[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and fireplace ![Beach nearby](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34625700/34625660/66e5d91a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34625700/34625660/w1274h701x6y0-af17a6fa.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34625700/34625660/8fccb1b4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34625700/34625660/c16eb8c8.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34630000/34625700/34625660/w1188h700x0y0-363722c1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location At The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge, you can look forward to a firepit, a garden, and a playground. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like boating and kayaking at this vacation home. 9.0 Wonderful ### Entire home 3 bedrooms1 bathroom ## Popular amenities - Fireplace - Kitchen - Parking available - Barbecue grill - Pet-friendly - Outdoor space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge Visit South Head, Auckland's best kept secret. Just over an hour west of Auckland, is the SOUTH HEAD sand duned-peninsula, bound by the Kaipara Harbour on the east and to the west is the Tasman sea's wild Rangitira ocean beach that stretches for miles. 2.5 kms from the beach is the eco-friendly barn accommodation, nestled between Tea Tree and the swimming ponds. The lodge is a converted barn, now with more in the means of fine art than of shearing sheep. It has a huge barn door that provides open living for sunny days and warmth on cooler times. The view with the door open is subtropical plants, ponds, a stream, alpacas and is ever changing. The barn location provides a tranquil environment with the sounds of bird life as they visit the ponds. All the power on the property is generated from the solar panels and a windmill. The barn has a coal range for cooking and heating, a warm fire in the evening. Traditional flush water toilet. The generous sized bath uses pure rainwater. Feed the alpacas carrots/nuts and the huge grass carp, bread and grass. Take the time to float in the ponds, it's a great attraction in the summer months, very relaxing. Visit a beautiful hidden lake 1km from barn or investigate large Lake Kereta, next door. The ocean is a 3km walk from the barn, Start walk at edge of Lake Kereta (South side),follow fence line to the Forestry road, cross the road and along (approx 20m?) and see adjoining track through bush, and pines to the beach Take a picnic to the sea and enjoy being in sand dunes there are no prickly weeds, so you can enjoy the benefits of being barefoot if you wish. A walk to the windmill on the top of the hill gives astounding views of sea and on special days sunset. The barbecue area is undercover with room to enjoy outdoor eating whilst looking at the view of the ponds. Special conditions: CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AROUND PONDS, FEED FISH ONLY GRASS AND BREAD. When swimming try not to have sunscreen make contact with the water, it can affect water quality for fish. Pets by negotiation. The property does not have cell phone coverage. Bookings can only be made through the website. No freezer, small fridge, no washing machine. Limited power. Payment has to be made according to the TandC This is a farm - there may sometimes be noise, mess or smells. Extras: cleaning (Optional, NZ$25.00 per night) ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach nearby ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Electric kettle - Kitchen island - Kitchenette - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Bathtub or shower - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Fireplace - Living room ### Entertainment - Books - Games ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Fenced yard - Firepit - Garden - Outdoor furniture ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly - Welcoming dogs only - 2 pets total ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - Wheelchair accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Location highlights - In a rural location - On a lake ### Things to do - Boat - Kayak - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Horseback riding nearby - Swimming nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - Garden ## Similar properties ![Private kitchen](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112100000/112099400/112099376/272e094b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Comfy 3-bedroom house surrounded by vineyard in South Head an hour from Auckland South Head - Dryer 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-20&endDate=2025-10-21&selected=112099376&PinnedHotelID=112099376&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38080000/38076800/38076704/c3dec0d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Historic Farm Cottage with spectacular harbour/rural views South Head (Kaipara) - Kitchen - Washer - Outdoor space - Parking available 10 Exceptional 32 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-20&endDate=2025-10-21&selected=38076704&PinnedHotelID=38076704&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96440000/96431500/96431423/5574ed4c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Manuka Views - Close to Thermal Hot Pools Kaukapakapa - Breakfast included - Kitchen - Washer - Free WiFi 9.6 Exceptional 12 reviews CA $90 CA $139 total includes taxes & fees Oct 7 - Oct 8 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-07&endDate=2025-10-08&selected=96431423&PinnedHotelID=96431423&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112100000/112099400/112099361/da515848.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Rustic barn on organic farm in South Head South Head - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Outdoor space [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-20&endDate=2025-10-21&selected=112099361&PinnedHotelID=112099361&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, oven, dishwasher, coffee/tea maker](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58190000/58187400/58187376/da34a32d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Beautiful villa by Lake Kereta and Woodhill Forest Auckland - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Outdoor space [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-20&endDate=2025-10-21&selected=58187376&PinnedHotelID=58187376&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113710000/113704900/113704851/1b22d587.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cosy retreat from busy hassle bussle of city. 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You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### Property is also known as The Snug and Secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge South Head ## About the area Located in South Head, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a lake. Palm Springs Geothermal Pools and Tree Adventures are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shelly Beach and Kaipara Harbour. Traveling with kids? Consider Parakai Aquatic Park and Parakai Springs. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby. [Visit our South Head travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/South-Head.dx553248635975875682) [View more Vacation homes in South Head](https://www.expedia.ca/South-Head-Private-Vacation-Homes.d553248635975875682-aaPrivateVacationHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-36.59372%2C174.28342&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=rX-O8NG6fc0bFeiFle64uq-ApCw=) South Head (Kaipara), Auckland Region ### What's nearby - Shelly Beach - 16 min drive - 13.3 km - Kaipara Harbour - 20 min drive - 15.2 km - Parakai Springs - 28 min drive - 24.8 km - The Hunting Lodge Winery - 43 min drive - 41.0 km - Muriwai Beach - 64 min drive - 58.4 km ### Restaurants - ‪MacNuts Cafe & Shop - Macadamia - ‬10 min drive - ‪Shelly Beach Cafe - ‬9 min drive - ‪Moana Omana - ‬9 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge pet-friendly? > Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). ### What time is check-in at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge located? > Located on a lake, this family-friendly vacation home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Shelly Beach, Kaipara Harbour, and Kaipātiki Recreation Reserve. Parakai Aquatic Park and Parakai Springs are also within 16 mi (25 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The snug and secluded Wilson Road Magic Lodge Reviews 9.0 ### Wonderful All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) ### 8.6 Cleanliness ### 9.4 Location 10 - Excellent 44 8 - Good 17 6 - Okay 7 4 - Poor 3 2 - Terrible 0 ### 8/10 Good #### Conrad P. Jul 13, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Woodhill wandering Cool spot, everyting we needed. ##### Conrad P. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Michelle M. Jan 28, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful Bach Beautiful property. very cozy stay and our host was lovely, overall a very good experience :) ##### Michelle M. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Shar C. Apr 18, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### We had absolute blast thanks It was just as advertised and very beautiful ##### Shar C. Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Stuart T. Oct 23, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Weekend getaway 2nd time we have visited this property. It's really handy. Works well for our needs. Will stay again. ##### Stuart T. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Zoe P. Jan 8, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Little Barn Susan was a gracious host and very welcoming! The barn was cute and warm, it had almost everything we needed. We were told that a gas barbecue was available however it was an old coal one, that had very little coal to use, but we managed to adapt our meal plan to use the stove! Overall a great stay ##### Zoe P. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Claire W. Apr 27, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### nice stay in a quiet place We had a nice time around the alpacas and the ponds. The fireplace fascinated the kids! ##### Claire W. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jared E. May 4, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful spot Loved our time here, such a beautiful setting. The fireplace and fire pit, the water, the Alpacas. Thank you! ##### Jared E. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### emma p. Jun 10, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Loved our peaceful stay We loved staying here with a fire to warm us and a pond to row on and alpaca to look at - the kids were stoked. Very comfy beds and a nice set up. The host was helpful and we had a nice stay. Would love to try swimming in the pond in summer! ##### emma p. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Liz F. Apr 22, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely Great little get away . Our dog was allowed to stay . Great reconnect family time . Beautiful little spot . Quite magical ##### Liz F. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Elizabeth C., Auckland NZ Jan 5, 2024 Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect retreat So chill and relaxing! Loved being ‘off grid’! ##### Elizabeth C. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Steffi S. Jan 15, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family adventure This basic but charming converted barn is off the grid and provided us with a great opportunity to unwind. Susan is a lovely host. We enjoyed the relaxed setting and, of course, the alpacas. ##### Steffi S. Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kyle B. May 6, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great fun in the barn Kids loved being off grid for a few days. The fish were a highlight! ##### Kyle B. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ashley W. Jan 8, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Was so nice to be off the grid for a couple of day you have a wonderful place Was absolutely wonderful being off the grid. Got us thinking outside the box. Made some great memories ##### Ashley W. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kate W., NZ Jan 30, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Love this place so much! This was my 4th visit (and this is coming from someone who tries not to stay in the same place more than once). I just find so much peace and tranquility here. Thanks Susan, no doubt we’ll be back again ##### Kate W. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Verified traveller May 21, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location #### Enjoyed the fire and wood supply comfortable bed. Everything we needed Everything we required ##### Verified traveller Stayed 3 nights in May 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Samantha S. Dec 21, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great for an off grid weekend away from Auckland It’s such a special place. Had a relaxibg weekend away for 3 adult couples and a dog. Very helpful pre arrival contact with Suzanne which set us up well. Lovely lazy weekend walking at Lake Kereta, reading at the swimming ponds and taking the rowboat out. The barn is exactly as pictured, cosy, unique and bohemian with a wood fired bbq. Would recommend the bush track to the beach as a circular walk with the lake track on the way back. I’d go back anytime. We all loved it. ##### Samantha S. Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jeanine W. Jan 15, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy #### The perfect off-the-grid return-to-nature stay for our family This property is breathtaking. Outside the hustle and bustle of everything, this quiet little farm has a lake with fish you can even boat on, alpaca, bunnies, dogs, ducks, etc. Our city kids enjoyed getting lost in nature. This was just what we wanted. It might not be the right fit for everyone - there’s no wifi or cell service (and no TV, microwave, etc) - and the converted barn is very rustic, but this was what we were looking for on the last leg of our NZ adventure and it was perfect for us. Lovely host. ##### Jeanine W. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022 ### 8/10 Good #### Tania P. Mar 9, 2023 Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Disliked: Cleanliness #### Wild Weather and hip operations didn't stop us. We booked our stay in advance of the cyclone Gabbie, and didn't realize how it had hit South Head or Susan. I think she was a bit surprised when I rang on our check in day to say we were running late. When we arrived the barn was a bit neglected as I had to clean a lot of spiders and webs from each room and it was a bit damp....but we lit the fire that Susan (who had recently had a hip opp) had kindly set up and opened the amazing barn door and stepped into our off grid home for the weekend! And that's what we did. Had a fabulous weekend...Rain and all. ##### Tania P. Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023 ### 4/10 Poor #### Wendy O. May 6, 2024 Liked: Location Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### Weekend break at Murawai Our expectations of the property were not met. Photos were not correct we thought we had a coal range, but only had gas rings to cook on with a very tired fireplace. The beds very uncomfortable, spring’s digging into us hence soften it with blankets on top of mattress. We listened to rats in the ceiling at night. Bathroom very tired and new cutlery would go a miss. We felt it was extremely over priced for what it was. We left one night early. ##### Wendy O. Stayed 3 nights in May 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jacinta C. Jan 18, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Off grid, quirky, pristine beach glam ping experience Lovely stay. When we drove in along the gravel road, because I had booked months ago, I was worried we would be too far out, as we had our 8 & 10 year old kids. The minute we saw the ‘shed’ I remembered the reason I had booked this place. It was amazing. Curated with love and care, great art and furniture. Lots of frisbee, alpaca’s, walks to the beach and electricity with a fridge to keep the drinks cold. Being that far out away from people but SO CLOSE was quite a luxury . Thirty minutes into Parakai pools (which the kids LOVED) and helensville for dinner or ‘the art of bread’ baked goodies. Dinghy if your kids wanted to paddle the lake………it was amazing. The walk down to the ATV track and then through the woods to the beach was longer than we expected but well worth it. Took us approx 40 minutes to drive back into Auckland the day we left. So nice to be remote and then not having to drive distances with the kids. ##### Jacinta C. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Allen X. May 14, 2025 ##### Allen X. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Adrienne G. Jul 5, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Place to get away from it all A true way to relaxation. Wifi rehab. A place to make memories, to read a book in front of the fire and listen to the rain on the roof. Unwind, walk amongst nature. Admire the alpacas. Play a board game. Was a great weekend to spend in great company. Also the host was very flexible and accommodating with some last minute changes to our group, very helpful! ##### Adrienne G. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alex D. Apr 4, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Quirky, fun-filled, off the grid getaway My partner and I booked on short notice for a spontaneous getaway with our dogs- Susan was an amazing host who greeted us on arrival and gave us a detailed run down of the property and activities in the area. She was funny and relaxed which made our stay that much more enjoyable. We fed the fish, said hello to the Alpacas, went to a couple of the local bays, and played the board games on offer. We also got to meet Susan's pups who were both really friendly and placid. Definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting to get away from busy city life for some R&R! We'll be back ☺️ ##### Alex D. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022 ### 8/10 Good #### Matthew R. Mar 14, 2022 Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Works for Us Very dog-friendly, quiet, peaceful, eclectically furnished and equipped with the ultimate indoor/outdoor flow, lots of books, board games and art. Stroll through the olive grove, hand-feed the alpacas & ducks. ##### Matthew R. Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022 ### 8/10 Good #### Numa M. Jan 27, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A real escape from the city and technology. We enjoyed the time away and simple living. Went to the beach which was a long long walk. ##### Numa M. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022