Your Avalon Hosts

A family run resort

Avalon resort is a small family run resort, owned and managed by Willem de Jong and Betty Ras. They immigrated from Holland to New Zealand in December 2003, with their 4 children.

We were excited about the friendly and relaxed setting of Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands. For a small town Kerikeri offers a remarkably good range of boutiques, restaurants, shops and sports facilities. Coming from the Netherlands, the living space, the gentle climate and abundant nature of New Zealand and particularly the Bay of Islands were the main reasons to settle here. 

A property with a vision

Avalon was the first property we saw. The clearwater springs, the streams, small lakes and beautiful river all surrounded by lush green made the decision to buy an easy one. Gently sloping with a sunny, Northern aspect, the property was ideal for our long time plan and vision: setting up Avalon resort and Health centre.

A short walk to town and yet nestled in a small peaceful valley, Avalon will give to you what it gave us; a warm home in a relaxed setting, private but still a stone’s throw away from all the attractions and excitement in the Bay of Islands.

The development of Avalon

We started building our main dwelling, office and guest apartment close to the river in 2005, and after finishing immediately went on with stage 1 of the resort: the 4 cottages currently available. The health centre, the retreat and 2 more cottages will follow, in stage 2 and 3.

Natural Birth

In 2005 Betty started the midwifery practice "Natural Birth" together with colleague Claire Forrest-Chambers. Natural Birth at Avalon is the ideal place for information evenings, antenatal clinics, massaging and holistic health treatments.

Share the experience

Betty and Willem and the family have a strong interest in healthy food, nature, sports and hiking. The last 4 years in New Zealand have been a great experience. Our new homeland has offered us a whole new lifestyle, with many new and interesting discoveries on the way.

On your stay at Avalon we can share this experience and lifestyle with you!

Book Now

Reviews