The Little Cottage is an old but comfortable weatherboard house with polished floors set in amongst palms and succulents (no beach views). The lounge opens out onto a spacious deck, ideal for evening barbies and relaxing. It is not flash but everything works. We don't use it so you do need to be prepared to bring what you need. This type of accommodation is a step up from camping (and you are welcome to bring tents) but still pretty basic. You need to bring all bedding including sheets, blankets and pillows. Our housekeeper checks the house after you leave but you are expected to leave the house clean to get back your bond.
The cottage has two bedrooms (one with a queen and one with a set of bunks) so is ideal for four guests but there is also a space we call an alcove with a fold out single (WARNING: new but hard...) and we are happy for people to set up tents/bring mattresses. There is a charge of $20 pp per night for guest numbers above five people.
A short 2 minute walk down the road is Henderson Bay beach. Henderson Bay is a 5km long white sand beach with surf but also rocks and lagoons for families. This makes it an ideal family beach with a little bit of something for everyone.
The walk is 100m down a road then down a steepish sand dune track. This track is not easy for some!
A superb feature of Henderson Bay is its lack of beachfront houses (this house is the 3rd from the beach) or camping grounds which means accommodation here is pretty hard to get and keeps the beach relatively unpopulated in summer.
If fishing is your thing, this place is a paradise. Fish off the rocks/surf or launch your boat at Houhora or nearby Rarawa Beach.
Henderson Bay is 50 mins north of Kaitaia and is 20 minutes drive from the Pukenui shops which include a 4 Square shop, Bakery, Cafe/Takeaway and Liquor Store. Pukenui is also the home of the Houhora Fishing Club Restaurant and Bar. Opposite the store is the Pukenui Wharf, where you can use to put your boat in on the East Coast.
There are many places to see in the Far North.. Cape Reinga, Tapotupotu Bay, Spirits Bay or Te Paki Stream famous for its giant sand dunes.
It is a kiwi bach and not a motel so please don't expect flash or perfection (Warning: Shower isn't great-on low pressure!) but it is comfortable and a great place to relax and as owners we will do our best to make sure you have what you need for your getaway.
*Freeview now available.
Special conditions:
*Total occupancy is 5 best fit is 4. More than 5 by prior approval @ 20pp per night.
*50% non-refundable deposit to confirm booking.
*A cleaning bond will apply and be refunded when bach is left as found.
*All bedding needs to be brought.
*2 night minimum stay. 5 nights minimum during peak times.
*Conserve water. Short showers...
*No outside fires
*Smoking outside only.
*Pets allowed with prior approval and an extra charge of $10 per night will be added
*Strict adherence to the departure and arrival times please. (in at 4pm, out at 11am)
Extras: Refundable Bond (Required, NZ$100.00 per stay); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave; Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels);