Find Enchanting Holiday Cottages New Zealand 

Many walkers on the Te Araroa Trail or The Long Pathway choose to start their walk at the northern tip of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, then steadily walk the 3,000 km or 1900 miles to Bluff at the south end of the South Island. 

The view from Cape Reinga is the start of the journey and the first section includes 90 Mile Beach. 

Northland - travel to the northern tip or visit the Bay of Islands, Whale Bay at Tutukaka and see the Waipoua Forest. Enjoy sailing, fishing and boat tours, hiking diving and snorkelling. Spot dolphins and whales, discover local vineyards and find heritage timber cottages.

In Northland - hike the Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway for stunning views of turquoise waters, pure sandy beaches and coastline. Near Russell in the north, this is a 14 km loop track through mangroves and along beaches which includes three ferry rides. 

Holiday Cottages New Zealand - on Waiheke Island take self-guided hikes on the Te Ara Hura track which loops around the island with a total of 100 km. Make the hike in sections of your choice for some beautiful scenic hiking, one of the 'Great Walks of New Zealand. 

The Coromandel Peninsula - drive or take the ferry from Auckland to the Coromandel, home of lush forests, rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. The drive is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, the ferry ride is about 2 hours. See the stunning rock formations on the beach at Cathedral Cove, take the Pinnacles Walk in Coromandel Forest Park or soak in hot springs. Hahei Beach is the start of the walk to Cathedral Cove. 

The Coromandel Coastal Walkway at the northern tip of the peninsula offers spectacular scenery from cliffside paths over glistening bays and beaches, along its 20 km trail. Begin or end at Stony Bay or Fletcher Bay and take the loop track. 

Gumdigger's Cottage - Lake Ohia - Northland - New Zealand

This quality enchanting small cottage is ideal for 2 guests, as it has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Enjoy the full kitchen, deck and spacious garden with privacy. Located at Lake Ohia, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cape Reinga, 10 minutes from Tokerau and Coopers Beaches.  

Birdsong Retreat - Treghan Lodge - Kerikeri - Northland - New Zealand

This cottage is located on the forest edge of  Treghan Luxury Lodge, this retreat is perfect for couples but is comfortable for 5 guests, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Enjoy a full kitchen, air-conditioning, and a lovely spacious patio with a BBQ. Located just outside Kerikeri only 5 km from the Bay of Islands Airport. Close to beaches on the doorstep of the Bay of Islands.

Kendall Cottage - Kerikeri - Northland - New Zealand

With privacy and leafy green all around, this magical cottage offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom welcoming 5 guests. Cook in your fully-equipped kitchen, relax on the deck, or sit at the outdoor table. Close enough to Kerikeri to pop into town for meals, and only 30 km from Paihia Wharf, for the ferry to Russell Island. Very handy for the Bay of Islands and close to the airport. 

Old Bakery Cottage - Mangonui - Northland - New Zealand

Located on the waterfront, this historic cottage dates from the 1920's and sleeps 4 with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Stay inside a little bit of local history. Relax with a full kitchen, air-conditioning and BBQ, and outdoor seating in your private courtyard. The views across the Mangonui Harbour are gorgeous, and you are 3 km from Coopers Beach. Just 35 km from Kaitaia Airport. 

Mabel's Cottage - Mangonui - Northland - New Zealand

This enchanting cottage sleeps 4 with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with character oozing from each timber wall. Look out over the peaceful Mill Bay, stroll to tree-lined Coopers Beach and a nature reserve. 60 km from Kerikeri Airport. 

Quail Cottage - Mangonui - Northland - New Zealand

This is your classic New Zealand beach bach with modern comfort and views. Gather the family together in the kitchen or on the deck, enjoy the air-conditioning and the views. Welcoming 4 guests in 3 bedrooms with 1 bathroom you can visit Coopers Beach for your summer lazy days. 60 km from Kerikeri Airport. 

Holiday Cottages New Zealand -  I loved staying in a heritage cottage in Ponsonby in Auckland. Ponsonby is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Auckland, located just two kilometers west of the city. Known for its eclectic mix of heritage charm and modern sophistication, Ponsonby has evolved from its working-class roots into one of Auckland's most fashionable neighborhoods. This is a cottage lover's heaven. An ideal base to stay when exploring Auckland and its islands and beaches. 

Villa Ponsonby - Ponsonby - Auckland - New Zealand

With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this cottage welcomes 6 guests. An original heritage villa, rich in history and style, and beautifully redesigned for modern living. Located in the heart of vibrant Ponsonby, this elegant home is the perfect blend of timeless architecture and contemporary luxury.

Anglesea Cottage - Ponsonby - Auckland - New Zealand

With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this cottage welcomes 6 guests. A beautifully restored heritage cottage. Located just metres from the cafés of Ponsonby Road and a short walk into the city.

Charming Villa - Ponsonby -  Auckland - New Zealand

With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, full kitchen and large deck, this comfortable cottage welcomes 8 guests. Find space and quiet with a leafy green garden space at the rear. A renovated historical beauty from the 1900's, enjoy local culture at its best in a convenient location. 

Mudbrick Cottages - Waiheke Island - New Zealand

This stylish 2-bedroom cottage has 1 bathroom and sleeps 3 guests. Enjoy your kitchenette, fireplace and air conditioning. Visit Mudbrick Winery and the beaches nearby. Other vineyards are also close by, making this a brilliant stay for a wine-lovers weekend. 

Onetangi Beach House - Onetangi Bach - Waiheke Island - New Zealand

This 2 bedroom 1 bathroom cottage sleeps 6 in comfort, sitting in its beach side garden dotted with pohutukawa trees. Enjoy your full kitchen, patio and outdoor seating area. A two-minute walk to the beach.

The Settler's Hut - Oneroa - Waiheke Island - Auckland - New Zealand

This tiny original cottage has been tastefully restored with a second cabin and large deck to provide the modern comforts for a very comfortable stay for 4 guests. Just 1 km from Oneroa Beach, close to town and offering stunning views across Huruhi Bay. 

The Rock Cottage - Tuateawa - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

This secluded cottage has heart-stopping panoramic views and bundles of character. What an enchanting place to stay at the northern end of the peninsula. 5 guests can sleep and dream here with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and luscious fresh air and glorious ocean and wilderness all around. Kaka, Bellbird and Kiwi are about. Visit the beaches of Little Bay and Waikawa. Best to drive here, it is 190 km from Auckland and 25 km from Coromandel. But light years away from the modern hustle bustle. 

The Church Cottage - Hahei - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

Choose from a variety of garden studios and cottages for 6, 4 or 2 guests with kitchen or kitchenette, air-conditioning, patio and private bathroom. Situated on the edge of Hahei village, walk to Hahei beach and step onto the trail to Cathedral Cove. The Church Bistro is right on your doorstep. 163 km from Auckland Airport. 

Beachfront Bliss Cottage - Hahei - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

So close to the beach yet tucked away in the forest, you will find an enchanting 2 bedroom home with 1 bathroom welcoming 3 guests for a beachy bliss break. Enjoy the kitchenette, patio and BBQ, and direct beach entry from the cottage. Hahei Beach is a soft white sand beach with a rocky point, secluded waters and marine protection making it ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and swimming. An excellent location from which to explore Cathedral Cave and the Coromandel. 164 km from Auckland Airport.  

Treetop Retreat - Hahei - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

This 2-bedroom 2-bathroom cottage sleeps 4 in the forest with views across treetops to the small town of Hahei and over to Hahei Beach and islands. Comfortable parking, a full kitchen, a porch and BBQ as well as air-conditioning make this a very comfortable stay. Close to Cathedral Cove. 164 km to Auckland Airport. 

Estuary Escape Cottage - Pauanui - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

This family getaway has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and space for 6 guests, located right on the Tairua River. Cook in your own kitchen, relax on the porch and in the garden. Close to Pauanui Beach and Coromandel Forest Park. 140 km from Auckland Airport. 

Peaceful Cottage Pauanui - Pauanui - Coromandel Peninsula - New Zealand

Enjoy a spacious sundeck, full kitchen and fireplace for winter. Relax in the privacy of this cottage with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, ideal for 6 guests. Close to Pauanui Beach and the the Pauanui Tairua Walking and Cycling Trail. 140 km from Auckland Airport. 

Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

Take the day to explore Waiheke Island off Auckland at your own pace with this one ticket for the return ferry and all day bus. Hop on and hop off to explore wineries, cafés, villages and beaches. 

Rating 4.6 / 5 (2496 Reviews)

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Explore Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a marine eco-safari from Auckland. Rice onboard a luxury catamaran and spot for orcas and bottlenose dolphins. Take in amazing views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. Listen to expert commentary. Departs from marina at Quay Street, downtown Auckland. 4.5 hours

Rated 4.4 / 5 (904 Reviews)

Auckland: Return Ferry to Rangitoto Island

This is a natural, undeveloped island. Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260m over the Hauraki Gulf. Boasting a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. This not to be missed walk to the summit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Lookouts along the way provide stunning views as you climb. Ensure to leave enough time to detour and explore the lava caves. Plan your visit in advance and ensure you arrive with plenty of time to meet the return ferry to downtown Auckland.

Rated 4.5 / 5 (142 Reviews)

Fauna

Humpback Whale - Megaptera novaeangliae

Bottlenose Dolphin - Tursiops truncatus

New Zealand Fur Seal - Arctocephalus forsteri

Birds

Tui - Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae

New Zealand Pigeon or Kereru - Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Pukeko - Porphyrio melanotus

Flora

New Zealand has an unusually high number of fern species for a temperate country. There exist about 200 species, about 40% of these species occur nowhere else in the world.

Black Tree Fern - Sphaeropteris medullaris

Kauri Tree - Agathis australis

Pohutukawa - Metrosideros excelsa

To get to Northland, Auckland, Waiheke Island and Coromandel Peninsula:

- Fly into Auckland Airport AKL

- Drive 26 km or 16 to Auckland CBD or Ponsonby

- Drive 437 km or 270 miles to the northern tip of Northland.

- Take the ferry from downtown Auckland marina to Waiheke Island in 35 minutes

- Drive 156 km or 100 miles to Coromandel on the Coromandel Peninsula

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!