Having lived all over the North Shore and raised a family here, Robin McKenzie never imagined she would leave her beautiful three-storey Milford townhouse, just a block back from the beach. But four years after being widowed – and after 25 years in the same home – the maintenance and responsibility were beginning to weigh heavily.

Life on the Shore had been full and happy – wonderful neighbours, beach walks, and a strong circle of friends. Yet she knew it was time to make a move that would simplify life without compromising it.
While on a cruise with her sister, Robin met a couple who spoke glowingly about The Botanic Hibiscus Coast. Soon after, a visit to a hairdresser in Orewa turned into a tour of the village. She loved it immediately.
For Robin, and her much-loved dog Button, a dog-friendly village was essential. At The Botanic, Button is something of a local celebrity – everyone knows him. Together they enjoy walks along the beach in Orewa and around the well-designed walking routes in neighbouring Millwater, catching up with friends both locally and back in Milford, just a short, easy 20-minute drive away. She remains a member of the North Shore Bridge Club and has even started a Bridge group within the village.
What she values most is the ease and convenience of life here. Access to the ASB and Westpac banks that she’d lost in Milford – are both conveniently located in Silverdale. There’s the Friday morning village exercise class, relaxing for a hot soak in the Poolhouse spa, fun evenings at Housie, catching up with neighbours at Happy Hour, and being part of a genuinely warm, welcoming and supportive community. Following recent hip surgery, Robin felt especially grateful to be surrounded by support. “You don’t realise how reassuring it is,” she reflects, “until you need it.”
She admires the tasteful architecture – thoughtfully designed homes with privacy, varied outlooks, and beautiful design accents. Her two-bedroom, two bathroom villa is flooded with natural light and all day sun, with beautiful indoor-outdoor flow to a private garden patio and located just steps from the village vegetable gardens, the Poolhouse & Wellness Centre and The Clubhouse Café. 
For Robin and Button, life at The Botanic is simpler, connected, and full – a new chapter that feels entirely right.
When Kaye and Tony Procter made the move to their 2-bedroom villa at The Botanic from their family home in Torbay, it wasn’t a leap into the unknown — it was a confident step toward a more connected, carefree way of living.
Having commuted daily from Torbay to the Hibiscus Coast for work with North Harbour Law, Kaye already knew and loved the area. “Everything is so handy,” she says. “I’ve driven up here for years, so it already felt familiar.”
But what they love most about life at The Botanic isn’t just the location — it’s the people. “We’ve made some wonderful new friends,” Kaye says. “There are so many impromptu meals and wines together, either in our homes or at The Clubhouse Café.”
Retirement, they’ve discovered, feels like one long weekend. “Every day is a weekend,” Kaye laughs. “It’s wonderful.” With more time on their hands, they’re able to be deeply involved in family life. Tony plays golf three times a week, enjoys bowls, and proudly takes on the role of chauffeur for their grandchildren. Kaye volunteers at Red Beach school, where her daughter teaches, serves on The Botanic Residents’ Committee, and supports several charities through fundraising. Both are quick to lend a hand at events in The Clubhouse Café, where Kaye loves the ever-changing Specials Board (and the “fabulous” staff and coffee), while Tony is devoted to the Café’s legendary breakfasts, which are proving popular with Hibiscus Coast locals of all ages.
The ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle has been a game changer. With no maintenance to worry about and neighbours happy to water plants, travel is effortless and spontaneous.
For Kaye and Tony, life at The Botanic is about staying active, nurturing connections, and building friendships with like-minded neighbours. Their advice to fellow retirees?  “Don’t put it off. Do it now.”

Visit thebotanic.co.nz for more information.