Cottle Hill Creek

Covid-19 update

Find out more about our COVID-19 Cancellation Terms and Vaccination Policy here.

July/August Midweek Special - stay 3 pay 2

Book and stay for three midweek nights in July or August and only pay for two.

Kerikeri, Northland

The Ark at Cottle Hill Creek is just 5 minutes from Kerikeri village and just over 3 hours drive from Auckland. With just a short drive to many of the Bay of Island and Northland sights - it's a great spot to explore this stunning region from.

The Ark is a unique, floating houseboat. It sits peacefully in a corner of a small private lake on a 16-acre farmlet, complete with goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs and horses. The Ark is docked alongside a wharf where a nearby willow tree provides a cool outdoor living space - and a tranquil place to BBQ, sunbathe, read, relax, or enjoy a cool drink on a hot day.

Inside is a small but perfectly formed space with an open plan and well-equipped kitchen, dining, and lounge area, and bathroom. A comfortable queen-size bed is accessed via a ladder in the loft. A small wood burner is lovely to cosy up in front of during winter.

Row or kayak on the lake, take a walk around the property, bird watch, or say hello to the animals. Enjoy listening to the sound of the kiwi that has recently moved into the area.

During open fire season, guests are welcome to collect wood and build a fire in the pit outside the Ark. Pioneer cast iron cookware is provided to enjoy a unique outdoor fire cooking experience.

There is an array of birdlife to enjoy! Sometimes you can spot wild turkeys, peacocks, and quail - not to mention the ducks and chickens who will visit you during your stay. There are also many beautiful native birds such as fantails, tui, and kererus to be seen.

FROM $300 p/n

Children aged 9+ only

Sleeps 4
Child Friendly

A $60 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.

address

71a Cottle Hill Drive, Kerikeri 0293

directions

Cottle Hill Creek is just 5 minutes from Kerikeri and just over 3 hours drive from Auckland. Follow the Google Maps directions to get there.

Cottle Hill Drive is located off State Highway 10. The Cottle Hill Winery is at the bottom of the hill and we are located at the top. If you take the hairpin turn by the letterboxes of 71a and 71b (a kangaroo letterbox, hard to miss) drive past 73 and keep on the driveway that splits off to the right. You’ll know it’s the correct one when you see the lake. Just follow the driveway down to The Ark and Careena and Chris will meet you there to show you around.

Cottle Hill Creek

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in: 2pm - 8pm

Check-out: 10am

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

There's an incredibly comfortable queen-size bed in the loft with ladder access and a sofa which can convert into a double/queen-size bed in the main living area of the Ark. Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied, as well as hot water bottlles.

Please note the ladder access to the bed. Some people may not feel comfortable going up and down a ladder to access the bed, so it's important to be aware of this before booking. If you would prefer to sleep in the sofa bed downstairs, let us know in the comments section when booking and this can be made up for you instead.

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

There is a well-equipped kitchen inside the main living area of the Ark, with a Weber BBQ in the adjoining wharf area. There is a solar-powered fridge/freezer for cold food storage. In open fire season, you can use the Pioneer cast iron cookware to cook on an open fire. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.

Some pantry basics are provided - Moccona coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Guests are welcome to help themselves to herbs from the garden.

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

The toilet in The Ark is a composting toilet that will be empty and clean upon your arrival. There is an exhaust fan which aids the toilet to be odourless. It will also be cleaned and changed regularly for your comfort. There is also a shower inside.

Natural body wash and towels are provided.

IS THERE POWER?

The Ark has solar power for lighting only. There is also a double USB charging port available for charging devices.

Please note that if it’s sunny, the solar system will be generating power. If it’s not sunny, you’ll be using power from the bank of batteries and you'll need to conserve to avoid running out. During winter, when there are days at a time with no sun, you may have to use the battery-operated lanterns and candles provided.

A chilly bin with cold packs is provided for cool food storage in winter when solar is low.

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

Yes, there is good mobile reception on the property, although inside the Ark itself reception can be a bit patchy sometimes.

A double USB charging port is available for charging devices.

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

The Ark is insulated and cosy, with a small wood burner especially designed for the space.

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Yes, you are most welcome to collect wood (fallen branches and twigs) around the property to build a fire in the pit outside The Ark. There is also a Pioneer cast iron cookware that will allow you to cook on it – even further extending your culinary options!

What is glamping like in winter?

Cottle Hill Creek is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

Cottle Hill Creek has lots of warm bedding, hot water bottles and a little wood burner that will make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your outdoor fire-lighting skills and be prepared for the elements!

IS Cottle Hill Creek CHILD-FRIENDLY?

Children must be at least 9 years of age to stay at The Ark as it is not safe due to its position on the lake. If you are bringing your children (9+), they MUST be able to swim confidently and be closely supervised by adults at all times.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Cottle Hill Creek has a 'no dog' policy.

If you're looking for dog-friendly glamping, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes sites that welcome dogs - you can select the 'dog-friendly' filter in the search bar to easily find them.

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS THE CAMPSITE?

The Ark at Cottle Hill Creek is located in a lifestyle block area just outside of Kerikeri. You will have The Ark and the wharf all to yourself, but there are neighbouring lifestyle properties and activities to be aware of.

Your hosts live on the property, however, their residence is well away from the Ark.

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

You can drive your car right up to the Ark and park there for easy coming and going from the property.

Will I encounter any creatures or critters during my stay?

Most of our stays are nature-based with components of outdoor living, and Cottle Hill Creek is no exception. Set on a lifestyle block, Cottle Hill Creek has many free-ranging chickens and ducks and animals, like pigs and goats. You may hear the odd rooster crow and many of the ducks and chickens like to come to visit guests at the ark. If you're not keen on encountering farm animals during your stay, this is not the right escape for you!

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay
Toiletries
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Walking shoes or boots if you would like to wander around the property
Warm clothing for cooler evenings
Towels for swimming

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

There are water hazards on the property, specifically the lake and the creek. Please stay away from any machinery as well as around the shed and tunnel house. Be cautious of any electric fences and please close any gates behind you.

CAN I BOOK FOR A ONE NIGHT ONLY?

All Year Round:

There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.

Single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $60 Single Night Surcharge applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies for Cottle Hill Creek.

Minimum Stay Periods

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Cottle Hill Creek.

All Year Round:

There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.

Single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $60 Single Night Surcharge applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

Rates

Peak (1 Dec - 30 April)

The nightly rate during this period is $320 for up to two people.
Additional children are $40 per night per extra child* (9+ years) * Please note due to the lake dam, there is a 'no children under 9 years old' policy at Cottle Hill Creek.
Additional adults are $70 per night per extra adult (up to a total of four people)

Off-Peak (1 May - 30 Nov)

The nightly rate during this period is $290 for up to two people - **note this will increase to $300 in 2023**
Additional children are $40 per night per extra child* (9+ years) * Please note due to the lake dam, there is a 'no children under 9 years old' policy at Cottle Hill Creek.
Additional adults are $70 per night per extra adult (up to a total of four people)

Single Night Surcharge:

Where single nights are bookable (see Minimum Stay Periods) a Single Night Surcharge of $60 applies. Please apply this during the online booking process.

The Single Night Surcharge applies to all one night stays, even when there is only one night available. By their nature, glamping sites are more remote and time-consuming to service than more standard accommodation types. Therefore, in order to cover the costs and time involved, a Single Night Surcharge is applicable to all one night stays.

Catered Platters

To order amazing platters (serving 2 people) to your stay - contact Julia on 0212081567.

Cheese Platter (vegetarian) $85 - select local and artisan cheeses, fruit, hand-made chutneys, bread, and crackers

Dip Platter (vegetarian) $75 - hand-made hummus and tzatziki, vegetable crudités, bread, and crackers

Meat Platter $85 - assorted cured meats, pickles, hand-made chutneys, bread, and crackers

Anti-Pasto Platter $120 - an array of tasty preserved morsels including meats, local and artisan cheeses, vegetables, fruit, bread, and crackers.

Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

2. cancellation, date changes and severe weather warnings

2.1 Canopy Camping reserves the right to cancel the booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:

(a) Extreme weather conditions that mean accessing or staying may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(b) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(d) A death in the host families.

Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund, or to alter the booking to another date, or site at no additional cost or penalty.

2.2 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.

2.3 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.

2.4 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.

3. safety and hazards

3.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.

3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.

4. pets

No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.

5. GST

GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.

6. conditions of occupancy and conduct

6.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.

6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.

6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.

6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.

6.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.

6.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

6.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.

7. authority to sign

The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.

Eating and Drinking

Cottle Hill Creek is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the gas hob or BBQ and facilities provided in your private galley kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Cottle Hill Creek has teamed up with a local caterer to provide some beautiful platters to enjoy at the Ark. If you'd like to order one for your stay, check out pricing and details under the 'Rates and Extras' button above. You can order directly from the caterer, Julia, on 0212081567.

Kerikeri is a 5-minute drive away and is filled with delicious places to eat out. The Plough and Feather at the Kerikeri Mission Station comes highly recommended - with fantastic food and a wonderful ambience. There are some nice takeaway spots, lots of great cafes (Santeez Gluten Free Café for their coffee and ginger slice is delicious!), and other fantastic restaurants such as Black Olive, Ake Ake Winery and Rainbow Falls Tea House.

There are three supermarkets close by, Countdown and New World in Kerikeri, and Four Square in Waipapa. If you're staying on a weekend - treat yourself to some culinary treats from The Packhouse Market in Kerikeri on Saturday or Sunday, or pop in for some fresh fruit and vegetables at the Kerikeri Farmer's Market on Sunday.
Things to do

Kerikeri is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the Northland region.

Kerikeri village itself, offers a quaint cinema, boutique shops, and lots of great cafes and restaurants. Cottle Hill Winery is less than a minute down the road and is open for tastings Wednesday - Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

The Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory is 3 minutes away, and another well-known kiwi business, 'Living Nature', a natural skincare and cosmetics factory shop, (which also houses a beauty clinic), is just around the corner.

Get a taste of history with a visit to The Stone Store and Kemp House (11 minutes away), and Rewa’s Village - just 12 minutes away.

Charlie’s Rock, an amazing swimming hole, is 12 minutes drive.

Each Saturday there is The Packhouse Market in Kerikeri which offers local culinary treats, crafts, and more. And on Sundays, there is the Kerikeri Farmer’s Market for fruits and vegetables.
Your Hosts

Careena and Chris will be your hosts while staying in the Ark at Cottle Hill Creek.

Chris is a New Zealander, originally from Christchurch, and Careena is Australian, who grew up in Malaysia and Singapore, and moved to NZ when she was 18.

From when they were a young couple, Chris and Careena have had a dream to live a self sustainable lifestyle, and be more in touch with nature. They're now finally realising it with the beautiful property at Cottle Hill Creek.

Chris and Careena moved to Kerikeri from Auckland in November 2016 and loving the lifestyle and everything that the Bay of Islands has to offer.

"
Cottle Hill Creek was one of the most relaxing places we have ever stayed at, it was so quiet and peaceful. The perfect start to our holiday. Highly recommended as we'd stay again in a heartbeat!
"
- 15 Apr 2022
"
We loved the serenity and peacefulness of Cottle Hill Creek. It's so handy being close to Kerikeri for supplies. The owners were delightful. Thank you.
"
- 15 Mar 2022
"
We really enjoyed our stay at Cottle Hill Creek. Beautiful and peaceful place. Highly recommended.
"
- 01 Mar 2022
"
The most serene setting. Perfect for the bigger kids, perfect for romance and perfect for relaxing. I could not get use to the pond for swimming but my hubby and kids loved it. We thoroughly enjoyed the little boat and kayak on the lake. We took advantage of the platters Julia had to offer. They were AMAZING and well worth the money, thanks Julia. But to Chris & Careena, thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise with us. We appreciate all your effort to ensure our stay was PERFECT. Luke, thanks for the board buddy and we can't wait to come back and see some progress on your bike track.
"
- 25 Feb 2022
"
If you want too get away and just switch off then this is for you. Just peace and quiet.
"
- 01 Feb 2022
"
We had a lovely time. Such a beautiful place to spend a weekend. Chris and Careena were very accommodating and were happy to help or answer any questions. The Ark itself is an experience not to be missed. Even though we didn't have great weather we were still able to enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounds even through the front door with the fire place going.
"
- 13 Aug 2021
"
Amazing place, truly unique and tranquil, close to all the amenities yet far enough to feel like you are away from all the buzz of the city.
"
Katarina Matovic - 30 Mar 2021
"
We are so glad we chose to start our honeymoon trip at Cottle Hill Creek. This awesome floating home was the perfect start and I can’t put into words the absolute serenity of sitting outside on the dock, just taking in the beautiful surroundings. The perfect base for exploring Kerikeri, but it’s so nice that you look forward to getting back there after a day out. Chris and Careena were so friendly and accommodating too, and what they have created on their land is lovely. Would definitely recommend and be back one day if we can!
"
Katy Patrick - 14 Feb 2021
"
My partner and I LOVED our stay at the floating ark. It’s so well built, set up, thought out... it’s just perfect. My most enjoyable and comfortable stay to date, ever! The hosts were lovely, very welcoming, friendly and generous. We have only wonderful words and comments to go away with. Thank you Chris and Careena, we will definitely be back!
"
- 06 Feb 2021

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