Patricia Greig leaves the city behind and gets a taste of the good life on Waiheke.
Maybe it's the three-storey spiral staircase that makes The Treehouse Waiheke Island the reigning champion among New Zealand baches. It's the ultimate Waiheke destination, and was named Bookabach.co.nz's Supreme Bach of the Year andBest Quirky Bach in the 2016 Bach of the Year Awards.
Or maybe it's the outdoor area. I lost hours in the spa at night, transfixed by the stars. The spa sits on a beautifully lit, paved area, next to a pond and an outdoor table, with the night sky framed perfectly by leaning treetops.
Perhaps it's the bush setting. The Treehouse is nestled among native trees - the bedroom up on that magnificent third floor boasts the best views of birdlife and treetops.
An amazing place in which to wake. The bi-fold windows left this Aucklander feeling like she was spending the night in the open air of a tranquil safari park.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill, neglected family beach house with mothballs and board games from 1982 - this is living. Bach of the Year, baby!
There is nothing like escaping work early mid-week to sail across Auckland's glimmering harbour to Waiheke.
The Treehouse has two double beds, sharp bathroom and kitchen facilities, and - yep - that amazing outdoor area complete with hot tub. The 2016 Bach of the Year somehow gives the impression of being snappy-but-laidback, simple-yet-luxurious with no detail overlooked.
Because of the Treehouse's location, the only thing I needed to worry about as I left the office was getting myself on to the cityside ferry. Owners Kate and James pick you up from the other side. Once you're there and settled in, the house is a 10-minute stroll from the Oneroa village and beach. With a base like this, transport on the island is no bother.
Oneroa village has incredible sea views and a bounty of restaurants and cafes. The Oyster Inn is, of course, a firm favourite with visitors and the local Te Matuku oysters and the fish, caught by local fisherman Terry Gallon are a must. I advise you to secure a spot on the porch and soak up the sunset.
The same goes for Fenice Italian, which serves a mean breakfast and is perfect for a spot of people watching in the heart of Oneroa.
The Treehouse is ideal for lovers of Waiheke wines and guests will discover the delights of Cable Bay's two restaurants and cellar door only a couple of hundred metres up the road. Mudbrick is also not far away, with the new Archive restaurant having views to die for.
Obviously Waiheke is a destination where you can't go wrong, but it's possible that the best thing outside the deep tan wooden walls of the Treehouse are the owners, Kate and James.
The Treehouse Waiheke Island.
Not only do they collect guests from the ferry, they make reservations and ensure the most comfortable, relaxing stay possible. Even if it's only for a night, these two think of everything, right down to gifts of champagne and local honey. You can't help but leave the Treehouse feeling very lucky indeed.
FACT BOX
The Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards are open for voting now. Go to bachoftheyear.co.nz to vote, and go in the draw to win one of 10 $1000 Bookabach Escapes.
To stay at The Treehouse Waiheke Island, 2016's Supreme Bach of the Year and Best Quirky Bach winner, go to bookabach.co.nz/9335
