Your kitchen is fully equipped for everything from a simple breakfast to a gourmet meal.

• Pantry & Fridge Items: You will find various food items, including home preserves, in the fridge and pantry. Please feel free to help yourself! Our cleaners check expiry dates, but it’s always wise to double-check before use.
• Appliances & Cooking: Feel free to use all the appliances. You’ll find a portable induction plate in the cupboard under the espresso machine; we highly recommend using this instead of the main cooktop for boiling water fast for things like pasta. All our ceramic dishes are microwave-safe.
• Microwave: Our microwave is a combination oven. It’s best for smaller meals and can heat on fan bake, grill, or microwave settings.
• Dishwasher: Please feel free to use the dishwasher. Using it actually saves more water than handwashing! The dishwasher tablets are located under the sink. Please handwash the Japanese Carving knives in the wooden block.
• Cocktail Station: Help yourself to the cocktail station for mixing your favorite drinks. The Soda Stream is great for making mixers. All the glassware for wine, beer, and cocktails is located in the pantry.
• Bella Vacca Milk: We love local! You’ll find delicious, fresh milk from Bella Vacca. Take the empty bottle from the pantry and swap it for a new one at the local Four Square or Cable Bay Store—this saves you the $5 bottle deposit!
• Blender: Perfect for mixing cocktails, thickshakes, or smoothies.
• Ice Cream Maker: See the separate section for simple instructions on making your own ice cream!
• Cleaning: Should you need them, cleaning cloths and multipurpose spray are stored under the kitchen sink.
• BBQ: Outside, you’ll find the BBQ ready for action. To keep it in top condition, please use a bowl of water and the metal fibre brush (hanging on the BBQ) while it’s on and hot. Scrub with water until clean.
• Popcorn Maker: You’ll find popcorn in the pantry. For melted butter, microwave for 10 seconds in a covered container.
• Sandwich Press: Located in the cupboard under the espresso machine. Please ensure it’s clean (use non-stick safe cleaning utensils to clean before putting away).
• Chopping Boards: Plastic boards can go in the dishwasher, however please hand wash bamboo and wooden ones.

We’ve set up a complete entertainment hub powered by the Apple TV. Use the small black Apple TV remote to turn everything on and navigate.

• Our Treat: We’ve logged into our Netflix, Apple TV+, and TVNZ+ accounts. Just select the “Casa Playa” profile to start watching.
• Music Lovers: The Apple TV is connected to the soundbar for fantastic audio. Open the Apple Music app to enjoy our playlists or find your own.
• Your Accounts: You’re welcome to log into your own accounts on other apps (Neon, Prime Video, etc.). Please remember to log out before you depart.
• Games: For some analogue fun, you’ll find a selection of board games and other games available for everyone next to the bookshelf.
• Unwind with a Great Magazine: Whether you’re settling in for a cozy evening or planning a relaxing day at the beach, a good magazine is the perfect companion. We’ve partnered with New Zealand’s largest digital magazine store to give you instant access to hundreds of top titles where you can save up to 42%.

In the Menu Ring binder on the bottom shelf of the cocktail station, you’ll find guides and our favourite recipes.

Important Note: Our main oven is fast! We suggest turning the temperature down 15-20 degrees from what a recipe states and keeping a close eye on your food.

The binder includes:

• A guide for cooking the perfect meat on the BBQ.
• A guide for the rice cooker with correct measurements (we recommend weighing the rice – scales are in the cupboard to the right of the oven).

Some of our favourites include:

• Breakfast: Nikau Kedgeree (you can usually get great smoked fish from the local Four Square).
• Mains: Nigella’s Watermelon, Feta and Black Olive Salad.
• Breads: Tip 00 Pizza Dough (plain flour works fine if you don’t have 00).
• Biscuits/Cakes: The Gluten-Free Truffle cake is delicious!

IMPORTANT: Please do not change any of the settings on the coffee machine.. They are already set up for you!  The grinder can be adjusted, but 16 is a good setting for the coffee provided.

Step 1: Get Ready

• Check Water: Make sure the water tank at the back of the machine is filled with cold water.
• Turn On: Press the POWER button on the front. The lights will flash while it heats up. Wait until the lights stop flashing and stay on.
• Warm-Up Shot: Place the empty metal coffee handle (portafilter) into the machine where it says “LOCK.” Turn it to the right until it’s tight. Press the 2 CUP button. Hot water will run through it to warm it up. Once it stops, remove the handle and wipe the inside dry with a cloth.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

• Check Beans: The grinder is to the right of the machine. Make sure there are coffee beans in the top.
• Get Grinds: Place the grinder’s container under the spout and push it to the back. This should start the grinding. Fill it about halfway with ground coffee.
• If it doesn’t work: Simply flick the switch on the right side of the grinder to ‘auto’.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee

• Add the Guide: Place the coffee guide (the plastic ring) on top of the portafilter basket and give it a quick screw into place.
• Fill: Using the provided scoop, add approximately two rounded scoops of ground coffee into the basket. It’s okay for the grounds to be a few millimeters over the top of the portafilter.
• Tamp: Using the round press (tamper), press down firmly through the guide. You will see the coffee grounds compact down into the basket.
• Remove Guide: Unscrew the guide, lift it straight off the portafilter, and set it aside.

Step 4: Make the Espresso

• Lock In: Place the portafilter back into the machine and turn it firmly to the right.
• Place Cups: Put two espresso cups under the spouts.
• Press the Button: Press the 2 CUP button once. The machine will make the coffee and stop by itself.

Step 5: Clean Up

• Empty Grounds: Once you’ve enjoyed your coffee, remove the portafilter. Knock the used coffee grounds into the bin.
• Rinse: Press the 1 CUP button to rinse the machine’s group head with fresh water.

Need Hot Water?

Place your cup under the hot water spout (next to the main coffee spouts) and turn the dial on the right side of the machine towards the back (water icon). Turn it back to the middle when you have enough.

For Steamed Milk

• Use the provided stainless steel milk jug and fill with a little less milk than you need, as it will expand.
• Point the steam wand into the drip tray and briefly turn the dial on the right to the front (steam icon) to clear any water.
• Place the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn the dial to steam again. Keep the tip near the surface to introduce air and create foam, then lower the jug to heat the rest of the milk.
• Turn the steam off before removing the jug.
• Clean immediately: Wipe the wand with a damp cloth. A hot tip is to fill the clean jug with water and let the wand soak in it while you drink your coffee, then give it a final wipe.

Important: The freezer bowl must be completely frozen before you start. It should be in the freezer for at least 12 hours.

Step 1: Prepare

• Prepare your ice cream recipe mixture and chill it in the fridge. For recipe ideas, please see the Menu Ring binder on the bottom shelf of the cocktail station.

Step 2: Assemble

• Take the frozen bowl from the freezer and place it in the center of the base.
• Place the mixing paddle inside the freezer bowl.
• Place the lid on top and turn it clockwise to lock.

Step 3: Make Ice Cream

• Press the On/Off button to start the paddle turning.
• Immediately pour your chilled mixture through the ingredient spout.
• Let it churn for about 15-20 minutes. The ice cream is done when it’s smooth and firm.

Step 4: Enjoy & Store

• Turn off the machine and transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. For firmer ice cream, place it in the freezer for another couple of hours.

You’ll find aroma scent oils and burners at the top of the pantry. To use, add water to the top bowl of the burner, then add only 1-2 drops of your chosen oil. Use the provided rechargeable lighter to light the tea light candle below.

We have different oils for different moods, including some that act as a natural insect repellent!

• Towels & Linen: Professional hired and cleaned linen are provided.
• Extra Sheets: If you need extra sheets for a particular bed, you will find them stored in the closet of that specific bedroom.
• Iron & Ironing Board: You’ll find these in the single bedroom closet.
• Vacuum Cleaner: The vacuum is also stored in the linen cupboard should you need it during your stay.
• Laundry: If you do need to do any washing. Liquid Laundromat is just a walk walk down the hill. See the link for details.

Everything you need for a great day or night adventure is ready for you:

• Beach & Picnic Gear: For your outdoor adventures, we have a beach picnic backpack with all your supplies, soft lounger cushions, beach bags, and a sun tent for the beach. All of this is located next to the cocktail station.
• Night Explores: Great for night explores to the beach. You’ll find headlights in the bottom draw in kitchen (under the cutlery draw)—grab them and go exploring! Also handy for any power cut.

A MacBook is set up in the office nook for your convenience.

Please use the “Guest” user profile (no password needed). For your security, the guest profile’s history is wiped automatically each night.

However, we always recommend logging out of any personal sites after use.

Welcome! The spa is always on and ready for you. Please follow these steps to enjoy it safely. Important if wall pressure is dropped please use air pump found in linen cupboard. Valve to pump up is to the right of the heater/pump on outside of  spa. 

1. Before Every Use: Clean the Filter

Before you get in the spa, please remove the filter and give it a quick, thorough rinse with the hose (use the ‘centre’ setting for higher pressure). This is essential to keep the water clean and the spa running perfectly. For a demonstration, please watch included video.

2. Removing the Spa Cover (Requires 2 Hands)

The cover has safety clips that must be undone. To open a clip, use one hand to push down on the top button of the clip while using your other hand to squeeze the two side tabs inwards. Release all the clips around the spa. Carefully lift the cover off and place it somewhere safe.

3. Using the Controls

• First, wake up the panel: The screen locks automatically. If the buttons aren’t responding, press and hold the Lock/Unlock button (🔒) for 3 seconds.
• 🔥 Heat: The spa is set to maintain a warm temperature. If you want it warmer, press the Up arrow (▲). If it’s too warm, press the Down arrow (▼). The heat light is red when actively heating and green when at the set temperature.
• 💨 Bubbles (Massage): Press the Bubbles button to start the massage jets.
  • 1st Press: Full Power Bubbles
  • 2nd Press: Off
  • 3rd Press: Half Power
  • 4th Press: Off

  (The jets will turn off automatically after 30 minutes).

When You’re Finished (VERY IMPORTANT)

For safety and to comply with NZ regulations, the cover MUST be put back on and secured correctly. Carefully place the cover back on the spa. Go to each clip and push it firmly into place until you hear and feel it “CLICK”. Please double-check that all clips are securely locked.

Thank you for helping us keep the spa safe for everyone!

Please be patient! Some of the taps and showers in the house take a little while for the hot water to flow through. When you hop in the shower, we suggest turning the handle to fully hot until the water heats up, then dialing it back down to your preferred temperature. IMPORTANT: if water doesn’t heat up or is lukewarm please contact us urgently.

To ensure your comfort, some parts of the house are automated. The heat pump in the lounge may run from 9-12 PM to circulate and filter the air, but feel free to turn this off with the remote if you prefer.

Please note: the main bedroom heater automation is only available during the winter months.

You will find the general rubbish bin inside the pantry. For recycling, please use the dedicated bin found by the stairs of the deck near clothes line. We recycle all glass, plastic bottles, and cans. Our cleaner will take care of putting the bins out on collection day.

Our garden is full of fruit trees (limes, guavas, mandarins, lemons) and a veggie patch with herbs.

Depending on the season, please feel free to pick what you need for your meals during your stay. We just ask that you leave plenty for future guests to enjoy too!

For your security, we have cameras monitoring the driveway, parking, and lockbox areas only. To ensure your complete privacy, all recreational areas, including the deck and spa, are not monitored areas. Photos showing the camera locations are available in the onsite guide for your reference.

Please note the internal Garage door is locked and alarmed. Please don’t try and enter. 

We are proud guardians of this special place and are committed to the Tiaki Promise—to care for New Zealand for now and for future generations. Every drop of water at Casa Playa de los osos is precious rainwater, collected from our roof. We are not connected to a public supply. Thank you for using this finite resource mindfully and helping us protect our waterways. We also partner with eco-conscious NZ brands like HUIA, which donates 5% of all sales to Forest & Bird.

Please find a hair dryer in the bathroom drawers if you require.

Please note: The Driveway is steep – Pro: Great Views at the top. Cons: It’s a steep walk up.  Just be mindful for children and elderly (or not so elderly).  We personally find the longer you stay the easier it is 🙂