Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country
Anniversary Cottage A Cottage for All Seasons, for Lovers Of All Kinds! Perfect for one couple, great for two ($50 pp addn guest) This 160 year old cottage set in an old world garden offers a sensory retreat to another world. A hideaway where sunny verandas provide the perfect spot to chat over a coffee, read, or lie back and unwind. Wander the gardens, smell the lavender and roses, observe the native bird life, the wide views or relax in the spa pool.
The 1860's cottage is small but 'perfectly formed '. It has been totally restored and insulated, warm and cosy, furnished for comfort with a mixture of antiques and artworks.
The cottage is self contained and designed for self catering. The kitchen is fitted with new oven, fridge, range hood appliances and other mod cons.
The cottage has two bedrooms (quality linen & towels) with a shared ensuite between. A wood burner ensures the cottage is toasty warm all winter. French doors lead to the side veranda, garden and lawns, perfect for alfresco meals.
An antique outdoor hot tub is provided solely for cottage guests, at no charge.(NB Plan ahead, allow 2 hours to heat) A spa pool is available, it must be requested at time of booking, $50 per stay charge applies. A portable BBQ is available, $10 per stay, please request at time of booking if wanting to use it .
Anniversary Cottage (circa 1860) is located in the charming historic village of Waipawa, just an hour south of Napier Airport and Napier City, or 3 hours by car from Wellington. The cottage enjoys a truly beautiful position on an elevated ridge overlooking the village and sweeping views out over the rural hinterland. Anniversary Cottage is the the gatehouse to the Ridge House villa and its surrounding gardens. The cottage is located in its own private garden with its hot tub gazebo, lavender parterre, walnuts and fruit trees. On the ridge line is the hosts Victorian vegetable garden, spa pool and Art Studio which all enjoy vast views of rolling hills bounded by the snow-capped Ruahine Mountains.
The local area abounds with attractions and activities, many cafes (visit The Goat Horn), many antique and bric-a-brac shops, not to mention the now famous Waipawa Butchery source of the best sausages and steaks in the country. Try trout fishing on the Waipawa and Tukituki rivers ( day license req’d), trail biking , country walks, golf, tennis, petanque, try the local pubs and enjoy riverside picnics, etc, etc. For those who love the ocean its barely 30 minutes drive to superb surf and ocean fishing beaches. Visit Junction Vineyard just 15 minutes from the cottage for superb wine of international quality. Within 30 minutes there are literally dozens of vineyards and the fabulous orchards of the fruit bowl of Hawkes Bay round Havelock North & Hastings.
The cottage is well located for the big events of Hawkes Bay too, such as Deco Weekend, Big Band and Jazz, The Mission Concert, Vineyard Concerts, Opera at the Townhall, Horse of the Year and many, many more events.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the neighborhood
Waipawa
Located in Waipawa, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a river. Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum and Central Hawke’s Bay Settler’s Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Waipawa Golf Course and Lime Rock Wines. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and mountain biking.
Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Splash Planet - 36 min drive - 59.6 km
Te Mata Peak - 38 min drive - 58.2 km
Craggy Range - 40 min drive - 63.1 km
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course - 47 min drive - 75.5 km
Getting around
Napier (NPE-Hawke's Bay) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Espresso loco - 7 min drive
McCauleys Cafe - 7 min drive
Angkor Wat Bakery & Cafe - 7 min drive
Pizza Plaza Waipukurau - 7 min drive
Zinc Cafe - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country?
As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country on May 11, 2026 start from $303, 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.
Is Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Anniversary Cottage, the perfect escape to the country located?
Situated by the sea, this vacation home is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Waipawa Golf Course. Lime Rock Wines and Central Hawkes Bay College are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Stunning cottage beautiful property and fantastic hosts.
We had the best time at this beautiful cottage.. our hosts were extremely helpful from booking fast communication and to welcoming us when we arrived.. they were so kind and went above and beyond with making it a special stay. The cottage was beautifully decorated and very clean, and so very cosy with a fire place that we made the most of. We loved every minute of the stay and will definitely be staying there again.. I can’t recommend this place enough. It is a quiet slice of cosy heaven and close to many amenity’s.
Thoroughly peaceful stay, location was perfect for us. Enjoyed walks in the cool of the evening. Wairpara is looking good, heritage walk is worth exploring. Thanks to friendly and accommodating hosts.
Beautifully presented, everything you could want for a comfortable relaxing stay, without losing the ambiance and character of the stunning little cottage. Amazing gardens and lovely genuine host, we absolutely enjoyed our time.
Thanks, Catherine & Steve
Steve I.
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 28, 2021
Thanks for your kind comments and for leaving the cottage in such a tidy state - much appreciated. It was our pleasure to host your stay. Please come again when opportunity arises.
Johanna and Andrew
Perfectly presented cottage with all the fine touches
We had a wonderful stay. The cottage is a beautifully restored 1860s building, perfectly presented with all the little thoughtful touches that make your stay so enjoyable. Surrounded by stunning gardens and views, with the scent of lavender coming through the patio, we absolutely loved the spa with views of the rolling fields. Would love to come back one day. Double check the address with the host to make sure you get the right driveway!
The anniversary cottage is a cute little place that ticks all the right boxes for a relaxing weekend getaway. From the location to the hot tub, everything was great! The owners are lovely and warm people. Will definitely be visiting again in the future!
Shafiyah O.
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 26, 2021
So glad you enjoyed your weekend and thank you for your kind comments.
Very responsive and welcoming hosts. We arrived late and found the cottage warmed and lit up for easy arrival and entry. We enjoyed a very peaceful stay in the lovely historic cottage which is very well set up.
Johanna and Alan are great hosts and our thanks go to them.
Best wishes.
Chris and Anne
Great communication, amenities and setting. We would definitely come back
Robert B.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 25, 2020
Thank you Robert it was a pleasure to host you, we are so glad you enjoyed your special weekend.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Elizabeth C.
Nov 18, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in
Weekend escape
Lovely renovated house and garden.Good location for what we wanted to do in the Central Hawkes Bay.Unfortunately didn't get to meet owners as we would have loved to hear more about their intentions for the property. It would have also been nice to have been able to use outside bath and spa.
Elizabeth C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 18, 2020
Sorry not to meet you too, we were unexpectedly needed in Wellington.
Alfresco bath is available to cottage guests, it is gas heated, instructions for use are in the cottage manual. It takes 2 hours to heat.
The spa bath needs to be requested at time of booking as it is cleaned and water changed between stays, it takes 3 days to heat . It is turned on 3 days before guests stay.
Our stay with Andrew and Johanna was a delight to say the least. They were excellent hosts and looked after us so well. They had great advice for things to do and see around the area and were more than willing to help in anyway. Their cottage and it’s gardens are a dream and we would definitely recommend to anyone. Both Andrew and Johanna have created something very special and you can’t help but relax, breath deeply, drink in the views and soak up the fresh air. As for the town of Waipawa it is a little gem and has a real village vibe about it. The locals are so friendly, Some cool antique and collectibles shops, cafes and eateries, as well as the town having some great historic landmarks and everything is within walking distance. So if it’s a weekend away or a week long stay like we did this cottage is the one!
We had a great few days to relax in this beautiful part of NZ. Joanna and Andy are great people and a pleasure to meet. Hawkes Bay wineries were easily accessable and in reality only a short drive. Would recommend a visit to the Waiparas museum as the areas early history is fascinating.
We would certainly go back.
This stay went beyond our expectations. Johanna and Andy were the most attentive, lovely hosts. We had fresh flowers in the cottage, fruits and nuts from the garden. All these little attentions didn't go unnoticed.
Andy even saved the day when we locked ourselves out of the cottage! Thanks again!
The garden and the view were beautiful and oh man the hot tub was just the icing on the cake.
Would recommend to anyone going to Hawke's Bay (and have begun to do so).
Thanks again for a wonderful stay!
Agathe
Agathe H.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 18, 2020
Thanks Agathe for your lovely response, we are both delighted you enjoyed yourselves, we did enjoy hosting you too. Spring and summer are glorious in Central Hawkes Bay, so glad the weather was at its best for Labor Weekend when much of the country had rain.
PS Ines thumb splint has been found and is in the post.
About the host
Hosted by Johanna King
Johanna and Andrew King We are a semi retired couple, a landscape architect, and a structural earthquake research engineer. We work from home and abroad as required. We are passionate about the restoration of historic houses and gardens and the conservation and preservation of our landscape and environment.
Our individual interests are diverse and eclectic: art, antiques, archaeology, earthquakes, physical geology and geography, books, reading, photography, painting and sculpture, gardening, golf, travelling to far flung places, more golf, good wines, food and interesting company.
Our Studio of Creative Inquiry will open in 2022 with day and live-in courses focused on fine arts, garden design and management, conservation (management and sustainability), see creativeinquiry.nz . Guest tutors, artists and artisans will be involved in these 'in nutshell' courses.
For those couples with divergent interests, His 'n Hers Golf Experiences & Fine Art Tuition are planned and under preparation. Especially designed for those people who said "I wish I could learn to paint "... and he /she said "I'd rather golf!" The courses/studios , fine dining and accommodation will be run between our Wellington and Hawkes Bay properties.
To keep us young and active we have 3 adult children, 9 grandchildren and a minor menagerie, a cat and hens, sheep, bees etc, etc, etc.
Why they chose this property
We are fortunate to own two wonderful properties and 3 historic houses to share with guests, friends and family. Location, the environment and history led us to purchase Woodhenge in Heretaunga, Wellington in 1981 and King's Ridge in Waipawa in 2017. Both properties offer guest accommodation Our interests are now spread between the houses, studios, gardens (and adjacent golf courses) of these two properties.
What makes this property unique
We love what we do and we do what we love, come see it and share it with us.
Our property is an ongoing conservation and restoration project as well as a working farm. We have sheep, bees, poultry (and pets). Our aim is to achieve a degree of self sufficiency and sustainability. We practice what we teach in our onsite live-in courses.
Studio for Creative Inquiry. Live-in Courses are planned for 2020 in landscape design, organic vegetable gardening. practical sustainability and management as well as drawing, painting, furniture finishing and restoration.