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Black Rocks Retreat

Auckland


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Black Rocks Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the kitchen facilities and BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Waiuku is just a 15-minute drive away. Your hosts recommend The Kentish Hotel (New Zealand's oldest licenced hotel), Malt N Steel or Fitzy's for fish and chips.

Waiuku has a New World Supermarket for stocking up on supplies.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

With a restful water view, board games to play, kayaks to paddle, an outdoor tub to soak in, and farmland to wander - you'll appreciate the chance to just relax and take in the vibes right there at the property.

A short walk through farmland takes you down to the beach. Enjoy a stroll at sunset.

If you're looking to explore, visit the West Coast beaches or the Manukau Heads Lighthouse. The Awhitu Regional Park offers plenty of great walking - or if you fancy something a bit more sedate, try a tasting at Awhitu Wines!

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Black Rocks Retreat are John Renall and Deb Dragt. They are the parents of five children and grandparents of 11 grandchildren.

John and Deb are the 4th generation of the family to farm the land, which is steeped in history. John's Great Grandfather Joseph Alfred Renall (Mayor of Masterton) moved to the property in 1906 with 8 of his children.

John is a hay contractor, beef farmer and operator of large machinery - and Deb is in charge of hospitality, cleaning and taking care of the beautiful gardens on the property.

Deb and John love the stunning views of the Manukau Harbour and its ever-changing moods, the rolling hills of the Awhitu Peninsula and the peace and quiet of rural living. Setting up a special glamping retreat to share this magical spot has been a dream of Deb's for years - finally realised with Black Rocks Retreat.

Black Rocks Retreat is named for the black rocks that can be seen when the tide goes out, the result of a volcanic eruption many years ago.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Lovely hosts and a great setting. We requested them to arrange something for a special occasion, and they did not disappoint—it was very sweet of them. ”

Osheen Danney- 2025-04-01

20 / 20

“ We met John as we checked in, and he was very friendly and gave us lots of great recommendations of stuff to do. The location was fantastic, and it was great to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. ”

Alex Kirk- 2026-03-19

1 / 20

“ Black Rocks Retreat is so underrated. We had an amazing weekend away with lots to see and do around. Manukau Lighthouse and Awhitu Wines nearby are worth the drive! ”

Ariane Ormsby- 2026-03-15

2 / 20

“ We loved our stay. So beautiful and peaceful, great for a romantic getaway. We will be back. ”

Owen Minchington- 2026-03-07

3 / 20

“ The location, view, and amenities were perfect. A great place to relax before flying back home. ”

Mitchel Morales- 2026-02-08

4 / 20

“ What a stunning place to relax and unwind! So private and well equipped, just need to work out how to control the weather! I’ll be back for sure. ”

Leah Johnson- 2026-01-22

5 / 20

“ Loved it. ”

Jeremy Hoskin- 2026-01-19

6 / 20

“ The place was cosy with an amazing view. It had all the necessities required. The host John, was kind and welcoming. Overall, it was an amazing experience and we can’t wait to go back! ”

Nehal Sunil- 2026-01-10

7 / 20

“ Black Rocks Retreat was exactly what I needed. I have a very stressful and demanding job in Auckland and wanted an immediate escape close to home where I really felt like I could switch off, relax, and forget about everything at home. John, the host, was very welcoming and very knowledgeable on the property and what to do in the area, which was helpful. The cabin has absolutely everything you need, the detail is impressive, and the views and setting are simply stunning. I will definitely be back and have recommended it to many of my colleagues, clients, and friends. ”

Dean Tuffley- 2026-01-09

8 / 20

“ Stunning location with everything you need. Friendly, helpful hosts who have thought of everything. ”

Martin Fergusson- 2025-10-30

9 / 20

“ Absolutely beautiful from the moment we arrived. Everything was perfect. ”

Megan Van Lieshout- 2025-10-11

10 / 20

“ Amazing experience. ”

Hannah Rooney- 2025-08-19

11 / 20

“ Absolutely stunning spot to kick back and relax for a weekend. Hosts are lovely and the view is outstanding. Highly recommend. ”

Nick O'Hagan- 2025-08-11

12 / 20

“ Perfect getaway for Aucklanders wanting to get some peace away from the city and not drive far for it. Black Rock Retreat is a cosy cabin with beautiful views and amenities. ”

Janine Kumar- 2025-07-21

13 / 20

“ Black Rocks Retreat is perfect for a summer or winter getaway. The sunsets and sunrises are just stunning. Calm and peaceful. I've been twice and will come again for sure. ”

Renee Skilling- 2025-07-15

14 / 20

“ I loved my stay at Black Rocks Retreat, mainly for the amazing views to wake up to, but also for the cosy and relaxing feeling you get when you’re there. ”

Rebecca Morgan- 2025-06-26

15 / 20

“ We loved that it wasn’t too far from Auckland to just get away for the weekend and truly feel like you’re nowhere near the city. You could see the city lights from the view and it was lovely to watch them twinkling, but be so far away from it and feel relaxed. ”

Kelly Ritchie- 2025-05-26

16 / 20

“ Amazing place. Great location, the hosts are friendly and down to earth. It was the perfect getaway for me and my partner. Highly recommend and will be coming back in the future. ”

Trent watters- 2025-05-16

17 / 20

“ Very very very nice place and getaway, would recommend this place even when it was raining. It was very nice. ”

Wayne Nevili- 2025-04-20

18 / 20

“ Our stay at Black Rocks Retreat exceeded our expectations. It is a lovely location and a perfectly appointed getaway cabin. We are likely to rebook. ”

Joan Forret- 2025-04-06

19 / 20

“ Lovely hosts and a great setting. We requested them to arrange something for a special occasion, and they did not disappoint—it was very sweet of them. ”

Osheen Danney- 2025-04-01

20 / 20

“ We met John as we checked in, and he was very friendly and gave us lots of great recommendations of stuff to do. The location was fantastic, and it was great to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. ”

Alex Kirk- 2026-03-19

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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