One of Auckland's best kept secrets

By GERALDINE McMANUS

The Boatshed's sense of place and superb style adds another entry for the connoisseur's log book. Perched on the hill overlooking Little Oneroa beach on Waiheke Island, The Boatshed is a lodge that fits into the landscape and heritage of the island.

It was the simple name that caught me off-guard. Down to earth, unpretentious, accommodation based on a boatshed I had thought. Unexpectedly, I discovered one of Auckland's best kept secrets.

Built and designed by Auckland-based designer David Scott, the lodge is uniquely New Zealand and has a beachside feel. It can also fulfil dreams. Most of us at some time or another have had a romantic notion of staying in a lighthouse or living in a boatshed. Now it's possible - and with all the comforts too.

The nautically-inspired three-storey lighthouse rises above the central lodge building. Designed as a romantic retreat, the bedroom is on the second floor with a staircase reaching up to the top level. The private living and dining room is surrounded by windows and has extraordinary views out to the sea. A dumb waiter connects so that guests, if desired, can enjoy private and intimate dining or breakfasts.

The Boatshed rooms imitate the shape and feel of a boatshed - but the comparison stops there. The interiors include luxurious beds, fine linen, a lounge to collapse on too, and great sound systems for your favourite CD, a small library of books and a fireplace which is lit every evening.

Scott combined his skills in design and tourism in developing The Boatshed. Some years ago he was on the Board of the Tourist Hotel Corporation - in its heyday, when New Zealand set the standards and was ahead of the game.

The lodge is a montage ... "A cluster of buildings that might have always been there or have been added to - much in the way many beachside homes develop and grow," he says.

A welcome glass of wine helped me easily slip out of the Auckland rat race and into Waiheke time. The pinot gris was a perfect accompaniment to admire the sunset.

To the west the finger of land ends in the brilliant green vineyard of Peninsula Wines. The moon hung limpid-like in the sky in the east above the other end of the bay.

Below The Boatshed three large yachts were at anchor. As their lights came on their reflections twinkled on the glassy waters. The night closed in and the dark descended - leaving just the sound of the waves breaking on the sand below to stimulate the senses. Idyllic.

The lodge offers multiple dining arrangements - large groups can use the big central dining table, dine outdoors on balmy evenings in the marquee or inside beside the fire. In the evening candles are lit and the lights dimmed. And then there is the food - excellent.

Meals are a celebration, the setting, music, candlelight and cuisine. David Scott's son Jonathon enjoys stepping into the chef's role and is passionate about cooking and presentation, using fresh produce and seafood.

Aucklanders have yet to discover how they can make the most of the lodge and frequently they realise their mistake when it's too late, says Jonathon Scott.

"They arrive off a late afternoon ferry, dump their bags and rush out to dine. It's over breakfast they begin to realise their mistake of being on the city tread mill and forgetting to get off."

Although Conde Nast has sent its travel journalists, and international guests include a wedding group flying out from England for the big occasion, for many Aucklanders The Boatshed is a secret. But not for long.

www.boatshed.co.nz