Entire home

Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

Photo gallery for Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

Exterior
Outdoor dining
Lounge
Dining Area / Kitchen
Bathroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 564 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Ruakaka, Northland
  • Ruakaka Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Waipu Caves
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Waipu Cove Beach
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Whangarei (WRE)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

2nd Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

Our newly renovated bach is located meters off State Highway 1 at Ruakaka. We are an easy 15minute walk to the beautiful white sands of Ruakaka Beach, and even closer to the popular calm waters of Ruakaka Estuary. Our bach is a 2 bedroom home away from home. The master bedroom has a comfy king size bed and the 2nd bedroom has a king single bed, the lounge has a single bed & sofa bed, we can cater for up to 4 adults, if your group is larger please enquire. The open plan lounge and kitchen has large windows and doors that allow maximum light and airflow, while the doors open onto a sun drenched deck with gas BBQ and outdoor setting. Inside the kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need, including fridge/freezer, microwave, cooktop, electric frypan and dishwasher. A healthy continental breakfast is provided for your first nights stay including fresh eggs (when available), cereal, toast, spreads, milk, Juice, tea & coffee.
Our property is on one level however there are 4 steps up to the deck.
You're welcome to bring your small - medium sized dog, however please be aware that our property is not fenced. The 3m x 8m deck can be secured to keep them safe.

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Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ruakaka

Located in Ruakaka, this holiday home is in a rural area. Waipu Museum and Hundertwasser Art Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Town Basin Marina and Mangawhai Golf Club. With kayaking, surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Ruakaka, Northland

What's nearby

  • Ruakaka Beach - 5 min drive - 1.3 km
  • Refining NZ Visitors Centre - 7 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Waipu Caves - 21 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Waipu Cove Beach - 25 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Ocean Beach - 56 min drive - 26.0 km

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ruakaka Tavern - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ainga - Asian Fusion Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Waipu Tavern - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Two Birds Cafe & Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Waipu Pizza Barn - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Ruakaka Beach and within 9 miles (15 km) of Refining NZ Visitors Centre and Waipu Museum. Waipu Caves and Waipu Cove Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 65 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great open feeling house with lots of space. Lots of breakfast kai. Loved it
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angelita H.

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

Great stay

The place was everything you needed and could take our little puppy with us .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike E.

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

Cosy short drives to Marden point and one tree point

Nice and cosy and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colin M.

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

Relaxing and comfortable

Easy to town and the beach
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frankie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The weather was biblical but the welcome so warm. Everything was immaculate and cosy. We had lovely breakfast supplies in the fridge. Thoroughly enjoyed the fresh eggs! Lovely toiletries, which we really appreciated and a bed that had an electric blanket should you need it! We would definitely stay again. Thanks Merril for having us.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise H.

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

Great Accommodation

Perfect place will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wayne and Sandra W.

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

Wonderful place to stay

Truly wonderful place to stay. Welcomed our cat too! The supplied breakfast things unexpected and very welcome. The best we have stayed at, and you cannot go pass this one. Perfect in every way!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elly N.

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

peace after our storm

After moving house we needed a quiet retreat, before beginning long travel- there was nothing better than this gorgeous place, with all things set up for us, in case we needed it. host was lovely too, as was the home. thanks so much blessings, Elly
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy S., Auckland

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

Great little bach

Great little family bach for a weekend getaway. Everything you need and great hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

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

Sister's Road Trip

Awesome property Friendly & Helpful Host Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

martin a.

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

everything you need

The cottage was well stocked and very clean. Close to Raukaka beach. The host greeted us and explained everything we needed to know. Our only regret was we couldn't spend more time here.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gillian A.

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

Short get away

really nice well thought out cottage - so many treats left for us really nice. Owner was lovely and very accomadating. Very close to a great park for the dogs and the beach also within walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda P.

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

Thistle Do

Was a great place to stay & handy to everything. Bobbi dog loved his stay too!! Highly recommended & would go again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

ben w.

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

Mega Mangawhai

Great location for golf. Right next to the course. Easy walk into town for food and close to the shops.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophie B.

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

Great location to Beach

Great kiwi Bach with everything you need. Clean and tidy. Handy location to beach and campsite. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paula G.

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

Lovely and cosy

Lovely little place with everything you need. Lovely hosts to meet us. Would love to come back one day.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jancke W.

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

Lovely

Everything was really neat and tidy. We had a lovely stay 🙂
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

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

Lovely spot

Lovely place to stay, in walking distance of Ruakaka beach. Merrill thought of everything and was very friendly and obliging. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Liz V.

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

Ruakaka

Very tidy and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S., United Kingdom

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

Great property!

We had a great stay here. The owners were incredibly thoughtful and included everything we needed including breakfast! Merril even checked in with us during a massive storm to make sure we were ok. Property is very conveniently located a couple of minutes off the highway
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine H.

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

Would stay again

Very clean and tidy, with all of the ammenities you'd have at home. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda T.

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

Lovely country bach

All the comforts of home. Up to date, warm, clean, safe and simply delightful. Hosts were top-notch. Definitely top drawer. I'd love to come back
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

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

Overnight stay

Great host - great amenities and grateful to be able to have our pet with us. Recommended to all.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

wilna c., Auckland

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

Very neat property

Just perfect , neat and clean, good location and very friendly and helpful couple renting out there property. Highly recommended. Thanks so much.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cleanest stay ever!

Lovely little property with so much thought put in by the hosts. Basket of feijoas, milk, eggs, butter, cereal, yogurt etc all provided. Towels fresh and folded, board games, really nice touches. And the cleanest property I’ve ever stayed in!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Merril

Host profile image
Graham & I met in beautiful Ruakaka when we were teenagers, we now live here and love sharing our slice of paradise with others.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests