Mangochi Beach Cottage is a self catering beach cottage in Britannia Bay that sounds like the quintessential Budget traveler's beach shack.

Set on the northern point of Britannia Bay (apparently among the best sites along this stretch of coastline) and less than 50m from the curling waves, Mangochi is a typical West Coast timber beach house - that rare breed of place where crayfish diving, mussel hunting and fishing is the order of the day.

You can squeeze the most from it by coming prepared with a wetsuit and the necessary permits. Alternatively, kick off the slops, don your sarong and take a more laid back approach to your weekend - long beach walks with Fido (who happens to be welcome at Mangochi), the occasional brave dip in the freezing water, bird watching, a meal at a nearby eatery, are among the many options.

Mangochi can sleep six in a total of three bedrooms, and is fully equipped, including linen and towels. There are 2 double beds and 2 singles beds. There isn't a fireplace but the shack is air-conditioned for both summer and winter - a luxury Robinson Crusoe had to do without.

The general decor is casual and relaxed and befitting the setting. From the living area and deck there's a 180-degree view of the bobbing kelp and mussel-encrusted rocks below... and mom scampering about in search of dad's al fresco seafood lunch.

If it's a hang loose, sand-between-the-toes weekend you've been day-dreaming about at work lately, Mangochi fits the bill perfectly.