfront at its very Kiwi best.

For the past seven years, photographer Diane Stoppard, her husband Jim McLeod and their three daughters have lived in a waterfront hideaway that captures a relaxing Kiwi holiday mood all year round. Hidden among a wonderland of palm trees and tropical gardens, their split-level home is on its own peninsula in McLeod Bay on the shores of Whangarei Heads.

Surrounded by its own private beach, the property nestles below Mt Manaia. Says Diane: "This paradise is an escape from the rigours of work and a great place to be with family and friends." For Diane, it's also a wonderful place from which to run her photographic business, with plenty of distractions should she ever become bored.

The point is at the edge of a channel where snapper swim, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are literally just a cast away. A quick dive into the channel brings up a fat feed of scallops. Then the family can sit back and inhale salty cooking aromas while they barbecue on the deck, watching schools of dolphins or orca go by. It's a great spot for the kids, whatever their age, assures Diane.

Anything but traditional, the home was creatively designed in the 1970s with parents and kids in mind. There are many angles to the roofline and most of the rooms open to the garden through cedar french doors.

The master bedroom and en suite are separated from the three remaining bedrooms and bathroom by a spacious timber kitchen, the dining area and lounge.

An abundant use of natural timber on the floors, walls and in the steeply pitched tongue-and-groove ceilings brings a golden glow when the sun pours inside.

In the kitchen, the floors are tiled, the cupboards feature leadlights and a Stanley woodburning stove is great for a slow-cooked comforting meal in winter. It will also heat the water for as many baths as you want.

The sunken lounge opens through french doors to the deck, the garden and the water's edge beyond. Kwila decks are large enough to accommodate a 10-seater table outside, ideal for family living or entertaining. The sunsets over the water viewed from here are stunning.

You wake to the sound of woodpigeons, bell birds and tui in the trees. Look through the bedroom windows over the bay and you can see what the tide is doing and whether it's worth putting the boat out.

The sandy beach is framed by huge pohutukawa trees and the water allows for safe, sheltered swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. A registered mooring is also available as part of the sale, and Diane and Jim can tell you the whereabouts of the best fishing spots.

There's plenty of extra accommodation. Walk down the garden path and you'll discover the old cottage, now a quaint guest sleepout. Beyond the cottage and out to the point of the peninsula beneath the towering pine trees, with water on three sides, there's a quiet spot to sit and read or cast the fishing line.

THE LOCATION

The property is on the outskirts of McLeod Bay, a 25-minute scenic drive through rolling hills from Whangarei. A popular seaside destination, the bay is renowned for its safe swimming beaches and has a local store, takeaways, cafe, church, community hall and fire station.

Just 12 minutes away, Ocean Beach is a popular surf beach and a destination for many families and young people. The other bays nearby are all worth a visit, including Reotahi, Little Munro Bay, Taurikura, Smugglers Cove and Urquhart Bay. Taurikura has a great little general store where almost anything can be bought, from basics to gourmet foods and fine wines. Concrete boat ramps are at Urquhart Bay, Reotahi and several other bays.

Fishing is a favourite past-time in the Whangarei Harbour. Many locals have their own special spots for snapper, kahawai and the occasional kingfish. Scallops, pipi and tuatua are easily gathered from various places.