Entire home

Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

Photo gallery for Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka

A two-story house with a wooden deck, a satellite dish, and a sign that reads "THISTLE DO".
A beach with a wooden walkway leading to the shore.
A compact kitchen with a dining area, white cabinetry, a microwave, and a dishwasher.
A living room with a flat-screen TV, two sofas, a bed, and a large rug.
A bedroom with a bed, nightstands, a lamp, a painting, a window with curtains, and a view of the outside.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Dog-friendly
  • Toys
  • Breakfast included
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Ruakaka, Northland
  • Place, Ruakaka Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Town Basin Marina
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Mangawhai Heads Beach
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Airport, Whangarei (WRE)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

2nd Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Outdoor dining
Only 40 metres to the beach!
Ruakaka
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (327 reviews)
Only 40 metres to the beach!

About the area

Ruakaka

Located in Ruakaka, this holiday home is in a rural area. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Waipu Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Ruakaka Beach and Waipu Caves. With kayaking, surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
View more Holiday homes in RuakakaOpens in a new window
Map
Ruakaka, Northland

What's nearby

  • Ruakaka Beach - 7 min drive - 1.3 km
  • Town Basin Marina - 23 min drive - 35.9 km
  • Waipu Cove Beach - 24 min drive - 22.9 km
  • Lang's Beach - 26 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Mangawhai Heads Beach - 46 min drive - 40.1 km

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bach Cafe - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Wicked Cafe & Take Away - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Waipu Tavern - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Land & Sea - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bream Bay Takeways - ‬3 min drive

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 9 kg per pet.

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

As of 29 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka on 26 Nov 2026 start from £99, 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 Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka?

On-site 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?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Thistle Do Beach Bach - Ruakaka located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Ruakaka Beach and within 9 miles (15 km) of Refining NZ Visitors Centre and Waipu Museum. Waipu Caves and Waipu Cove Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay, handy location and everything you need is provided for
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful, welcoming environment and Hostess. The very thoughtful and kind gesture of leaving breakfast supplies..fresh eggs, toast bread, home made jam, fruit juice etc for our use was a wonderful surprise and very much appreciated. The accommodation overall was excellent, clean, warm and comfortable. Merrill was there to greet us on arrival and show us around. Lovely, lovely hostess. Will be recommending this accommodation to one and all.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay. Graham and Merril were very welcoming and generous.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely little cottage. It had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. The breakfast items were such a nice touch. We were a group of 3 ladies and with the layout we each had a bed in different rooms which was handy. I am a light sleeper so the road noise was a bit annoying for me when trying to fall asleep but once asleep it was all good.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time at Thistle Do Bach. Extra special service including breakfast which was very appreciated. Our little dog also had a ball of a time - thank you for letting him stay too. The Bach had everything we needed and extras like toiletry products which were lovely. Ruakaka has beautiful beaches and we will highly recommend Thistle Do Bach to family/friends too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing and comfortable

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback