OMAIO a maori name meaning "place of peace, quiet and tranquility", is a coastal property of 18 acres (7.28 hectares) on the Takatu peninsula, one hour's drive north of Auckland and 5 minutes from Matakana. Islands, Kawau, Goat, Rabbit and The Bee Hive in Kawau Bay, are viewed from the log cabin. The cabin nestles in a NZ native bush setting with the largest of the feature trees being an 800 year old Puriri. While the planting is predominantly native, there is a fusion of other carefully selected plants which suit the location and setting.

"Jane's Lane" takes you to the raised koru shaped vegetable garden and small orchard which is situated in a sheltered bush clearing. The path from this area, lined with arthropodium and hostas, leads through bush and a stand of Kauri, Rimu, Totara and Pohutakawa, to "Johny's Deck" a viewing platform on the water's edge.

Leading from the main garden, paths lead to "Totara Trail", "Kowhai Coast" and "Olioli Way" - easy walking tracks through the bush over boardwalks and two rustic bridges.

The cabin was built in 1981 as a holiday retreat and development of the garden commenced in June 2006 when we moved to settle permanently.