Cottle Hill Creek

Cottle Hill Creek

Kerikeri, Northland

The Ark at Cottle Hill Creek is just 5 minutes from Kerikeri village and just over 3 hours drive from Auckland. With just a short drive to many of the Bay of Island and Northland sights - it's a great spot to explore this stunning region from.

The Ark is a unique, floating houseboat. It sits peacefully in a corner of a small private lake on a 16-acre farmlet,  complete with goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs and horses. The Ark is docked alongside a wharf where a nearby willow tree provides a cool outdoor living space - and a tranquil place to BBQ, sunbathe, read, relax, or enjoy a cool drink on a hot day.

Inside is a small but perfectly formed space with an open plan and well-equipped kitchen, dining, and lounge area, and bathroom. A comfortable queen-size bed is accessed via a ladder in the loft. A small wood burner is lovely to cosy up in front of during winter.

Row or kayak on the lake, take a walk around the property, bird watch, or say hello to the animals. Enjoy listening to the sound of the kiwi that has recently moved into the area.

During open fire season, guests are welcome to collect wood and build a fire in the pit outside the Ark. Pioneer cast iron cookware is provided to enjoy a unique outdoor fire cooking experience.

There is an array of birdlife to enjoy! Sometimes you can spot wild turkeys, peacocks, and quail - not to mention the ducks and chickens who will visit you during your stay. There are also many beautiful native birds such as fantails, tui, and kererus to be seen.

FROM $300 p/n

Children aged 9+ only

  • Sleeps 4
  • 
            Children welcome
      Children welcome

A $60 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times. 

address
 

71a Cottle Hill Drive, Kerikeri 0293

directions
 

Cottle Hill Creek is just 5 minutes from Kerikeri and just over 3 hours drive from Auckland. Follow the Google Maps directions to get there. 

Cottle Hill Drive is located off State Highway 10. The Cottle Hill Winery is at the bottom of the hill and we are located at the top. If you take the hairpin turn by the letterboxes of 71a and 71b (a kangaroo letterbox, hard to miss) drive past 73 and keep on the driveway that splits off to the right. You’ll know it’s the correct one when you see the lake. Just follow the driveway down to The Ark and Careena and Chris will meet you there to show you around.

Cottle Hill Creek

What time is check-in and check-out?

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

IS THERE POWER?

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

IS THERE WIFI?

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in winter?

Can children stay at Cottle Hill Creek?

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS THE CAMPSITE?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

Will I encounter any creatures or critters during my stay?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

Minimum Stay Periods

Rates

Catered Platters

Gift Vouchers

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Cottle Hill Creek is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the gas hob or BBQ and facilities provided in your private galley kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    Cottle Hill Creek can provide some beautiful platters to enjoy at the Ark. If you'd like to order, check out pricing and details under the 'Rates and Extras' button above. 

    Kerikeri is a 5-minute drive away and is filled with delicious places to eat out. The Plough and Feather at the Kerikeri Mission Station comes highly recommended - with fantastic food and a wonderful ambience. There are some nice takeaway spots, lots of great cafes (Santeez Gluten Free Café for their coffee and ginger slice is delicious!), and other fantastic restaurants such as Black Olive, Ake Ake Winery and Rainbow Falls Tea House.

    There are three supermarkets close by, Countdown and New World in Kerikeri, and Four Square in Waipapa. If you're staying on a weekend - treat yourself to some culinary treats from The Packhouse Market in Kerikeri on Saturday or Sunday, or pop in for some fresh fruit and vegetables at the Kerikeri Farmer's Market on Sunday.

  • Things to do

    At Cottle Hill Creek, hop in the boat to row or kayak on the lake (lifejackets are provided!), take a walk around the property, bird watch, or say hello to the animals.

    Kerikeri is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the Northland region.

    Kerikeri village itself, offers a quaint cinema, boutique shops, and lots of great cafes and restaurants. Cottle Hill Winery is less than a minute down the road and is open for tastings Wednesday - Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

    The Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory is 3 minutes away, and another well-known kiwi business 'Living Nature', a natural skincare and cosmetics factory shop, (which also houses a beauty clinic), is just around the corner.

    Get a taste of history with a visit to The Stone Store and Kemp House (11 minutes away), and Rewa’s Village - just 12 minutes away.

    Charlie’s Rock, a fantastic swimming hole, is a 12-minute drive.

    Each Saturday there is The Packhouse Market in Kerikeri which offers local culinary treats, crafts, and more. And on Sundays, there is the Kerikeri Farmer’s Market for fruits and vegetables.

  • Your Hosts

    Careena and Chris will be your hosts while staying in the Ark at Cottle Hill Creek.

    Chris is a New Zealander, originally from Christchurch, and Careena is Australian, who grew up in Malaysia and Singapore, and moved to NZ when she was 18. 

    From when they were a young couple, Chris and Careena have had a dream to live a self sustainable lifestyle, and be more in touch with nature. They're now finally realising it with the beautiful property at Cottle Hill Creek. 

    Chris and Careena moved to Kerikeri from Auckland in November 2016 and loving the lifestyle and everything that the Bay of Islands has to offer. 

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