Entire home

Birdsong & bananas

Photo gallery for Birdsong & bananas

Floyd Cottage november 2016
Pink Villa front lawn
cottage garden
The day bed and wingback armchair  are the perfect companions to a good book
bedroom

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 352 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Kohukohu, Northland
  • Village Arts
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Motuti Marae
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • Wairere Boulders
    ‪56 min drive‬
  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Master and Mistress suite

1 Queen Bed

Resting Nook

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Birdsong & bananas

In the heart of Kohukohu's heritage precinct, on the grounds of the historic Pink Villa,
Floyd Cottage is designed with your relaxation in mind. Offering a superior Queen bed and dreamy ensuite with rain shower. Open plan living and dining area flow into a compact & functional kitchen. Ranchsliders open onto a north facing private afternoon sundeck and garden. A wrap around verandah provides shade. 2 outdoor armchairs are yours to place under any tree or spot in the wider garden.
A short stroll will take you to the harbour's edge - turn left for the takeaways, art gallery, pub & cafe , post office, op shop, library and general store. Turn right and walk along the waterfront to the southern edge of town and up and back along historic Yarborough Street with it's old villas & churches and rambling gardens.
A boat ramp if you fancy fishing. Bring your kayaks for an awesome paddle out on the harbour. Book an outing on the Ranui, an historic Kauri excursion boat and visit Horeke and Rawene.
Or catch the ferry and explore Rawene with it's quirky galleries, shops & cafes.
Drive out to Mitimiti and enjoy the rockpools at low tide and the beauty of this rugged West Coast beach.
There are plenty of things to do !
If this all sounds too hectic, no worries, our chaise sofa and wing-back are ideal companions to a good book or siesta.

Wi-fi - You are welcome to use Pink Villa wi-fi or a two minute walk away, on the bench outside the library and browse courtesy of the free wi-fi.

Contactless check in and check out
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Extra person up to 3 total (Required, NZ$25.00 per person);

Property manager

lise
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Italian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Laundry
Outdoor space
Breakfast available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
On-site 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 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 recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kohukohu

Kohukohu is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hokianga Harbour and Maungataniwha Range, while Motuti Marae and Fern Flat Pottery are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and ecotours.
Map
Kohukohu, Northland

What's nearby

  • Village Arts - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Hokianga Art Gallery - 34 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Motuti Marae - 45 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Opononi Beach - 51 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Wairere Boulders - 56 min drive - 53.9 km

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boatshed Cafe - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Kohukohu Hotel - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Waterline Cafe - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Birdsong & bananas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Birdsong & bananas ?

As of 16 April 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong & bananas on 17 April 2025 start from NZ$287.5, 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.

What time is check-in at Birdsong & bananas ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Birdsong & bananas ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Birdsong & bananas located?

Situated in Kohukohu, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Village Arts and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Hokianga Harbour. Rawene Community Library and Hokianga Art Gallery are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 36 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kereru in Kohukohu
A delightful quiet cottage retreat in central Kohukohu full of art and wonderful books, and maps and possible excursions on the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Oh, and lots of lush plants and birdlife.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kohukohu Sanctuary
Super cute and comfortable cabin near the beautiful Hokianga Harbour.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Floyd Cottage
Lovely welcoming hosts, Lise was prompt and attentive. We just stayed the one night but it was a very restful and relaxing stay, very private and serene garden areas to enjoy, and all just a short walk to the Kohukohu CBD : ) Very handy to the pub and shop and just across the street from the bowls club where the locals will happily welcome you for a sneaky beverage, there’s some folks there enjoying a bowl and a beer most nights during the summer nights.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden getaway
The place was so lovely and secluded, it felt like we were staying in a jungle! It had everything you needed and such groovy decor!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

John s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic property and township.
We loved staying at this stylish and super comfortable haven in a beautiful garden. Kohukohu township is a lovely historic place, and the people are very welcoming. Really, this is a special place.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jaime C., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place
What a fantastic cottage on a gorgeous spot. The cottage had everything I needed for my stay and was prefer for a week of relaxing and recharging! Hosts were lovely and super helpful. Highly recommended and already thinking about how I can come back next year.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nigel B., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Floyd Cottage
Quiet and private - surrounded by beautiful gardens and birdsong. Lovely friendly community and awesome hosts. We needed a quiet relaxing break from everything and that is exactly what we got. Loved it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cal M., Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Such a great property. So so quiet. With everything you need. The bathroom and shower are beautiful. Very comfortable bed. Lise was also so accommodating and a breeze to deal with. Would stay here again in a flash.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magic
Absolutely beautiful will return 1 day cannot thank yous enough 😘💞
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Lush Retreat
Nestled in a lush tropical bush setting, 'Birdsong & Bananas' lived up to the name! It feels both private & secluded, while at the same time being a short stroll to everything Kohukohu has to offer. Lise & Claudio were thoughtful and communicative hosts, keen to make sure we had everything we needed, including time to ourselves. Comfy, super clean, unique...and a playground over the road in the local school which our son loved. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nigel B., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet lovely paradise
We loved staying in this beautiful cottage. It was so private and quiet and the space was beautiful enhanced with lots of original art which we LOVED. The daybed was a gorgeous place to relax and read and the wrap around decks meant you could seek either the sun or the shade at any point in the day. The local township has some wonderful art galleries and its just a short trip by car ferry to Rawene where there are several more galleries, puzzle and book shops, and places to eat. Our hosts Lise and Claudio were so welcoming and never intruded on our quiet time. The bowl of fresh plums was a lovely welcome. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eunice

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful space to regroup and renew.
Stayed 12 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Solenn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So peaceful
Such a quiet serene location. The duvet was super cozy. The kitchen is well equipped. Check-in/check-out process was very easy. Recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dana T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Bach
Lise & Claudio our lovely hosts. We had such a relaxing break in your beautiful bach. Close to all the towns amenities everything within walking distance. Thank you so much for your hospitality your bach is unique and the gardens were amazing. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year Kind regards
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Emma C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely
Perfect communication by the owners, they went above and beyond for me and gave me a full rundown of the area. Thank you so much, will stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Hayley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Cute Cottage
But no wifi. Total bummer
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Andrew G., Sydney, Australian

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tucked away and comfortable
Looking for peace and quiet in an idyllic isolated location? This could be just the right spot for you. Hidden away in the tiny village of Kohukohu on the upper reaches of hokianga harbour. Kohukohu is a tiny village, so it’s not the right spot for you if you are looking for easy access to city delights. The pretty village of rawene is a couple of kilometres plus a 10 minute ferry ride away and has a small supermarket and a great cafe. The cabin itself is set in beautiful gardens and is very well appointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Morgan T.

Lovely cottage, well situated, comfortable and private.
Kohukohu is my favourite piece of Northland and this cottage is a perfect place to stay and to explore the Hokianga and far north from.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sharon C.

restful
Our stay in Kohukohu was very restorative. It was like visiting a magical land. Floyd Cottage is both a peaceful and creative space. The hosts, Lise and Claudio were very welcoming. We loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Barbara E.

Perfect !
Floyd cottage is wonderful, just as advertised. Really clean, charming, quiet location and a true home from home. It is a perfect little getaway gem, and KohuKohu is too. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and Lise went out of her way to ensure we were comfortable. If you are looking to book a Bach, you can book this one with confidence.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nicola W.

A very cute, spacious and well equipped cottage set in a gorgeous, private garden in the heart of K
A very cute, spacious and well equipped cottage set in a gorgeous, private garden in the heart of Kohukohu.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Petet H.

Most delightful setting very relaxing and private.
Most delightful setting very relaxing and private.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

19a7EtA4c9dSV1+mzZaN5ZAQrjIixJEfElCVCayJhIWrobcd+77J/eXLRCx67wrr 1.

Very interesting and historic location, had a great time
Very interesting and historic location, had a great time
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Angus H.

Thoughtfully presented accommodation that provides a beautiful environment to relax.
Thoughtfully presented accommodation that provides a beautiful environment to relax. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this special part of NZ. Lovely gardens, comfy bed and everything we needed to unwind for a week.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

A stylish and peaceful haven in a cool and historic little village that time has forgotten.
A stylish and peaceful haven in a cool and historic little village that time has forgotten.

About the host

Hosted by lise

Host profile image
Claudio & Lise met in their twenties in Milano, Italy where they both lived and worked. At the turn of this century they both felt the need for a change with a strong desire to live amongst nature and at a slower pace. They were exploring Northland, driving along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway and stopped in Kohukohu one afternoon to visit the Pink Villa (which was for sale) just out of curiosity. It must have been something in the air or love at first sight but shortly after the viewing they were at auction and bought the Pink Villa. They moved lock, stock and barrel to make Kohukohu their home in 2005 and have lived a simple life ever since!

Why they chose this property

The Pink Villa & Floyd Cottage are set in a big beautiful rambling garden, off the main road but within walking distance to the harbour's edge and village shops and amenities.
The Pink Villa was built sometime around 1860, all in heart kauri, to accomodate the Kohukohu Kauri Mill Manager and in 1889 it was bought by Fred Halliwell who upgraded it into the grand ol' dame she is today. Floyd Cottage was built in the 70's by a longtime resident of Kohukohu, the local veterinarian Alan Clarkson. By the time Claudio & Lise came along it was in dire need of some TLC and the desire to welcome family, friends and travellers from afar resulted in the design of this stylish and comfortable resting place.

What makes this property unique

Interior Balinese style ensuite with rainshower. Superior queen bed. Private garden with sunny afternoon back deck. Centrally located to village shop and amenities.

Languages:

English, French, Italian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests