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The Chapel

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The Chapel

Waitoki, Auckland


The Chapel is located in Waitoki, only 35 minutes from the heart of Auckland.

The Chapel is a perfectly tiny one-bedroom cottage, nestled at the back of a lush, two-acre garden.

As you step through the front door, you're greeted with a welcoming open-plan lounge, kitchenette, and dining area - complete with a wood burner for cosy evenings in front of the fire. With lofty ceilings and a soft palette, the interior is stylish, restful, and calm.

A separate bedroom has a queen-size bed for two and double-doors that open out to a shaded sitting area. A pull-out sofa in the lounge can sleep an additional two extra adults or children.

Outside, the front porch is the place to while away an afternoon, with a pretty view over a tranquil pond.

To make the most of your stay, pack a picnic basket and blanket and venture into the paddock to find a scenic spot beside the stream. The friendly goats will be happy to see you - and share your lunch given half a chance!

In the evening, spark up the brazier. Enjoy a glass of wine and some quality conversation before jumping into the outdoor bath for a soak before bed. Bliss.

Children aged 7+ only

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Chapel is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the microwave/convection oven and BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need in your kitchenette.

For a quick bite, you can head to the renowned Shark N' Tatties fish and chip shop in Kaukapakapa, only 10 minutes away. If you're in the mood for some delicious dining-out options, the bustling town of Orewa, just 20 minutes away, offers a variety of fantastic cafes and restaurants. Your hosts recommend Cheek and Chong for a delectable dining experience and Dear Coasties for a scrumptious brunch or lunch.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Relax and totally de-stress in the beautiful surroundings of The Chapel. Bask in the tranquillity and soak up the peaceful silence. Take a moment for yourself to bathe under the open sky for the perfect way to unwind.

During the summer months, the adjacent paddocks are full of maize, offering a stunning backdrop to your stay. You are welcome to explore the expansive farm and its open paddocks, lanes of mature trees, and streams.

If you're feeling active, there are numerous beaches to explore, such as Orewa, Hatfields, Waiwera, Stanmore Bay, and Red Beach, all within a half-hour drive. You can also take a stroll at Omeru Reserve, a lovely spot for bush walks and waterfalls (15 minutes away), or visit Shakespear Regional Park at the end of the Whangaparoa Peninsula (35 minutes away).

The town of Puhoi is only 25 minutes away. Enjoy lunch at the historic Puhoi Pub.

The Chapel is conveniently located only 30 minutes from downtown Auckland, where you can explore the endless attractions and shops that will keep you entertained for hours.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your host at The Chapel is Louise.

After spending two decades in the UK, Louise was drawn back to New Zealand to put down roots in her hometown. Waitoki is a place that captured her heart with its enchanting gardens and pretty trees. Her ancestors used to walk through Totara Valley, where The Chapel is situated, on their way from Mahurangi to Rewiti Marae.

The main house on the property is a stunning villa from the early 1900s. This was relocated to the property 25-30 years ago to make way for the new theatre at Diocesan School for Girls. The Chapel itself began life as a wedding ceremony venue for the previous owner's daughter's wedding - hence the name 'The Chapel'. It has remained a cherished part of the property - and Louise is delighted to give it a new lease of life as guest accommodation.

TESTIMONIALS

“ What a serene escape. My and partner I had a blissful stay, where the secluded location, cosy corners, and welcoming host offered a perfect nature retreat. ”

- 2023-09-17

20 / 20

“ Lovely and peaceful, beautiful surroundings and the accommodation was lovely. ”

Anne Hayward- 2026-04-05

1 / 20

“ We loved our time at The Chapel. So peaceful to sit out on the deck and look at the beautiful gardens. Loved the outdoor bath and brazier. Our host was super welcoming and prompt at responding. ”

Madison Riddell-Cross- 2026-03-09

2 / 20

“ A lovely place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Leaving a delicious cheese board was a lovely treat. The cottage is beautifully appointed, communication with the host excellent. Being able to have a hot bath was a lovely treat. We loved our stay and would highly recommend it to our friends. ”

Margie Carruthers- 2026-03-04

3 / 20

“ A beautiful private setting. ”

Paul and Lisa Roache- 2026-01-17

4 / 20

“ Very cute accommodation. From the moment you arrive, walking up a beautiful path towards the chapel helps to decompress you, and within minutes we were feeling relaxed. We filled the bath and read books as we reconnected with nature and disconnected from our hectic world. Louise went out of her way to make our stay special. A complementary cheese board and marshmallows for the fire pit created a beautiful hygge experience we will remember. We will definitely recommend this stay to our friends. And the most comfortable bed, having the fire set, were all the finer details that made our stay super memorable. ”

Patrina Comber- 2025-10-15

5 / 20

“ Very thankful to the host, who was extremely helpful with all my concerns. I enjoyed the vibes, and my son and I had the greatest time. ”

Sheila Nicolau- 2025-09-24

6 / 20

“ The perfect place to chill and unwind. ”

Louise Weston- 2025-07-03

7 / 20

“ The Chapel is a great place to stay for a winter getaway. The indoor fire is amazing. Fabulous facilities, we loved the outdoor bath. Nice touch from the hosts with the cheese board and s'mores ingredients. Would definitely recommend staying here. ”

Keryn Pine- 2025-06-01

8 / 20

“ Gorgeous tranquil setting oozing country charm. Perfect place to switch off with only bird song to listen to and bath under the stars in the outdoor bath tub. ”

Debbie Carlin- 2025-04-23

9 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay, it was magical. ”

Katie Riley- 2025-04-22

10 / 20

“ Beautiful setting, great facilities. Would definitely stay again as it's a great place to escape to for rest and relaxation. ”

Lisa Koegler- 2025-01-13

11 / 20

“ What a wonderful stay, lovely place, and so quiet. Perfect Matariki weekend to unwind and so close to Auckland, we weren't stuck in Long Weekend Travel for hours. Loved the hot bath outside, but issues with the water not being hot enough for longer (not enough hot water in the tanks). But its the small stuff. Lovely location, comfortable beds and lovely warm fire.. ”

DEBORAH GRACE- 2024-07-01

12 / 20

“ What an amazing venue. From the building itself to the fireplace to the small details. The cheese, quince, and biscuits were an awesome touch. As was the welcome card. Loved every second from quiet sunrise to the pukeko choirs outside at sunset. Will definitely be back. ”

- 2024-04-29

13 / 20

“ Such a quiet, peaceful, and lovely villa to spend your weekend time. ”

- 2024-03-18

14 / 20

“ This location is fantastic—quiet, yet conveniently close to everything. Our host was exceptional, and communication was effortless. I would definitely stay here again. ”

- 2024-01-28

15 / 20

“ Beautiful place, thanks for a peaceful and relaxing stay. ”

- 2023-12-13

16 / 20

“ A wonderful cottage in a beautiful location. Host could not have been more welcoming and helpful. ”

- 2023-12-12

17 / 20

“ Very clean and enjoyable! ”

- 2023-11-17

18 / 20

“ Would definitely stay again! So beautiful. ”

- 2023-11-14

19 / 20

“ What a serene escape. My and partner I had a blissful stay, where the secluded location, cosy corners, and welcoming host offered a perfect nature retreat. ”

- 2023-09-17

20 / 20

“ Lovely and peaceful, beautiful surroundings and the accommodation was lovely. ”

Anne Hayward- 2026-04-05

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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