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Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi

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Northala Cottage, your own private space for breakfast,  BBQ & starlit nights .
Space to relax and take the long view
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Poukawa, Poukawa
  • Place, Birdwoods Gallery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Amazing Maze 'n Maize
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Hastings Golf Club
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Napier (NPE-Hawke's Bay)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 1

1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi

We are at the southern-most point of the Heretaunga Plains, the heart-land of award-winning wines and fruit-growing with views north up the sun-drenched valley toward Havelock North (9km). While olive groves and vineyards are nearby there are no orchards close or associated sprays. On a favoured circuit for cyclist training, the flat terrain is the choice for cycle racing, motorbike touring and a local stage of the yearly national 'Targa Rally' (October) for road racing cars. Most days we are surrounded by gentle rural sounds of the Louisa Stream, birds and farm animals . The stream next to the cottage is fenced to develop as nature reserve with new planting of native trees . Its clear water is currently has been home to fresh-water crayfish 'Kura', Eel and small fish and support pairs of Kingfisher and Blue-faced Heron and occasionally a breeding Ruru (native owl) family. Seasonal fruit for guests to pick include apples, plums, peaches and peach-cot and field mushrooms. While it is possible to bike to Havelock North in about 30 to 45 minutes, 10 minutes drive will give access to the extensive cycle/walkway network, wineries with wine tasting and fine food, the many attractions of Havelock North Village cafes, restaurants and boutiques and the Information Center for help, advice and booking tours. Cycles are available for hire in both Havelock North and Napier.
Special conditions: Standard minimum stay is 3 Nights and 4 Nights in peak summer, 17th Dec to 17th Feb.
Guests have independent access to the cottage via the key in the lockbox on the wall of the front deck. The code number given is verified within 24 hrs of arrival by text or email .
Groups of 2 couples or families welcome.
Please indicate child age when booking to enable appropriate bed provision.
Smoking is allowed outside, away from open doors or windows.
Standard rate of $190 for two adults excludes USA website fees and local GST and are added on booking as is USA custom.
1 single adult charge is as per couple.
Free extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Laundry: Machine and powder, drying rack and clothes line (included); Child under 3yr free .

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children under 2 free.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Rates displayed on the site are for Two sharing a bedroom (twin share).

Important information

You need to know

Property # 20038216
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Poukawa

Located in Poukawa, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Westerman's Building and Frimley Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Hastings Golf Club and Village Vineyards. Amazing Maze 'n Maize and Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre are also worth visiting. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking, ecotours and cycling nearby.
Map
Poukawa, Poukawa

What's nearby

  • Birdwoods Gallery - 4 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Amazing Maze 'n Maize - 8 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Hastings Golf Club - 8 min drive - 13.5 km
  • Hawke's Bay Opera House - 11 min drive - 17.0 km
  • Splash Planet - 11 min drive - 16.7 km

Getting around

  • Napier (NPE-Hawke's Bay) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Havelock North Rugby Club - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪495 - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Peak House - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Jackson's Bakery & Cafe - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Northala Cottage; your private self-contained home - FREE Wi-Fi located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Birdwoods Gallery, Amazing Maze 'n Maize and Hastings Golf Club. Te Mata Peak and Hawke's Bay Racecourse are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 98 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 98 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 98 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

Gorgeous location.

Gorgeous location. Great property, lots of attention to detail, we loved it and will return.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
Love to have you stay and very pleased to have you back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful tranquil spot for a long weekend

Lovely well appointed cottage which was perfect for our stay. Looking forward to another stay in summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2024
Highly recommended guests on all aspects.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Graham M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!!

Amazing stay and awesome place. Loved it
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2022
Thanks for your care and consideration for cottage and surrounding farm animals. I highly recommend you (with your dog Sophie) as guests to others.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catriona K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and peaceful

wonderful cottage would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Feb 2025
Very considerate guests, leaving the cottage very clean and tidy. Thank you for using the gate for your pet, appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for what we needed it for. We had 2 large dogs and very happy with the fully fenced and gated property. The host is nearby but you still have privacy. Highly recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Could not have asked for more. We didn't want to leave. Ngaire went over and above to make us feel welcome. The extra touches were greatly appreciated. So much space outdoors for our beagle to run around and well secure he couldn't get out. Comfortable furniture inside and out, which is a nice touch. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

Loved the quiet seclusion of the property but not too far away from hastings and havelock north. Such attention to detail, everything you need and clean and tidy. One of the nicest places we've stayed.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2024
Thank you Diane for your welcome review. I appreciate having such considerate and communicative guests as Diane and Gerrit and well behaved little dog Rusty. Fabulous to host, tidy and clean while leaving clear indications of which facilities have been used. Would not hesitate to welcome back or recommend to other host. Ngaire
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annette S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and peaceful

Was a lovely spot for two of us. Our own rooms and bathrooms! Beautiful rural outlook. Lovely place
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2025
Thoughtful, timely communication always great. Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalia A M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts made us feel very welcome. The cottage provided excellent furniture, lovely kitchen & dining equipment, and outdoor BBQ facilities. We loved the welcome pack of milk, bread, butter, eggs, tea, coffee, etc. The beds were extremely comfortable. We really appreciated the pretty cottage garden, and the paintings, sketches and photos on the walls. Thank you so much for a great spring break.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TRACY W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great space in a quiet location with excellent support for the mobility impaired

Stayed here with my elderly mother while visiting the area. The ramp and mobility friendly bathroom/shower were excellent and she enjoyed getting to spend time in the area she grew up in, experiencing animals and plants she hadn't seen for decades.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you Grant for your generous feedback. You were great guests to host and it is good to know if we are meeting the sweet spot for mobility needs. Great to have the personal message in the visitors book from Barbara. Please thank her. Ngaire
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful location

Wonderful location , so peace just to sit and relax. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
Ann and Adrian, Lovely to be able to share the peace with you and thank you for your part in developing friendly guest/puppy relations. All the best, Ngaire.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maree P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Beautiful setting, nice and peaceful. Set up very good and the little extras of eggs, cereal, bread etc. made you feel very welcome. Would stay again and highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2023
This lovely considerate, communicative couple were a joy to host, I would recommend them to others and be thrilled if they had occasion to return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David and Julie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little piece of paradise.

A beautiful place to spend a few days in the sun surrounded by birds and tranquil views. We did little day trips from there around the region. Big fenced section perfect for the dog or small kids too...
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Oct 2024
David and Julie (and Gin the Hunterway girl) are guests any host would wish for. Top form on every score and a real pleasure to have stay. I do hope to have them back any time. Ngaire
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and well presented.

Lovely spot, very relaxing atmosphere, nice personal touches, there were eggs, bread, butter and milk their for us, Ngaire was Lovely to deal with andd great communication
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chloe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful escape

Could have easily stayed longer! Really lovely property, perfect for a relaxing escape.Highlights for us included the fully fenced massive yard where our dog, Riley, could enjoy a good run and sniff. The hosts were great, friendly, polite and attentive to Rileys needs as well as ours.Property is well kitted out, with all needs met and often exceeded.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2025
We really enjoyed having these lovely guests and their sweet little young dog. There are special difficulties of staying in winter. While the rules are not to have dogs on the bed, it is very hard to keep a young energetic little dog from very eagerly sharing the beds, or to catch them before they do ! I sympathise, we are dog lovers and do understand, and can only suggest a quick paw clean at the door or cover from home on the bed to catch the mud.This mud is staining and a long difficult process to remove.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rural relaxation

Every detail to make our stay comfortable was provided. We couldn’t have been happier.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2022
Linda is a very considerate guest, she and her husband are a pleasure to host and I highly recommend them to other hosts. Ngaire
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janice C.

peace and tranquility

This little cottage is set in a great peaceful area with a few chooks and cockerels being the only sounds for miles around. We really enjoyed our stay and would definite;y recommend. Lovely hosts also who were available if needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
It was a real privilege to have such thoughtful and considerate guests for 5 nights....setting the washing going on leaving goes beyond expectation but is a lovely gesture.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine and Rod S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

distance

great place, comfortable and lovely area. Only drawback is the distance from Havelock and restaurants - a longish drive after an evening's dining.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
Northala Cottage is definitely for guests who want country sights and sounds and no lights at night . Just a faint glow from Havelock North, 8 or 9 km on the northern horizon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Northala

Loved our stay at Northala. The cottage was so comfortable and well equipped and in a lovely peaceful setting. The daily sheep parade was hilarious. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2023
Sorry I didn't get back. It was wonderful having you stay Ellen. All the best, Ngaire
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

This is such a lovely place to stay.Excellent accommodation with everything you need to be comfortable. The hosts were so friendly and the whole place was spotlessly clean. The location is idyllic, but still with easy access to Hastings and Havelock North. Our dog Stanley loved running around the large fully fenced private garden, and snoozing in the shade on the verandah!I would love to go back again, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 2025
David and his friend were superb guests with great communication and leaving the cottage immaculately clean and tidy. The kind of guest any host is likely to appreciate.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Virginia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet rural setting

Lovely stay looking out over the garden and fields. Only 15 mins from town. Enjoyed the warm sunny autumn mornings on the verandah. Well appointed cottage with 2 bedrooms and each with a bathroom. Essential food items provided. Very comfortable beds. Warm and cosy. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr 2025
Always great to have thoughtful and communicative guests. Thank you both.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chill in the countryside

Very restfull cottage.The only thing that could improve the cottage is to have yo couches for th
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous cottage near Havelock North

The cottage is clean, comfortable, modern and well equipped. The location is beautiful and really peaceful, yet the cottage is only about 10 minutes drive from Havelock North. The garden is lovely and a great spot for relaxing. Our stay was for two adult couples and one dog and the cottage was spacious enough to accommodate us easily.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2020
It is a real pleasure to have guests enjoying the great cycling opportunities in the Hawkes Bay and caring for the cottage and surrounds so thoughtfully.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacek W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Phenomenal place of tranquility

Everything was fantastic. Pets welcome. Super clean. Fast internet. Charming hostess. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jan 2021
It is a real pleasure to host Jacek and Maria. They are such a friendly, interesting couple who are very considerate in treatment of the cottage and environment and you could not tell that Carmen the dog had been there. Highly recommended as guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little cottage

Wonderful place to stay for our weekend in the Hawkes Bay. Close to Havelock North and Hastings where we spent most of our time. Morning breakfast on the porch was really nice – really felt like we were away from it all. Ngaire made us feel very welcome, including our dog. Fully fenced so perfect for him to run around. Thank you for a great stay, hopefully we can come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2023
It is a real pleasure to have such thoughtful and communicative guests who treat the cottage as their own with light and careful touch and leave it so beautifully tidy. Thank you for staying and you know you are always welcome back with your lovely dog Elmo, but then perhaps not.... he should make the grade as guide dog.

About the host

Hosted by Ngaire Knauf

Host profile image
We are Ngaire and Keith, from Wellington (NZ Capital) city careers we moved to Hawkes Bay to establish two separate truffle forests of oaks and hazels for production of white Bianchetto and black Perigord truffle (first harvest 2022) .
We have loved and visited the Hawkes Bay for many decades before deciding to move to the wonderful warm climate, many renowned vineyards and accessible variety of entertainment, recreation and dining the Bay offers.

Why they chose this property

This property offers breathing space in a relaxed, private, secure retreat in sunny gardens with long valley views in which to rest (or catch-up on the laundry) and plan your days in the Bay using free internet or provided pamphlets and guides in the cottage.

And then a ten minute drive provides the Havelock North Village Boutique Shops, Cafes and Restaurants or Hastings township with larger specialised shops and both with good Supermarket, Theatres and Art Galleries. Thirty minutes along the Marine Parade or the Express-way will provide Napier's Art Deco charm, Ocean Walkways and Cycleways and Dockside Restaurants, Bars and Entertainment.

What makes this property unique

Providing for independent catering and entertainment for small groups and families in the privacy of your own secure garden. This securely gated private space extends a welcome for guest's pets as well.

Languages:

English

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