A Map for a New Chapter — and an Old Story
When Katie Horne reached out to us, her message was full of heart and purpose. Her parents were building their retirement home in Orere Point, a place deeply rooted in their family’s history.
“My parents are currently building their retirement home in Orere Point and have a lot of family history from that area (Kawakawa Bay etc), so I’d love to know a price estimate and time frame…”
She was on a mission to create something thoughtful — a housewarming gift that wasn’t just art, but a tribute to place and legacy.
From Vague Idea to Something Unforgettable
Katie had a general vision — something meaningful, location-based, and beautiful — but she wasn’t exactly sure what it should look like. That’s where the collaborative process began.
“The biggest thank you to Matt. He was absolutely incredible bringing my vague ideas to life!”
We explored layout options, local features, and placement details together. With Katie’s input, we created a custom map of the Orere Point and Kawakawa Bay area, transforming familiar coastlines into a personal heirloom.
“He worked with me to create the perfect piece as a gift for my parents. The quality of his work is unmatched!”
An Over-the-Moon Moment (and a Reluctant Gifter!)
The gift was a huge success. Katie shared the moment with us just after delivering it:
“They LOVE it! They are so over the moon with it — thank you so, so much!”
And perhaps the best endorsement came from her partner:
“My partner actually didn’t even want to give it away 😅”
That’s when you know it’s good.
They hung it the moment Katie left, and even though the initial photo was “crappy Nokia-style,” she promised to send a better one soon.
“Great photos! Absolutely happy for you to pop them up on socials.”
Gifts That Honour Where You Come From
At Tides Out Maps, we know some of the most meaningful gifts are the ones that reflect where you’ve been, who you love, and where your story begins. Katie’s gift was more than a map — it was a memory made visible. A retirement gift that honoured decades of connection.
Want to Design Something Personal for Someone You Love?
Whether it’s a retirement, housewarming, or milestone moment, we’d love to help you create a handcrafted map as special as the people it’s for.
If you like the look of this map, you can find it in our shop here.
➡️ Start Your Custom Map Here
➡️ Explore Personalised Design Options
Let’s bring your story to life — just like we did for Katie and her parents.