One km down a gravel road in the beautiful Parapara Valley, Birdsong Retreat is a rustic cottage set in lush manuka. Take time to enjoy a cool forest, native bird life, and peace and quiet. The cottage sits partway up a hillside overlooking the Parapara estuary. A quick hike up the hill (past the main house) offers wonderful views, especially as the sun is setting. . The cottage is private and open plan. Beds are in the main rooms and a side room separated by glass doors and a curtain. . Perfectly situated as a base to explore all the lovely places Golden Bay has to offer, it is a wonderful holiday location for couples or small families. Nearby are stunning river swimming holes (1km), the beach (2km) and walks in the Kahurangi National Park. Or you can simply laze in the hammock with a good book. . Local highlights include the famously funky Mussel Inn (5km), tame eels in the local creek, and a beautiful two-tier waterfall ten minutes walk away. There is mobile phone reception and free wifi (typical for a rural area, internet can be a little intermittent, especially speed-wise). Otherwise, there is no TV, no stereo, just the calls of the birds and the wind in the trees. . While our water supply is plentiful, the hot water cylinder is small. It allows exactly 9 min of hot showers; enough for four if you're quick! Alternatives are the gorgeous swimming hole in the river nearby (the cleanest river in Tasman), or the beach just down the road, which is safe for swimming. A Kiwi/German couple, we are seasoned travellers ourselves, and love meeting people. We know what it's like staying away from home, so if you need something just ask, and if we can provide it, we will. If you are here for a longer stay, we can help with laundry. . For the birdwatchers, our regulars are tui, korimako, weka, pīwakawaka, kererū, ruru and shining cuckoo. You might also spot fernbird and kingfisher if you're lucky. The estuary is home to many wading species.