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Rustic Retreat, handy location

Cottage in Waimumu with kitchenette

Photo gallery for Rustic Retreat, handy location

Exterior
Exterior
Step back in time
Exterior
Chillin' couch

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Gore Racecourse
  • Place, Newman Park
  • Place, Gore Historical Museum

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Loft bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Rustic Retreat, handy location

Hawk Hut is built on the site of the original Homestead whose double chimney now serves as an outside fireplace and BBQ area. Surrounded by ancient farm buildings, orchard and plantings, the hut is built in a quiet clearing with ample space for parking, playing and pets. Close by is the famous fishing river Mataura, and the amenities of Gore including the Race course, A & P showgrounds and multi-sports complex. Dolamore Park's bush walks and picnic area are ten minutes away. Centrally located, we are an hours drive from Invercargill, the East coast and Central Otago.
Special conditions:
Loft sleeping area access by ladder ( not suitable for elderly or small children).
Pets allowed with prior approval.
Smoking outside only. Extra children stay free.

Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included)
Guided Day Trips (eg; Milford Sound, Southern Coast, The Catlins, Central Otago) available with optional fishing (enquires welcome)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Accompanied children stay free
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

About the area

Waimumu

Waimumu is home to this cottage. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Newman Park and Bannerman Park, while Eastern Southland Gallery and Hokonui Moonshine Museum are cultural highlights. Gore Public Gardens and Fly Fish Mataura are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in WaimumuOpens in a new window
Map
Gore, Gore

What's nearby

  • Gore Racecourse - 10 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Newman Park - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Gore Public Gardens - 13 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Gore Historical Museum - 14 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Hokonui Moonshine Museum - 14 min drive - 11.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Croydon Lodge - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Amigos - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Stable Kitchen - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Capri Restaurant Ltd - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rustic Retreat, handy location pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Rustic Retreat, handy location?

As of 19 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rustic Retreat, handy location on 22 Nov 2025 start from AU$179.99, 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 Rustic Retreat, handy location?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rustic Retreat, handy location?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rustic Retreat, handy location?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rustic Retreat, handy location located?

Situated in Waimumu, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Gore Racecourse, Newman Park and Gore Public Gardens. Brown Trout and Eastern Southland Gallery are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 70 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 87 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JOanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very friendly and helpful hosts. Lovely setting, had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent queen bed upstairs, place to stay. Friendly and helpful hosts. Charming building privately situated in a quiet and pleasant rural setting. No major road noise, comfy queen bed upstairs, good little kitchen for a cabin, great shower and bathroom. Access to and inside the building was as described on the website.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ian M.

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

Great little stay

Friendly owners, great location, small but fine for one or two people.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob S.

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

retreat

Super friendly and helpful hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

RICKY a.

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

Alabasters

Fantastic stayLovely little cottage
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave E., 21445148

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

Great place to stay

Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Snug location

Snug but wouldn’t recommend for more than 2 ppl.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Leila P.

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

Great cozy little farm stay

Very clean and such a great little get away. Great that I was able to take my dog too.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne K.

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

Perfect

Calm and restful location, great amenities, and great hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nardia W.

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

Peaceful

Peaceful little getaway. Loved the shower!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alan L.

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

Peaceful rural location

Rustic rural setting with all basic amenities. Very cosy & comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn G.

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

Waimumu

Great location to experience the Catlins while visiting family
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, location

Compact interior/ spacious exterior

Adequate, basic facilities but inflated price for a tiny bedroom with no space for luggage. A noisy, heavy sliding door to bathroom from bedroom. Friendly hosts, rustic setting
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

lynette m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Initially extremely cold 1st night as just an oil column heater warmed up overnight though ladder to loft bed very steep and supported
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marianne M.

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

Great little cottage in a beautiful setting

The location was ideal for where we needed to be while in Southland. Being outside the main centre of Invercargill and in a rural setting was great. No road noise, no light pollution, and very peaceful. Weather was good too. The property owners were very helpful and friendly too - including the dog :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alzbeta B.

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

A little gem of a house

We loved our stay with Heidi, the house is beautiful and very comfortable and Heidi and her family were amazing hosts. We were able to feed horses and cook on an outdoor stove. Definitely coming back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Sharon J.

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

Great spot

.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

James H.

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

Travellers with pet

Property was as described. Quite relaxing.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marty G.

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

A great quaint rustic cottage with everything, including vinyl records and player even!!

So quiet on the farm and only a short distance to town. Magic.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Michael P.

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

Great Spot and Hosts

This unique cottage was easy to find with clear directions from the host.Communication with the hosts was excellent.The work/design and uniqueness of this cottage is one of its strengths. Great ideas and craftmanship has gone in to creating this place. Appointed as you would expect for a cottage. It was quiet. We only used the bed downstairs and that was comfortable.Eggs and milk provided by the host were well received.A great place to rest and recharge - pity we were only there overnight.We would recommend this cottage to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Bedroom and bathroom Claustrophobic

Beautifull location, we paid for two nights but couldn't stay second night as bedroom and bathroom were so small and bed was terrible.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aorewa T.

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

Waimumu,South Island.

House was everything we required. Check-in was great. The house was open and warm on arrival. Heidi and Derrick were the most amazing hosts. He even went out of his way to talk and take husband for a ride. They even gave us some fresh eggs. Thankyou very much.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle R.

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

Character plus serenity

Gorgeous country location, not far from the township, I was only there one night, would have loved to stay longer. Quirky character everywhere in the cottage, memorabilia and nostalgia galore, immaculately clean, and super comfortable. Kitchenette is small but efficient. Stunning view from the shower over peaceful farmland. Heidi and Derek really helpful and communicative. Cottage a little way from the house, so private, but not isolated. This property didnt seem to come up on many searches so lucky if you found it!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Trevor S.

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

Farm Stay

This is a nice cabin situated on a country property just a short distance out of Gore. Derek and Heidi live in the house nearby and were available on our arrival and during our stay. Both impressed us as very nice people who made us welcome. Derek even took us to his favorite (secret) fishing spot. We found the beds very comfortable and the unit had the usual pots, pans, cutlery, etc. It features 2 double beds; one downstairs and the other up a ladder in the loft. A small, outside BBQ is available for cooking together with a microwave inside. There is no stove or oven.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Drew N.

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

Rural getaway close to town

The Rustic retreat is a compact and ingeniously designed bach like residence. Heidi and Derek are friendly and helpful hosts and made sure we didn't want for anything. The setting is very peaceful with a north facing verandah surrounded by beautiful trees and an abundance of bird life flowers and bumble bees. Very relaxing stay and will miss a quiet beer in the early evenings enjoying the sunshine. Highly recommended particularly if you want to bring your dog with you.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by HeidiHe1

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Hawk Hut is built on the site of the original homestead & incorporates some of it's native timber in its construction. It houses an eclectic collection of memorabilia & design detail from 'back in the day', & provides an opportunity to live the simple life in an old farm setting, while having the ammenities of a large town close by. The owner is the forth generation to caretake the property & built Hawk Hut to celebrate & share a slice of the farm's history while providing a peaceful getaway & traveler's rest.

What makes this property unique

Sheltered from the prevailing weather by ancient trees, Hawk Hut is built near the edge of an historic river terrace. Power points for camper vans, lined dog kennel, sheltered horse paddock, trough & loose boxes also available.

Languages:

English
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