Sunset Beach, West coast gem and dog heaven

Only 1 hour 20 min. drive from downtown Auckland, Port Waikato is the undiscovered gem where the mighty Waikato River meets the wild west coast. Get away from the city noise and people, come fishing, surfing, walking or just chilling out. A tasteful and newly renovated two bedroom flat. Perfect for families and dogs, beautiful polished concrete floors and a large bifold window that opens up the lounge to the outside courtyard. A brand new kitchen and bathroom with an outside hot water shower. Other things to note. Port Waikato has a general store “the wharf store”, a fish & chip kiosk at the campground and “Sundays”, a coffee caravan at the beach car park with very good coffee and nibbles. The wharf store stocks the basics but there is no alcohol or petrol available here. Tuakau (closest town) is 30 minutes away by car. Pukekohe is approx. 35 minutes. We are next to a children's playground with flying fox, tennis court and volley ball net. Our water is collected from the roof (tank water) and the property utilises a septic tank system. Wifi is available and a BBQ on request. Pets welcome (but not on the beds or furniture please!). It's 5 minutes walk to Sunset beach and 15 minutes to the Waikato River, both through the grassland and dunes. I am living above the flat and I'm very mindful of guests privacy. The flavour and vibe is original Kiwi west coast; rugged, dynamic, un touched, honest and true to its roots. Here are some highlights: 1. Sunsets. Not surprisingly every evening and often spectacular. Walk 5 minutes to the dunes above the beach and bath in the beauty. 2. Mermaid pool. A low tide, over your head rock pool that is 5 min. walk from the cove (South or to the left looking out to sea) around the rocks. It is at the end of the first beach that you come to, which has white sand. 3. Wharf store wharf. Newly renovated and a popular, high tide destination to jump off the end of the wharf. Jump to the west or off the sea side of the wharf, normal precautions should apply. 4. Sand dune surfing. Along the south side of the river, past Maraetai Bay the dunes can be tall and steep enough for kids on boogie boards. 5. Play ground at the end of Cordyline Rd. There is a flying fox and young kids play feature (dragon). Also a volleyball net up on a grass court and a pretty rough tar seal tennis court with net. 6. Black Batch Ceramics. Local potter producing very tasteful ceramics. Open normally in the weekends and found following signs from Maunsell Road. Look for @blackbatchceramics. 7. Pampas and Pine Gallery. A gallery where the work of artists and makers locally and across New Zealand is show cased. Look for @pampasandpine. 8. Nikau Caves. 45 minutes drive from Port Waikato and it has an excellent cafe, food and glow worm caving experience. They have their own website. Dog heaven. Our Bhodi is a ridgeback puppy, very friendly and un co-oirdinated. The section isn't fenced but is a large 1350m2 area with lots of space. The back opens up to Toi Toi and dunes. The street is very quiet and we are at the end of a cul de sac next to a small park. Dogs are allowed on the beach through the year.