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Take a step back in time

Photo gallery for Take a step back in time

A rustic wooden porch with a window and a tree stump.
A rustic house with a green metal roof, a front porch, and a small attached shed.
A rustic metal shed with a window, a sink outside, and a view of a green field and mountains in the background.
A dining area with a table covered by a tablecloth, wooden chairs, a wooden cabinet, and a window with a view of trees.
A rustic cabin interior with a wooden dining table, a fireplace, a kitchen area with wooden cabinets, and a large window.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Sleeps 2•1 bedroom•1 bed

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Fireplace
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View in a map
Masterton, Masterton
  • Place, Queen Elizabeth Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Henley Lake
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Take a step back in time

Experience the romance of life a hundred years ago in our little pioneer cottage.

Just 8km from Masterton, the cottage sits overlooking our private lagoon and the workings of our sheep and beef farm. In summer the lagoon dries up but there are still the 360 degree views of the mountains, hills and Wairarapa plains.

Built entirely of recycled materials the cottage is now home to many precious heirlooms gifted by family and friends, beginning with its beautiful stain glass front door.

No electricity but there is the convenience of a gas hob, solar lights and a USB charging port.

The cottage is very cosy and warmed in winter by a little pot belly. The flush loo and the bath under the stars are both one step off the deck.

The icebox will cool your wine for a drink on the verandah and if you don't wish to cook dinner on your night away then it's a short drive into town where there is a rich array of restaurants.

Upon deposit I will email you an information sheet with driving directions.

Two night stays are preferred.
Special conditions:
Smoking allowed outside only.

Extras: Linen included.

NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to clean the house and do the dishes before you leave.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 20017393ha
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Opaki

Located in Opaki, this cottage is in a rural area. Vintage Aviation Museum and Cobblestones Village Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Johner Estate and Gladstone Vineyard. Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre and Eketahuna Kiwi Country Information Centre are also worth visiting.
View more Cottages in OpakiOpens in a new window
Map
Masterton, Masterton

What's nearby

  • Queen Elizabeth Park - 14 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre - 14 min drive - 24.0 km
  • Henley Lake - 16 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Shear Discovery - 16 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Vintage Aviation Museum - 17 min drive - 15.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Screening Room - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Basil's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Coffee Ride - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Don Luciano Café Masterton - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Horseshoe Taproom - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Take a step back in time pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Take a step back in time?

As of Aug 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Take a step back in time on Aug 14, 2026 start from $98, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Take a step back in time?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Take a step back in time?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Take a step back in time located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Museum of Early Childhood, Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, and Shear Discovery. Masterton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Queen Elizabeth Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 133 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 133 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 133 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 133 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 133 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

michelle c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was absolutely perfect
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The care that was put into this space is so clear! Such a beautiful place with so much charm. Can’t recommend this cottage enough! I will be telling everyone about it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 17, 2026
Many thanks for your kind comments Ashlee
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Merilyn M.

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

Delightful cottage

Loved the charm of the pioneer cottage...and it had everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly T.

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

Adorable and so relaxed

The views and stars were incredible!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shelley F.

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

Worth a stay

What a great place, the photos really don't do it justice. Perfect place to relax and unwind!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Bruce H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful setting and accomodation. Really enjoyed the vibe and the potbelly. Thanks for charging the bike battery. Communication could have been clearer on website about lack of electricity for bike charging and limited kitchen... Eg only gas top, no oven.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wyn S.

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

Lovely weekend away

Such a great wee getaway! Thank you :)
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed over the Easter weekend and we were absolutely besotted by this little cottage. We loved the privacy, the scenery and the location was great for seeing other parts of the Wairarapa for a day trip before coming back to a relaxing night by candlelight. The entire cottage is so thoughtfully decorated and has a lot of reading material for any history enthusiasts who want to learn more about the area. The kitchen was well stocked with pots and pans, utensils, and gorgeous dinnerware so all we had to bring was our kai. We loved the little radio and we had that playing throughout most of our visit. Thanks so much for sharing a slice of heaven with us!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 7, 2026
Thank you for your lovely comments Jamie, glad you enjoyed yourselves and hope you can come again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tracy L.

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

Absolutely lovely

This property is so nice, words won't do it justice. It is exactly like going back in time. Perfect for our wedding anniversary celebration. We will be back
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Dorothy L.

Liked: Communication, location
Checked in quite late so got a bit lost (and stuck) but Shona came promptly when I asked for help.Got a few surprises like stepping on sheep manure when I arrived, and a large white tail spider hiding on the bed.But made the cottage nice & toasty with the fireplace and cooked some dinner on the stove on top which was amazing (although a bit dusty).Outdoor bath was nice, however bath was a bit rusty and hot water was slow but Shona let me check out a bit later.If a few improvements were made, I may consider coming back again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 3, 2025
I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your time on the farm. I hope anyone thinking about staying will take the time to read more of my reviews especially regarding cleanliness and upkeep. I will investigate the spider, we have never seen one before.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely and peaceful with farm surroundings, nice touch having the outdoor bath. Perfect escape from the daily bustle
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Macy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exquisite!!!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Will C.

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

The pics are great...but it's better in real life!

Great character with a warm aesthetic. A lovely mix of amenity (hot water for the tub is sweet-as!) and rustic. The historic/heirloom elements are great. My compliments to your granddaughter on her pencil drawing of the cabin :-). Will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Corinne C.

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

Escape from it all

What a beautiful place to spend the weekend. My partner and I just love this cottage and can’t wait to return in the winter. The cottage is well thought out with cute little details and touches. To many highlights to mention. Out side bath was definitely was up there for a truely romantic get away you can’t go wrong. Fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

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

Gorgeous little cottage

This place is amazing - it is the perfect escape
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Georgia D.

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

What a gorgeous cottage! 5 stars.

What an amazing experience. It really is like stepping back in time. Highly reccomend this place if your looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle and technology and just want to enjoy simple tranquility and peace and quiet. Very romantic. We will be back 😊
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John D.

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

Wonderful

This is our new fave - Shona, thanks so much for having us. We had a wonderful time: the house had everything you need to slow down and take a breather - no power points, an outside bath, a ripper wee pot-belly stove, and views for miles. Oh, and an old-school icebox, and flush loo! It's a beautiful little house, made with such care and creativity. It felt like a privilege to be there. We'll be back. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 20, 2021
Thanks John for your kind comments, glad you had a good time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maia H.

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

Cute and cozy!

Such a gorgeous little cottage, we had a fantastic stay and really enjoyed the wood burner and outdoor bath!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glenn C.

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

Great back to basics experience.

Lovely little cabin with outside loo and bath (no shower) and not a three pin plug in sight. Exactly what we wanted. Private, quiet, beautifully decorated with a great little wood burner for winter nights. Leave your phone and laptop at home and bring books. Loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jayde M.

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

The perfect little getaway

Our stay at the pioneer cottage was short but very sweet. Exactly what i was hoping for and more than I expected. Thank you for sharing your space and offering a lovely little hideaway. It was nice to know you were nearby but that we had the space to ourselves largely. The cottage had everything we needed to be more than comfortable and happy soo thank you kindly.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ivan L.

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

Weekend getaway paradise

Adorable lil cottage, great spot to unwind and relax from busy city life.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Flavia W.

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

Fantastic memorable trip

We loved staying at Pioneer Cottage. Using the bath under the stars and cooking sausages on the fire are memories we will treasure. Very cosy and private. Looking forward to a chance to book again. Thank you for building this amazing place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Celia S.

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

Pioneer Cottage

The Pioneer Cottage is thoughtfully presented and has some great touches like a drawing by the owners' granddaughter of the cottage. It's a delight to be without electricity and wifi, to disconnect and truly relax during your stay. The outdoor bath is a treat. It's well situated so you don't feel exposed but get to see the stars. Also, Masterton isn't very far away, so when you do feel like heading into town for dinner and a movie it's super convenient.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kimberley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Pioneer cottage

We really enjoyed the thought and effort put into this cottage, the well maintained garden and house, and the spectacular surroundings. It’s cosy once the fire’s going. We wish that it had been made clearer that it is off grid, and that the bath outside is the only bath. It was very cold with strong winds and rain on and off until the morning we left which wasn’t awesome for outdoor bathing
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

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

Wonderful Wairarapa Getaway

We had the pleasure of staying in this lovely accommodation over New Years. It was the perfect way to end a long and stressful year. Really nice to switch off for a couple of days and unwind. The pioneer cottage is beautifully presented and has everything you could need for a few days away. Highly recommend and no doubt we will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

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