Secluded Northland retreat nestled amongst native trees overlooking beautiful Taiwawe Bay
Northland Retreat, New Zealand
Details
Quick Links
Phone:
+64 9 433 6026
Mobile:
+64 27 293 4234
Address:
Taiwawe Bay
Northland
New Zealand
Regional Information:

Chillout Taiwawe Introduction
- “Magnificent Hospitality”
- “Perfect mix of adventure and rest”
- “Fabulous Cuisine”
- “Quite the most stunning views I have ever seen”
- “The best of New Zealand I have come across”
- “An amazing week, we had it all—dolphins, pipi's, mussels, fishing and swimming”
Chillout Taiwawe is a stunning secluded Northland retreat nestled amongst native trees on a hill overlooking beautiful private Taiwawe Bay on the superb coast of Northland, New Zealand. This Northland lodge accommodation is approximately 45 minutes drive north of Whangarei towards the world famous Bay of Islands and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy some true 'Kiwi' hospitality.
Your host Des Cogan will ensure all your requirements are taken care of, whether you are an international visitor exploring New Zealand, or a local requiring a quiet weekend escape. Des is a true Northlander! He has lived here all his life and is passionate about its exceptional beauty and the opportunities it offers to visitors.
Des has farmed in Northland for many years and, for the past 25 years has built a reputation as a highly competent farrier. That was until he decided to change direction and share this secluded spot in paradise with local and international guests! Now he enjoys his leisure-time, loves—spending time with guests, fishing and scuba diving in local waters abundant with sealife, cooking local produce and playing golf off a 15 handicap. Des is married with three adult sons and a Justice of the Peace.
This unique environment offers something for everyone including:
- A day trip to remember—travel to historic Russell via the scenic coast and return though the beautiful Kauri trees of the Russell Forest
- Sheltered and private swimming
- Nature walks including the Mimiwhangata Farm Park
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Explore the mysterious interior of Motu Taniwha (Island of the sea dragon)
- Visit the Gallery and Cafe Helena Bay Hill
- An ideal one day team building venue
After a day of activities and exploring you will return to find Des preparing some local cuisine to suit your palate and if you are lucky this will include fresh fish, crayfish or mussels. You will enjoy your meal with some quality New Zealand wine while soaking up the magnificent view and sunset.
Our Northland Lodge Accommodation
Your modern accommodation consists of a separate studio apartment with queen bed and en suite. A complementary fridge with tea and coffee making facilities.
Rates – NZ$150 per person, per night is all inclusive of meals, drinks and retreat activities, and is our regular tariff. This may be negotiated to suit your requirements.
You will not be disappointed with your stay in this piece of paradise... come and be pampered—all you need bring are your personal requirements.
Please contact us for further information about our Northland retreat.
Visitor Comments
That's a 20 pound red snapper that I caught at while we were staying at the Chillout Taiwawe Retreat. The Chillout is just about the most perfect place on earth, and Des Corgan is an amazing host. Anyone who comes to New Zealand should enquire about staying there for a couple of nights!!”
Dr. Aaron Johnston, Canada (May 2008)
We arrived at Chillout Taiwawe expecting it to be the highlight of our trip to NZ. It has surpassed our expectations. The location is both stunning and peaceful. Des has proved to be a superb host and a first class cook. His food revolves around local produce from his farm and his fishing expertise, which included fresh lamb, snapper, smoked kahawai, crayfish and other delights. Swimming, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, walking, boat trips and even a sheep dog demonstration have been on the menu of daily activities. We are leaving refreshed, relaxed, and with lots of memories. We would highly recommend a stay with Des for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to stay in a very special place.
Alan and Beryl Rodgers, Clevedon, UK (February 2008)
Des, thanks again for the wonderful hospitality. Judith and I enjoyed the incredible beauty of the area, the magnificent hospitality, and the comfortable, modern room. Our stay was the perfect mix of adventure and rest, and the fresh seafood, caught and cooked by Des, was good beyond description. We have never tasted mussels like the ones we had here! Our advice to anyone considering a stay here is to plan to stay at least three nights, in order to allow time to really explore the area and have the time to unwind away from roads and holiday bustle. We will be back!
Stephen and Judith Auerbach, Oregon, USA
Our stay at Chillout Taiwawe was the highlight of our holiday. The views over the Northland coast are spectacular, the accommodation is immaculate and shows attention to every detail. The host, Des, is extraordinarily helpful, eager to accommodate, and a great cook. We enthusiastically recommend Chillout Taiwawe.
Drs. David and Joyce Harrison, Boston, USA
Thanks again for the opportunity to stay last weekend. The companionship of my girlfriends was the more enjoyable for your warm hospitality and fabulous cuisine. I hope to be back—if you'll have us!
Meg Seabrook
Tena Koe Des. Thank you again for such a fabulous weekend, we were both overwhelmed by the hospitality we experienced in our two days with you. We really appreciated the effort that was taken with the attention to every small detail in making our weekend as memorable as it was, from the cleanliness of our accommodation to the effort of conversation in Te Reo. It was rather sad to come away from Taiwawe, we were barely out of Helena bay and we were missing the beautiful deck views and the sound of the birds in the trees. We will be back again. Ka Kite ano
Robyn & Hilton, Papakura
We have had the a wonderful stay at Chillout Taiwawe—quite the most stunning views I have ever seen, (apart from the Grand Canyon—i'm serious!) and a beautiful little private beach, a short walk through the bush away. We slept wonderfully after an excellent meal cooked by our friendly, yet not intrusive host, Des, of locally grown food. I rose at dawn to watch the sunrise through the picture window and then scramble down to the beach again not wanting to miss a moment of the Taiwawe experience. We lingered over an excellent breakfast on the deck chatting with Des and his wife Kathy. It was an unexpectedly magical experience and truly the best of country New Zealand I have come across.
Vivien Hillman, Canberra, Australia (2006)
Please contact us for further information about our Northland retreat.