Number One House Boutique Bed & Breakfast and Apartment Accommodation (big name - great place!) is a beautiful old villa with its own beach, yet only 8 minutes from Auckland City centre by harbour ferry or car. There are wonderful views of Harbour and Auckland City with an exquisite sight at night.

A greeting service meets you at the airport. See your own country flag flying at the front door!

Did we mention Jay's superb full cooked breakfasts- world famous in Auckland!

Auckland is the place to start and finish your holiday, and no place is more welcoming for your bed and breakfast accommodation. There is just so much to do here... book 2 - 3 nights minimum at least.

We are certified KiwiHosts with NZ Tourism Board.

Features:

• Jay's breakfasts
• Delightful warm picturesque villa
• 200 degrees stunning harbour views
• Very close to city, restaurants, cafes, shopping, museums, etc

Guests will find an enchanting Hobbit House in the garden, and we are breeding Monarch butterflies in summer.

We also have a 12 metre sailing catamaran! Either come day sailing or even bare boat charter on Whiskers for a special holiday.

For those who would like a little self contained privacy with its own entrance, and families travelling with children, have a look at the Apartment - it is ideal for you.

Accommodations:

We are not a small hotel - just a very friendly 'exclusive' homestay - we take a maximum of 6 persons.

Each room has provided for your comfort:

• Hairdryer
• Umbrellas
• TV and radio
• Beach towels
• Fluffy bathrobes
• Pure cotton sheets
• Iron and ironing board
• Tea, coffee and biscuits
• A personal printed breakfast menu
• Private bathroom with shower and toilet

The Green Room:

See yourself in the four-poster queen size bed that overlooks Auckland Harbour. Heaven! This large room has period Kauri furniture, model yachts, axminster carpet - and a special ambience.

Tea, fresh plunger coffee, biscuits all complimentary. TV in room. The Green Room has its own private bathroom with shower, toilet and cast iron bath. A very romantic setting, lying in bed looking at the exquisite lights of the city across the water.

The White Room:

An equally large room with a queen size bed. Polished matai floors, table and lounging chairs. Tea, fresh plunger coffee, biscuits all complimentary. TV in room. Own en-suite.

Self Contained Apartments:

It's beautiful - facing the lights of Auckland City across the harbour, this self contained apartment is on the water's edge.

For a couple there is a double bed room with panorama windows on two sides, and in the lounge is a queen size sofa bed, and a soft couch for extra sleeping - you can comfortably have 4 adults or parents with three children. There are duvets on both beds and soft cotton sheets.

Enjoy the private courtyard with outdoor seating around a marble table. There is a Hobbit House in the garden - and we breed Monarch Butterflies for their beauty and fun.

We include all the basics food for continental breakfasts at no extra cost (tea, coffee, jams and spreads, bread, milk, cereals, butter, etc) - and to help you enjoy your holiday we will even do your clothes washing for you! (small charge)

Very easy access to the beach, the ferry to the city, and to all local amenities.

Walking distance to 3 very good restaurants, twin boutique cinemas, New Zealand wine shop, fish and chip shop, delicatessen and hair dresser. One mile away the shopping centre has 20 ethnic restaurants, ATM banks, post office et al.

Other Features In Our Home:

• Ample car parking
• Washing and drying machines
• Continental or cooked breakfast
• Free email access and free local telephone
• Tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit - all complimentary
• TV (should you require it), music, books and CD's etc
• Lounge overlooking the water, and toward the lights of Auckland City
• Outdoor Jacuzzi hot tub overlooking the city lights (you can try not to be romantic, but it's hard)

Hobbit House:

Hobbitton in the Heart of Auckland - Lord of the Rings fans, come and visit a real Hobbit House!

Number One House has even more to appeal for you.

See the Hobbit House snuggled into the bank, on the path down to the water. Rated by a visitor (who was a cast member of the 'Lord of the Rings') as 'totally cool - very Hobbitish!'

An earthen roof over the top is already covered in plants, flowers, and herbs for the table The house looks out onto the Waitemata Harbour (Maori for 'sparkling waters') which lives right up to its name, as the morning sunlight dapples through the pohutukawa trees.

If you write, paint or meditate, the Hobbit House is very U !!

Something else (yes, there is more?)... fancy wiling away an hour or three? We have also just finished a two person swinging seat (complete with drinks table of course) and overlooking the harbour.

Shall we tell you that there is also a Monarch butterfly breeding program here, or should we just let you find out for yourself?

Sailing:

Looking for a special something?

Like to just go for a sail? Can do - or - how about combining a wonderful time on the water with a learning experience?

There is no extra charge for the sailing school, but if you are inexperienced come sailing for the day, and extend your horizon in many ways. Learn navigation, boat handling, sailing techniques, raising and lowering the anchor and sails, learn to steer, learn to appreciate the wind, boat safety and rules of the road at sea. Not only that - but a good lunch with wine and beer is included.

Our yacht, Whiskers, is a fibreglass 37'0 (12 metre) sailing catamaran built in Cornwall, UK. I have refurbished her, inside and out.

She is wonderful to sail, as safe and steady as a ferry boat, plus has superb accommodation - two queen size cabins and two full double size cabins, plus a full size galley. She is a go anywhere - do anything boat - and she is on the marina now in front of the house.

Whiskers is available for 24 hour charters. Please contact us for rates and other details.

Places to see include:

Rangitoto Island:

Home to New Zealand's youngest volcano. The hike to the summit rewards you with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. This 800 year old volcanic island of 2310 hectares is included in the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, the ranger living at Islington bay. The island is a prominent landmark from every direction, rising to a three cone shaped summit.

Waiheke Island:

Next, you'll come to Waiheke Island, home to some of New Zealand's best wineries, where you can wine and dine in superb style among the olive groves. Besides beautiful white sandy beaches, the island boasts a range of local crafts, potting, weaving, leatherwork and art.

Kawau Island:

This island has had an interesting history down the years, as firstly it was a home to manganese and copper mining, then in the late 1800's the Governor, Sir George Grey made the island his retreat. The home is now a Historic Home museum. The island is though, a very popular spot with may sheltered anchorage. Kawau Island has many safe anchorages.

Waiheke Island:

A gorgeous blend of local craft shops, cafes, restaurants and award winning wineries. The coast is blessed with golden sandy beaches and sheltered anchorages.

Great Barrier Island:

Is 32km (16 miles) in length and with a permanent population of less than 2000 is the 'must see' for cruisers. Over two thirds of its area is public land and there is an extensive network of walkways and tracks, and much of Great Barrier is heavily forested. The island has historical sites such as great kauri dams, while the golden sandy beaches and native bush walking tracks make it an outdoor paradise.

Whangaparoa Peninsula:

Although there are a number of bays, along the Whangaparoa stretch of coast, they hold limited appeal to the yachtsman. With the exception of Hobbs Bay on the southern side of the peninsular this is home to the Gulf Harbour Marina. There are a number of limited visitors' berths available, pre-booking is advised.

Tiritiri Matangi:

A beautiful island that is now a bird sanctuary that welcomes visitors, and you are guaranteed to see many rare birds. This is a perfect lunch time stop on your way home.

10 Days - Typical Itinerary:

• Day 1 Arrive in Auckland- stay at No 1 House
• Day 2 To Islington Bay - walk to summit of Rangitoto Island
• Day 3 Visit Waiheke Island, Oneroa beach, then to far end to anchor - 20nms
• Day 4 Te Kouma Harbour on Coromandel peninsula- wonderful isolation
• Day 5 Visit Coromandel then to Great Barrier Island (Tryphena) - 48nms
• Day 6 Great Barrier Island (Port Fitzroy) - 13nms
• Day 7 Sail or walk and enjoy Great barrier
• Day 8 Kawau Island - 30nms
• Day 9 Motuketekete Island and Gulf harbour
• Day 10 Auckland via Tiri Tiri Matangi- 25nms

Your Hosts:

Brian was born here and Jay is from UK and has been in New Zealand for 20 years. This fun couple (your hosts Brian & Jay) - sail yachts, ride motorbikes, bush walk, travel regularly and drink champagne and New Zealand wine.

Brian is an offshore delivery skipper, each year taking yachts to and from the South Pacific islands and beyond.

Jay was accounts manager for a marine safety company before being full time with Number One House. She is responsible for a (live in) granddaughter (Isabella Mercedes), and an itinerant husband, both of whom she handles with grace and charm.

They can arrange almost any activity - from exploring an island volcano (extinct), sailing in a real Americas Cup boat, helicopter rides, overnight sailing trips, island trekking, vineyard tasting and quad bike hire - not to mention jumping off the harbour bridge!

And after all that rushing around, they will recommend you finish off your day in the romantic outdoor Jacuzzi - with New Zealand wine of course.

Their boat is a 38' (12m) classic keel yacht, complete with a certified skipper is moored outside, ready to take you out on the harbour and the wonderful 'Hauraki Gulf'.

They are very proud of their house and its views.