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

Directions

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?

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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

Minimum Stay Periods

Rates

Gift Vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

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  • 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. 

Testimonials

  • "

    Excellent host, very friendly, and the accommodation was exactly what we were looking for.

    "

    ultan burke - 19 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    Gorgeous relaxing setting and Chris was a friendly host who recommended the local Friday night food market’s to us, which we enjoyed greatly!

    "

    Earlene Robertson - 01 Nov 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    The hosts were so inviting and made us feel so welcome. Such a beautiful place, and we had the most amazing time! Highly recommend.

    "

    Lisa Frost - 16 Jul 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Wonderful setting with excellent hosts. An excellent way to getaway from it all.

    "

    Kerry Hilton - 09 Jul 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Chris, our host, was so welcoming and helpful. Cottle Hill Creek is beautiful and perfect for a long weekend getaway!

    "

    Dan Marson - 05 Jul 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Cottle Hill Creek is a beautiful location. We had such a relaxing stay, and Chris was super friendly. Everything you need in its small space.

    "

    - 29 Apr 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    The hosts were helpful. It was a calm and peaceful location.

    "

    - 29 Jan 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    We spent two nights here recently. Absolutely loved it! Its such an amazing experience. Definitely worth it.

    "

    - 01 Dec 2023

    8 / 12

  • "

    For once, give it a try. You’ll know what a peaceful nature environment can provide.

    "

    - 22 Nov 2023

    9 / 12

  • "

    Lovely setting with friendly and helpful hosts.

    "

    - 18 Oct 2023

    10 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful weekend!! Chris was very welcoming and the property was amazing. So peaceful!!

    "

    - 17 Oct 2023

    11 / 12

  • "

    Amazing atmosphere. We had great fun playing with the horse and watching the farm animals around. We spent the two nights grilling food in the fire pit. It's a super lovely and private place like no others we have been to!

    "

    - 05 Oct 2023

    12 / 12

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