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Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

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Exterior
Outdoor dining
Lounge
Dining Area / Kitchen
Bathroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5688.9 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Ruakaka, Northland
  • Place, Ruakaka Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Town Basin Marina
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Mangawhai Heads Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Airport, Whangarei (WRE)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

2nd Bedroom

2 Twin Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

Our newly renovated bach is located meters off State Highway 1 at Ruakaka. We are an easy 15minute walk to the beautiful white sands of Ruakaka Beach, and even closer to the popular calm waters of Ruakaka Estuary. Our bach is a 2 bedroom home away from home. The master bedroom has a comfy king size bed and the 2nd bedroom has a king single bed, the lounge has a single bed & sofa bed, we can cater for up to 4 adults, if your group is larger please enquire. The open plan lounge and kitchen has large windows and doors that allow maximum light and airflow, while the doors open onto a sun drenched deck with gas BBQ and outdoor setting. Inside the kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need, including fridge/freezer, microwave, cooktop, electric frypan and dishwasher. A healthy continental breakfast is provided for your first nights stay including fresh eggs (when available), cereal, toast, spreads, milk, Juice, tea & coffee.
Our property is on one level however there are 4 steps up to the deck.
You're welcome to bring your small - medium sized dog, however please be aware that our property is not fenced. The 3m x 8m deck can be secured to keep them safe.
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 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

About the neighborhood

Ruakaka

Located in Ruakaka, this vacation home is in a rural area. Waipu Museum and Whangarei Art Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Town Basin Marina and Mangawhai Golf Club. Old Library Arts Centre and Hundertwasser Art Centre are also worth visiting. With kayaking, surfing/body boarding, and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
View more Vacation Homes in RuakakaOpens in a new window
Map
Ruakaka, Northland

What's nearby

  • Ruakaka Beach - 5 min drive - 1.3 km
  • Waipu Cove Beach - 23 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Lang's Beach - 25 min drive - 25.1 km
  • Town Basin Marina - 28 min drive - 35.6 km
  • Mangawhai Heads Beach - 36 min drive - 36.6 km

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Waipu Pizza Barn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Unit Six Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪La Nonna Italian Bakery - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪little RED - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bach Cafe - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

As of Apr 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka on May 10, 2026 start from $97, 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 Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Ruakaka Beach and within 9 mi (15 km) of Refining NZ Visitors Centre and Waipu Museum. Waipu Caves and Waipu Cove Beach are also within 12 mi (20 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. 78 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 90 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raewyn Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very welcoming host, clean and an abundance of food for breakfast and dinner if required, love the location and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacky H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts were very welcoming as was Thistle Doo holiday home. Easy to find, handy to a fabulous beach and a mini supermarket just down the road. A great bed too!Will be back….
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dayna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cozy place with super welcoming and gracious hosts!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host welcoming and amenities were good. Very clean and tidy.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything one needed for an overnight stay. Refreshing, clean, very comfortable. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anita C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very welcoming hosts, and the Bach was lovely….extremely comfortable. Wasn’t expecting the added touch of breakfast and juice left for us in the fridge.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay at Merrill’s place. Kitchen was well appointed, and the extra touches with breakfast items was very appreciated. We had a short two-day stay. The first day we walked the Ruakākā Beach and had supper at McLeod’s in nearby Waipu. Both great choices. The second day we hiked the Tanekaha Loop (a no joke, but moderate rated trail) and cooked in. Wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pet friendly, hostess was friendly and welcoming,
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angelita H.

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

Great stay

The place was everything you needed and could take our little puppy with us .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Behnam J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice, tidy and friendly. Good access to beach and shopping Centre.Ben
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Iwona K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very pleased with staying at Thistle Do. The owners welcomed us with friendliness.We had everything there we needed and definitly we will be back. Very recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous set up!Amazing shower - big, hot and powerful!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nikki H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts couldn’t do enough to make sure we had everything we needed. The Bach was spotlessly clean and cozy. It was just a short stroll down to the beach. The neighbourhood is laid back and super chill. There is a wonderful cafe down by the surf club ( also dog friendly).
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great open feeling house with lots of space. Lots of breakfast kai. Loved it
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike E.

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

Cosy short drives to Marden point and one tree point

Nice and cosy and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin M.

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

Relaxing and comfortable

Easy to town and the beach
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wayne and Sandra W.

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

Wonderful place to stay

Truly wonderful place to stay. Welcomed our cat too! The supplied breakfast things unexpected and very welcome. The best we have stayed at, and you cannot go pass this one. Perfect in every way!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Great little bach

Great little family bach for a weekend getaway. Everything you need and great hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

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

Lovely spot

Lovely place to stay, in walking distance of Ruakaka beach. Merrill thought of everything and was very friendly and obliging. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

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

Sister's Road Trip

Awesome property Friendly & Helpful Host Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophie B.

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

Great location to Beach

Great kiwi Bach with everything you need. Clean and tidy. Handy location to beach and campsite. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail O.

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

Overnight stay

The bach was perfect for our overnighter - friendly owner there to welcome us and accommodation had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, with generous breakfast provisions as well.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda P.

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

Thistle Do

Was a great place to stay & handy to everything. Bobbi dog loved his stay too!! Highly recommended & would go again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ben w.

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

Mega Mangawhai

Great location for golf. Right next to the course. Easy walk into town for food and close to the shops.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula G.

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

Lovely and cosy

Lovely little place with everything you need. Lovely hosts to meet us. Would love to come back one day.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Merril

Host profile image
Graham & I met in beautiful Ruakaka when we were teenagers, we now live here and love sharing our slice of paradise with others.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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