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Reviews of Relaxing Retreat, Need Some Time Out, Escape Here!


Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 210 out of 246 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 34 out of 246 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 246 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 246 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 246 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mel R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little cottage
Location is great and cottage is clean and tidy . Plenty of firewood and the beds are super comfy . Will definately be staying again .
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pukuko Cottage getaway
Lovely secluded location adjacent to a wetlands reserve, visited by many local birds and we sat on the extensive deck. Very relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and quiet
We loved it here. It had the quiet (other than the birdlife), the solitude and the proximity to a range of activities we were seeking. Very comfortably set up. The nearby helpful/friendly host also provided a great background to the development of the wetland area. But....we never saw the namesake of the cottage...not one Pukeko!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2024
Sadly they have moved away over the years

10/10 Excellent

Rachael B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
Very calm surroundings and great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leah C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Feel the serenity!
Pukeko Cottage was simply lovely. I stayed three nights, and loved how handy it was to Otaki but still so incredibly private and quiet. The friendly cows in the neighbouring paddock were an added bonus. Barry was a gem, the help with the washing machine was greatly appreciated, and hearing about the bittern and ancient bushland was really interesting! I was really taken by the swallow's nest, seeing them swooping around it was so precious! I thoroughly enjoyed my time out at Pukeko Cottage. I'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great setting, very good value for Money.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical Getaway
My husband and I absolutely loved your cottage and the tranquility. Spent alot of time on the deck, the bird song was gorgeous. Thank you for the use of the BBQ and outdoor fire. It was magic. Also enjoyed meeting you Barry. Thanks again
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Vicki D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning evening views
Cute little batch with country feels. Loved being out on the deck for morning coffees and in the evenings watching the sun go down. We used the bbq and the outside fire place for s’mores. Great little set up to explore the area and see family close by.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig M., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Very quiet and relaxing
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carla C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
Really good, comfortable, you have everything you need, perfect to get away from the city, not too far, but disconnected.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and private
Lovley. Bird calls constantly, good space, spent most of it outdoors! Nice and tidy, comfy bed and friendly owners with good communication.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

stephen l.

Liked: Cleanliness
tranquil
great quiet hideaway swallows swooping about birdcalls and sheep and cattle breaking up the silence only 5 mins into otaki we felt relaxed
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rosa C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Beautiful property and loca to on with excellent communication and manaakitanga from the host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely secluded place to stay, peaceful
Great, will return
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome holiday
The place was nice and clean. Nice and quiet batch away from the city🙂
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

alison w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Warm and cozy
Directions from Barry where simple and accurate to follow. The place was tranquil, warm and cozy. Just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Didnt mind the odd freight train.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sam K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pukeko Cottage
great little getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
Lovely spot. Very tidy, clean and had everything you need for a weekend stay. The deck and outdoor fire were well used. If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten track, peace and quite, bird song and stars at night, book here! :-)
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sara C., Palmerston north

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect in every way!
First trip away alone in 6 years without kids. It was perfect for us. So nice and quiet and we loved the noises of the wildlife all around us. Had a bbq on second night and enjoyed it on the deck, think we spent most of our time on the deck! We will definitely be back. Owners were lovely ❤ Everything we wanted and more. Thanks again
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet M., Bongaree, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming cottage
This was my second stay at Pukeko Cottage, as I liked it so much the first time. Clean and comfortable with an amazing peaceful country outlook, yet not far from beach and town.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ngaire H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend
Cool place just abit hard to find
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

justine l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful relaxing spot
An idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle, this cottage and it’s surrounds provides an instantly relaxing embrace of comfort and peace.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janine G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pukeko Cottage - a real gem
Pukeko Cottage was an absolute gem. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of traffic and people, this cottage has wonderful rural views, is very comfy and cozy and very relaxing. Hosts Barry and Deb were great to meet and hang out with for happy hour. Love to come back again sometime. Thank you! We loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine U.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Cottage Stay
A superb little place to stay - tidy and clean. It was perfect for us for our week away - everything we needed. The owners were so helpful and super to deal with 😊💫
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
It really was a great place to stay! The house is lovely with spectacular view. We even had the opportunity to swim in the pool of the owner and had a nice talk (and beer) with him!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marlaina M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway - miss it already!
We've stayed in very few places where we wished we were staying longer. This was one of those places! Peaceful and private. We wanted for nothing. Thanks for making this lovely hideaway available to others. We will most definitely be back!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachael J., Wellington New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Private secluded getaway
This location is the ideal place for a breakaway from the hustle of city living. Premises were absolutely perfect and fitted our needs perfectly also the hosts were super helpful. Great bush views, the birdsong and a place to just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Watching the sunsets on the private decks were amazing. The added bonus was watching the trains go past will go and stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2023
Hey, thanks for that, and thanks for leaving the cottage so lovely. In the early years we had a party there, the girls exposed their breasts each time a train went past. A lot of hoots followed for the next few weeks. We also thought we heard a couple hoots from the train when passing whilst you were there. Hope you took a card for a better deal next time. Cheers Barry

10/10 Excellent

Alani S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house
One of the most scenic baches I have stayed in
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Private Cottage Surrounded by Trees and Birdsong
Such a gorgeous and cozy cottage, perfect for disconnecting from the city life. Loved sitting on the deck in the morning watching and listening to birds and then the beautiful sunset in the evening. There is a train that you can quickly see go by which I absolutely loved. Hope to stay again soon x
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Loren C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing and wonderful!
Great place with everything you need. Host very helpful. A great place to relax!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy and Comfy
Lovely private, peaceful cottage, Mum and I enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Leigh H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
…perfect spot, lovely cottage and surrounds. Warm hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Otaki Bird Paradise
Lovely restful stay - amazing bird life and stunning night sky!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very lovely place to stay, peaceful, private, and homely. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Noeline C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Totally enjoyed, great place to stay
Easy to find, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Nicely appointed. Very clean and tidy, with everything needed for staying. Two large bedrooms, both with lovely views. A wood fireplace set up to use. Very happy with the accommodation. We fully recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway!
We had a lovely tranquil weekend at this beautiful cottage. The owners were very welcoming, it is definitely a place we will stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hemi B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing spot
Loved the cottage and space away from everyone so a good revival position lol awesome place will be back definitely
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tyson S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful secluded spot
This is our second time staying here. The house is private, surrounded by undulating countryside. It was a rainy weekend but the logburner kept us cosy. Its only a short drive into Otaki for any supplies or an outing. We look forward to our next visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sara G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect weekend retreat
We had a lovely weekend staying here! Cosy atmosphere, with roaring fire, relaxing bath and very peaceful setting. Very clean and tidy, and lovely hosts with great communication (even posting my phone charger back I had left behind!) as well as a gift of lemons, which have now been made into marmalade! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a beautiful peaceful weekend away 😍
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property
Amazing property - secluded, well presented and exceptionally clean. The fire was ready to go when we arrived!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tania M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely spot
Great little cabin, super cosy and loved the views of the trees from the deck
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monique D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent stay!
We had the most relaxing time at the cottage. The fire kept the entire place toasty and warm. We enjoyed the quiet backdrop with plenty of wildlife. Barry and Deb are great hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brendan W.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a hidden gem
The photos of Pukeko cottage don't do it justice. A beautiful, secluded well appointed and warm cottage. Loved the deck at night with fire pit going and bush views.... soooo relaxing. Barry is a brilliant host, thanks for the limes too!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We love Pukeko Cottage, a perfect location, fires to keep you warm and the birds and trains ! .
Been more than once and will be back again ! Lovely friend hosts and a beautiful property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pukeko Cottage
Everything was great about our stay. The owners had it all set up so we could have a relaxing break. Sure we will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Warm & cosy winter getaway
We had a lovely stay. Such a warm, cosy and clean cottage with a beautiful outlook. We arrived late, they made sure the lights were on and the fire was ready to go. Thank you for the bag of limes it was much appreciated. We would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul 2023
Thanks team

10/10 Excellent

Carmen G., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Cottage
This cottage was the perfect long weekend retreat for my partner and I. The cottage is nice and perfect for to people, we cooked all our meals, used the fireplace every night and enjoy breakfast in the deck. Barry is an amazing host, communication with him was direct and easy. The best part were all the limes that Barry gave us! We would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Les D.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Wee Gem.
Beautifully quite and well appointed wee gem. More than happy to recommend and to stay again - awesome.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Francelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Place
Wonderful Relaxing time
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022