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Take a step back in time

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Pioneer Cottage
Cosy and quaint
Old fashioned romance
Breakfast for two
Come on in

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom0+ bathroomsSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Masterton, Masterton
  • Henley Lake
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Shear Discovery
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Masterton (MRO-Hood)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Dining Area

About this property

Take a step back in time

Experience the romance of life a hundred years ago in our little pioneer cottage.

Just 8km from Masterton, the cottage sits overlooking our private lagoon and the workings of our sheep and beef farm. In summer the lagoon dries up but there are still the 360 degree views of the mountains, hills and Wairarapa plains.

Built entirely of recycled materials the cottage is now home to many precious heirlooms gifted by family and friends, beginning with its beautiful stain glass front door.

No television or microwave but you have the convenience of a gas hob and lanterns.

The cottage is very cosy and warmed in winter by a little pot belly. The flush loo and the bath under the stars are both one step off the deck.

The icebox will cool your wine for a drink on the verandah and if you don't wish to cook dinner on your night away then it's a short drive into town where there is a rich array of restaurants.

Upon deposit I will email you an information sheet with driving directions.

Two night stays are preferred.
Special conditions:
Smoking allowed outside only.

Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave;

Property manager

Shona18

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Mountain view
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Opaki

Located in Opaki, this cottage is in a rural area. Vintage Aviation Museum and Cobblestones Village Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Johner Estate and Gladstone Vineyard. Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre and Eketahuna Kiwi Country Information Centre are also worth visiting.
Map
Masterton, Masterton

What's nearby

  • Henley Lake - 8 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Shear Discovery - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Queen Elizabeth Park - 9 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History - 9 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Masterton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre - 9 min drive - 8.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dish Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mitre 10 Mega - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Strada - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Take a step back in time pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Take a step back in time?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Take a step back in time?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Take a step back in time located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Henley Lake, Museum of Early Childhood and Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. Shear Discovery and Masterton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre are also within 6 miles (10 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. 105 out of 125 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 125 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 125 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 125 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 125 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable and so relaxed
The views and stars were incredible!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely lovely
This property is so nice, words won't do it justice. It is exactly like going back in time. Perfect for our wedding anniversary celebration. We will be back
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely weekend away
Such a great wee getaway! Thank you :)
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Will C., Eketahuna, NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The pics are great...but it's better in real life!
Great character with a warm aesthetic. A lovely mix of amenity (hot water for the tub is sweet-as!) and rustic. The historic/heirloom elements are great. My compliments to your granddaughter on her pencil drawing of the cabin :-). Will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Corinne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Escape from it all
What a beautiful place to spend the weekend. My partner and I just love this cottage and can’t wait to return in the winter. The cottage is well thought out with cute little details and touches. To many highlights to mention. Out side bath was definitely was up there for a truely romantic get away you can’t go wrong. Fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous little cottage
This place is amazing - it is the perfect escape
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Georgia D., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a gorgeous cottage! 5 stars.
What an amazing experience. It really is like stepping back in time. Highly reccomend this place if your looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle and technology and just want to enjoy simple tranquility and peace and quiet. Very romantic. We will be back 😊
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

John D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
This is our new fave - Shona, thanks so much for having us. We had a wonderful time: the house had everything you need to slow down and take a breather - no power points, an outside bath, a ripper wee pot-belly stove, and views for miles. Oh, and an old-school icebox, and flush loo! It's a beautiful little house, made with such care and creativity. It felt like a privilege to be there. We'll be back. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Maia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute and cozy!
Such a gorgeous little cottage, we had a fantastic stay and really enjoyed the wood burner and outdoor bath!

10/10 Excellent

Glenn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great back to basics experience.
Lovely little cabin with outside loo and bath (no shower) and not a three pin plug in sight. Exactly what we wanted. Private, quiet, beautifully decorated with a great little wood burner for winter nights. Leave your phone and laptop at home and bring books. Loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jayde M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect little getaway
Our stay at the pioneer cottage was short but very sweet. Exactly what i was hoping for and more than I expected. Thank you for sharing your space and offering a lovely little hideaway. It was nice to know you were nearby but that we had the space to ourselves largely. The cottage had everything we needed to be more than comfortable and happy soo thank you kindly.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ivan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend getaway paradise
Adorable lil cottage, great spot to unwind and relax from busy city life.

10/10 Excellent

Flavia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic memorable trip
We loved staying at Pioneer Cottage. Using the bath under the stars and cooking sausages on the fire are memories we will treasure. Very cosy and private. Looking forward to a chance to book again. Thank you for building this amazing place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Celia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pioneer Cottage
The Pioneer Cottage is thoughtfully presented and has some great touches like a drawing by the owners' granddaughter of the cottage. It's a delight to be without electricity and wifi, to disconnect and truly relax during your stay. The outdoor bath is a treat. It's well situated so you don't feel exposed but get to see the stars. Also, Masterton isn't very far away, so when you do feel like heading into town for dinner and a movie it's super convenient.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Kimberley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Pioneer cottage
We really enjoyed the thought and effort put into this cottage, the well maintained garden and house, and the spectacular surroundings. It’s cosy once the fire’s going. We wish that it had been made clearer that it is off grid, and that the bath outside is the only bath. It was very cold with strong winds and rain on and off until the morning we left which wasn’t awesome for outdoor bathing
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Wairarapa Getaway
We had the pleasure of staying in this lovely accommodation over New Years. It was the perfect way to end a long and stressful year. Really nice to switch off for a couple of days and unwind. The pioneer cottage is beautifully presented and has everything you could need for a few days away. Highly recommend and no doubt we will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Colleen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing getaway
Great property felt like you are miles from reality but just a short drive to town. Not for people who can't live without WIFI but suited us perfectly. So relaxing and cosy. Soaking in the outdoor bath enjoying the view is a must. Looking forward to going again

10/10 Excellent

Victoria R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even better than the photos!
My siblings and I booked this property for our parents as a birthday gift to mum. She came back to then tell us it was even better than the pictures. Absolutely perfect for their night away. They both had a great time and would highly recommend it!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Karen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
super
We had a lovely experience at this cute little pioneer cottage.

10/10 Excellent

Angela Lucy D., Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful outlook
Beautiful peaceful. I loved the bath!

10/10 Excellent

Cade S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage
Great little cottage
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommended getaway
This cottage is built with so much love and it was an absolute privilege to stay there. It's even better than the listing. Truly a 1 in a million experience

10/10 Excellent

Angela W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous property!
Super clean, beautiful cottage. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic!
This place is so cute. It was the escape from reality we were after.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shane T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Winter getaway
It was wet and cold outside but warm and cozy inside. The bath was great once you got in and it was lovely being surrounded by the sheep.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

About the host

Hosted by Shona18

Host profile image

Languages:

English