Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden
Ruru Lodge at Kotare House is set overlooking Christian Bay and Kawau Island with light all day. We think the Ruru Lodge is especially suitable if you are a couple or have young children who can share your sleeping area. The living spaces in the Ruru Lodge are spacious, light and airy, comfortably smart and modern. The private entrance leads to well-appointed, self-contained rooms including a fully equipped kitchen diner, lounge, a bedroom and a bathroom on the first floor. Flexible sleeping arrangements mean that the bedroom has both a queen double and two singles. The bathroom has a walk-in shower, hand basin and toilet. All toiletries are provided. There is a dress rail and sets of drawers in the bedroom. There are spare linen and towels, beach towels and extras to make your stay convenient, and if you have forgotten essentials such as toothpaste, we have an honesty box system with these ready for you. Cots (and linen etc) are also available on request. Please use the outdoor bbq to cook fish and other pungent foods. The cottage is fully appointed for you to live and eat during your visit (though with so many local eating places you may not need to cook!). Heating and cooling is by heat pump, topped up if needed with electric heaters or a fan in each room. Outside has large lawns, games, barbeque area, seating, fabulous views and protected bush. Enjoy a drink sitting on the lawn overlooking protected bush with many native bird species or over the sea to Kawau Island. You have access to most of the courtyard, lawns and are free to explore the covenanted bush. If you wish to do this, make sure you bring suitable shoes as it is a steep valley with a stream at the bottom. The area is perfect for a getaway which still has access to characterful, high quality food, drink, music, cinema, galleries, shopping and a wide range of activities. With the Tawharanui Regional Park only 3km away you have access to one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, great for surfing and body boarding. Walking through the bush you will see Takahe, Kiwi, Saddlebacks, North Island Robins and loads more. The area has golf courses, art destinations, fishing, shopping, a three screen boutique cinema and so much more. There is a local publication called 'Junction' which we will leave in the rooms for you, listing everything going on. We are ideally located for local event venues such as Tawharanui Lodge. Our local beaches are the superb Anchor Bay, Omaha, Goat Island and Pakiri. Art venues abound such as the Sculptureum, Morris and James, Art Matakana, Artform and Brick Bay Sculpture Trail to name but a few. Eating or drinking locally you are spoilt for choice including restaurants, cafes, craft breweries (The Sawmill Brewery is one of our favourites), pubs, food trucks and markets. Whilst here, if you can drag yourself away from the views from the garden or the beach, you will be in easy reach of many watersports, cycling, horse riding, golf, walking, vineyards, the cinema and more. Alysn and Brian love living in this beautiful area and being able to share it with visitors. Alysn is an artist working from her studio at Kotare house and offering creative experiences.
The Lodge is adjoined to Kaka Lodge (below) and the host's main residence. The space is tranquil and to keep this we do not accept bookings for party occasions. It is important that you are aware that we ask for quiet after 11pm. If this is not suitable for you, please cancel the booking and if you do not respect this we will ask you to leave. Other accommodation options are: Kaka (4 bedroom option, sleeps up to 8); Kaka (2 bedroom option, sleeps up to 4); Kakariki 1 bed.
Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$50.00 per stay); Linen (included)
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
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Pets allowed: less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Ruru and Kaka Lodges are adjoined as one larger propery, so noises from other guests or ourselves might be heard.
It is important that you are aware that we are not a party destination and ask for quiet after 11pm.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Tawharanui
Located in Tawharanui, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Heron's Flight and Ascension Wine Estate Matakana Auckland are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Matakana Village and Matakana Weekend Market. Action Ninja World and Blue Adventures are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Is Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden on 15 Jun 2026 start from £119, 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 at Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Modern, light, convenient, fully fitted space with sea views and spacious garden located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Tawharanui Regional Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Baddeleys Beach and Action Ninja World. Matakana Country Park and Matakana Cinemas are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice property with everything you need & lovely view. Comfy sofas to relax in & bed was good too. Only complaint was the TV was the size of a monitor and set well back from the sofas, so we practically had to squint to see it. It's nice to relax in the evening & watch a movie but that spoilt it a bit for us. All in all a very nice accommodation though, about a 10 minute drive from the country park area which has great eateries & arts & crafts, plus kids activities including pony rides & playground.
Hosts, Alysn and Brian (not forgetting Idris and Stjarna) were very friendly, helpful, informative and non-intrusive. Ruru Lodge is in a beautiful location, close to several Regional parks and lots of great beaches. The apartment itself is very attractive and very well equipped. The nearest supermarket is in Matakana, about ten minutes down the road, but, as suggested by Alysn, we drove a little further to shop at the big Countdown in Warkworth. There are great walks on the Tawharanui Peninsula and we enjoyed our morning strolls down to the local beach. Coming back up the hill gives you a real appetite for breakfast. Waupo Caves are about an hour away and worth a visit. Take torches and shoes you can paddle in. The glowworms are an amazing sight. There are a few vineyards near the property. We visited Brick Bay for a tasting and a look at their weird and wonderful sculpture trail. There is just so much choice of things to do in the area. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at Ruru Lodge if we ever get back to beautiful New Zealand.
We juat had the best time at the most beautiful place. Everything we could have dreamt of and more. We came back relaxed and content with amazing memories of our stay.
Andrew B.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Maria T.
25 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Beautiful location ruined
The setting is tranquil and view stunning, with incredible bird song. First night divine. Second night ruined with a full on stag do in the two downstairs units that was in full swing when we arrived back at 5.00pm after a day out. Couldn’t get a park because of all the stag do attendees. We ended up packing up and leaving at 6.20pm because of the loud music and raucous behaviour. Owners did give us a refund but beware and check out who’s status when you want to go.
Welcoming hosts, very well equipped, comfortable, clean, warm. Beautiful location which was an ideal base for exploring the things we wanted to do in the area.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location to the lodge where we had a wedding to attend. Lucky we had a taxi to the venue and return as we would never have walk up that extremely steep hill.
Dislike the fact that when I did my hair the plug socket was on the opposite side to the mirror which made it very difficult. Had to dry a little bit then cross the room to see how it looked then back to dry another bit and back across the room. They was no plug in the bathroom for my husband to plug in his shaver.
Thank you for a fantastic stay. Right next to the wedding venue and the lodge is perfectly appointed with anything you could possibly need. Clean, tidy, homely and made our stay so easy and enjoyable. Thanks again
Stephanie T.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Feb 2022
Thank you. We are so pleased that you had a great time and that the wedding went so well.
We stayed on this beautiful place for one night for a friend’s wedding. The place is so clean and tidy with a wonderful view. And its just a few minutes away from the beach and market. Alysn is so accommodating and good in communication, she replies to my inquiries straight away.
Princess C.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jan 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review, we are very pleased that you found it clean, tidy and perfect for your visit.
A beautiful tranquil spot that was dog friendly which is a huge plus for us. Our hosts Alysn and Brian went over and above ensuring everything we needed was at our finger tips … couldn’t have asked for more! Will definitely be back to enjoy a glass of Bubbles on the front lawn overlooking the Bay - unfortunately the weather wasn’t great to allow this activity during our stay :-)
Donna M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Oct 2021
Look forward to seeing you and Holly again. Lovely to meet you.
From arrival to departure our experience was fantastic.
This is a great place to stay which is a stones throw away from Matakana where we first enjoyed the farmers markets(a must do). Alysn allowed for us to have an early check in. At arrival we were greeted by two cute playful dogs! The house is gorgeous with a spacious living area and has a breathtaking view.
Alysn was a fantastic host and really did go out of her way to make it an amazing experience! We will definitely be back!
Very comfortable and homely place to relax and stay. Thank you!
Kim D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jane R.
29 Apr 2019
Ruru lodge
Very comfortable, immaculate and well equipped in a lovely rural setting . Will definitely book for a longer stay in the future .
Jane R.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Julie R.
3 Mar 2019
Beautiful and peaceful
On behalf of my parents.. The lodge was beautiful and perfect for their needs as it was almost next to the wedding venue. Highly recommended.
Julie R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bridget M.
18 Feb 2019
Location, Style and Attention to detail
Part of a large house, Ruru Lodge is a lovely upstairs one bedroom apartment with double and single bed. Large open plan living area with new kitchen well fitted out. Air conditioner just added was well appreciated! Wonderful natural bush surrounds and very close to small beach. Great place and hosts delightful. Thanks Alysn and Brian.
Bridget M.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eisa Q.
26 Jan 2019
Lovely hosts and property! Great location to surrounding beaches.
Hosts and property all great! Good attention to detail, warm welcome, and relaxed setting. We very much enjoyed our stay and look forward to visit again. Thank you!
Eisa Q.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
About the host
Hosted by AlysnM47
Alysn and Brian love living in this beautiful area and being able to share it with visitors. Alysn is an artist working from her studio at Kotare house and offering creative experiences. We have 2 friendly collie dogs who are partial to a bit of fuss and play with visitors.
What makes this property unique
The famous Matakana Saturday market. Local food, music, crafts and more.