Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Kahurangi National Park
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Deck or patio
Free Wi-Fi
Fireplace
Explore the area
Parapara, Tasman Region
Milnthorpe Park
Place, Milnthorpe Park
15 min drive
Abel Tasman National Park
Place, Abel Tasman National Park
53 min drive
Tata Beach
Place, Tata Beach
58 min drive
Where you'll sleep
1 bedroom (sleeps 3)
attic bedroom
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Idyllic river side retreat
The cottage is warm and well appointed, built in uncut river stone to high specs The dwelling is private and quiet, with no other houses in sight, and is set in it's own large garden area Insect screens allow the sliding windows to be open on hot nights without moths , mosquitos etc swarming in Bird life abounds, and the unspoiled ParaPara river ,glimpsed through the trees is 20 steps away.Old gold workings from the 19th century are still visible, and the track up the river follows the water race that provided power for the historic paint factory working in the early days of the colony.There is a network of tracks developed by the host's partner over the last 9 years 5 minutes from marvellous Milnthorpe Park with its bush walks and beach, 10 minutes from the town of Collingwood, and further afield spectacular Wharariki beach and the Westhaven inlet Or if you're in the mood for perusing arts and crafts, many artisan galleries are nearby, potters, jewellers and glass workers For a fee of $30.00 I will provide a fire bath for you, good for relaxation and star gazing ! from May to October .Outside of that time we don't light outdoor fires.
In winter months from June to August the sun sets early in the valley There is a good efficient fire, plenty of dry wood and a heater,and with double glazing the cottage is really cosy. Special conditions: Most suitable for couples, but a day bed in the living room can also be used for another person
Smoking outside only No tents quiet enjoyment (no parties or loud music) . Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included);
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I do not allow day guests additional to those included in the reservation .
Please do not use the reservation to host groups
To protect our privacy and to diminish wear and tear on the property ,I ask you not to invite further guests to the cottage or surrounds
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20037540
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Parapara
Located in Parapara, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Collingwood Museum and Mōhua Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Te Anaroa Caves and Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Cafe. Windsurfing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
Abel Tasman National Park - 53 min drive - 41.5 km
Tata Beach - 58 min drive - 44.4 km
Restaurants
The Courthouse Cafe - 7 min drive
Collingwood Tavern - 7 min drive
Collingwood Cafe - 7 min drive
NgAngART Gallery & Cafe - 7 min drive
Sunset Balcony - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Idyllic river side retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Idyllic river side retreat?
As of 19 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Idyllic river side retreat on 22 Sept 2026 start from AU$336, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Idyllic river side retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Idyllic river side retreat?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Idyllic river side retreat?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Idyllic river side retreat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Kahurangi National Park, Parapara Beach and Tukurua Bay. Golden Bay and Milnthorpe Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful property with all the amenities, great hiking trails over the river, tucked away and yet convenient. Lovely to have a fire in the evening, and stargazing was spectacular.
Second time coming to this amazing stone cottage retreat. Such privacy, access to a beautiful river for a refreshing dunk after a day exploring the area. Perfect location for getting into Collingwood and Takaka. Golden Bay not far as well to explore by kayak. Just sitting in the morning and evening listening to birds swoop around is worth the booking alone!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Feb 2026
Lovely to see you again!
Thanks for the great review
From our first glimpse of property from the driveway until our last glance back when leaving everything & everyone (our hosts) was/were perfect. Can not put into words how special.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jan 2026
It was a real pleasure meeting Lynn and Peter, who has a deep family connection with this area.Wonderful stories!
This place is idyllic. We had a lovely welcome to the beautifully crafted house. Surrounded by birdsong, bush tracks and the most dreamy river swims! Came over for family and had to tear ourselves away every time we went out. Hoping to stay longer next time.
The location was really nice, very secluded and peaceful, all the facilities were nice, but I did notice the fire alarms had been taken out while I was staying there.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Nov 2024
Most guests are absolutely great, and only occasionally do I have an unpleasant experience
This was one of them.
Fantastic place to stay, very private and quiet. The cottage was excellent, with everything you need, lovely garden around the cottage and awesome bush walks starting behind the cottage. We loved our stay.
A lovely peaceful feeling batch in good order, a week here feels like dropping the weight of a years stress, think of it as an investment in your health
Everything about Reens cottage is outstanding. Extremely peaceful and comfortable, in a great location to explore Golden Bay. Great swimming and bush tracks nearby with abundant birdsong.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jan 2025
Thanks for your lovely review Peter and Penny
It was nice meeting you
Come again!
This was an amazing stay at Reen's place. Super cozy and a tranquil environment tucked away in beautiful nature Still close to great activities. Reen is a fabulous host, who is very responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2025
Thanks Andrea for the great review
So nice to see you two again
Cheers
Reen
A treasure of a place; a treat to stay.Idyllic location, surrounded by the best of NZ- it's bush and birds, with a view of the river from the house. Doesn't get better than this.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2025
Always a pleasure to see Noel and Jenni again
About the host
Hosted by Reen_Mcmillan
I have lived in the Bay since 1973, brought up 4 children.Now two of them have come back from overseas to raise their families here. I love Golden Bay for its history, its geographic diversity and beauty, and thriving community
Why they chose this property
We bought this property in 1973 because it ticked all the boxes, bush, river etc, but also had an air of mystery about it.There was evidence of old mining huts, church music sheets scattered on the floor of one of the huts along with flesh coloured corsets and black clunky heeled shoes , prevalent in the 1930's Bit by bit we pieced together the history, and added our own
What makes this property unique
the feel of a hidden world, yet only 20 minutes from Takaka
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests