Entire home

Idyllic river side retreat

Photo gallery for Idyllic river side retreat

River Retreat in its bush setting
gardens
gardens
outdoor table and chairs
view from above

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Parapara, Takaka
  • Parapara Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Milnthorpe Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Golden Bay
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Takaka (KTF)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

attic bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Idyllic river side retreat

The cottage is warm and well appointed, built in uncut river stone to high specs
The dwelling is private and quiet, with no other houses in sight, and is set in it's own large garden area
Insect screens allow the sliding windows to be open on hot nights without moths , mosquitos etc swarming in
Bird life abounds, and the unspoiled ParaPara river ,glimpsed through the trees is 20 steps away.Old gold workings from the 19th century are still visible, and the track up the river follows the water race that provided power for the historic paint factory working in the early days of the colony.There is a network of tracks developed by the host's partner over the last 9 years
5 minutes from marvellous Milnthorpe Park with its bush walks and beach, 10 minutes from the town of Collingwood, and further afield spectacular Wharariki beach and the Westhaven inlet
Or if you're in the mood for perusing arts and crafts, many artisan galleries are nearby, potters, jewellers and glass workers
For a fee of $30.00 I will provide a fire bath for you, good for relaxation and star gazing ! from May to October .Outside of that time we don't light outdoor fires.


In winter months from June to August the sun sets early in the valley
There is a good efficient fire, plenty of dry wood and a heater,and with double glazing the cottage is really cosy.
Special conditions:
Most suitable for couples, but a day bed in the living room can also be used for another person

Smoking outside only
No tents
quiet enjoyment (no parties or loud music)
.
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included);

Property manager

Reen_Mcmillan
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view

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House Rules

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

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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
Smoking permitted outside
I do not allow day guests additional to those included in the reservation . Please do not use the reservation to host groups
To protect our privacy and to diminish wear and tear on the property ,I ask you not to invite further guests to the cottage or surrounds

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Parapara

Located in Parapara, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Golden Bay and Kahurangi National Park, while Collingwood Museum and Golden Bay Museum & Gallery are cultural highlights. Windsurfing and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Parapara, Takaka

What's nearby

  • Parapara Beach - 6 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Milnthorpe Park - 7 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Golden Bay - 12 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Te Anaroa Caves - 19 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 39 min drive - 35.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Mussel Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Collingwood Tavern - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Naked Possum - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Mussel Inn Bush Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mad Cafe - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Idyllic river side retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Idyllic river side retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Idyllic river side retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Idyllic river side retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 1 mi (1.7 km) from Kahurangi National Park and within 3 miles (5 km) of Parapara Beach and Tukurua Bay. Milnthorpe Park is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

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. 177 out of 180 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 180 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 180 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 180 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 180 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another Idyllic stay
2nd time staying, just as good as the first. Lovely and quiet, beautiful bird song.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil riverside and bush setting
Everything about Reens cottage is outstanding. Extremely peaceful and comfortable, in a great location to explore Golden Bay. Great swimming and bush tracks nearby with abundant birdsong.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace of paradise
Great to be welcomed by the host.The property was excellent it had everything you could want and was very central.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Faultless
Fabulous; quiet; beautiful; great history books on the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter and henny V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As always a pleasure to stay. Amazing property
Cosy warm and well equipped holiday home
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Hamish F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice stay
The location was really nice, very secluded and peaceful, all the facilities were nice, but I did notice the fire alarms had been taken out while I was staying there.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

iain c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little peace of heaven
Hard to put into words how perfect the stone house was. The gardens and privacy the property offered made it a hard place to leave for the day. The dip in the river behind the house made our list of the best things we did while staying in the Golden Bay Area. Sitting outside in the morning and evening taking in the sounds of nature all around as was magical.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place,quality build
Quite lovely setting
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine Jane W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous
This property is situated in a perfect location. Peaceful and beautiful. The property is clean and well- equipped and we enjoyed a wonderful break here.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rankeilor A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful and peaceful stay.
A week of beautiful bird song, the river bubbling peacefully along beside the cottage and every need catered for indoors. Thank you Reen and Dick.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our 2nd ‘Idyllic’ stay here….!!!
This is the 2nd time we have stayed in this lovely retreat (last time was Nov 2022) and is definitely on our list if/when we return to NZ. So relaxing listening to the birdsong and babbling river, sitting in the beautiful garden. Idyllic - no other word for it. Thank you Reen and Dick.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Retreat Review
Just wow from the moment we arrived. The stunning chalet retreat with beautiful garden and natural bush along side the river. Loved the sounds of the native birds almost like they were singing for us. So handy to many spectacular sights but still isolated enough to have your own private getaway. Would definitely recommend it!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River side retreat
Awesome spot. Quiet tidy. Really enjoyed out stay. Perfect night for an outdoor bath.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Armin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic stay
Fantastic stay in a cosy cottage in the bush near the river with a beautiful garden. We can highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vicki H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Really nice Bach in lovely area
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful getaway
We had a great and relaxing time at this beautiful and cozy little bach. The location is great and the hosts are friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike & Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome cottage stay.
Fantastic place to stay, very private and quiet. The cottage was excellent, with everything you need, lovely garden around the cottage and awesome bush walks starting behind the cottage. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter and henny V., Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time we stayed here and just like the first time it was amazing. Great batch ,great hosts.
Amazing!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larrissa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little peice of paradise
Absolutely loved our stay! We will be back 💕
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful & Private
Great property, had everything we needed. Very peaceful, nice place to relax. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teo A., New Plymouth

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage and gardens
we really loved our stay, great cottage with everything you need, beautiful gardens and river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sheehy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Parapara
Ideal location to explore Golden bay
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A tranquil retreat
An idyllic place to stay if you want to get away from it all and simply relax. The house is beautifully styled and the grounds are stunning too. We definitely want to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

janeen m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise found!
Delightful stone cottage in a secluded bush setting. Most amazing place, absolutely loved our time here. Two nights was not enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Perfect Spot
The cottage met all our expectations and more! Clean, comfortable and equipped with all the basics that you need. Great to know Reen was available if needed but nice to have such a private spot with a beautiful garden and with a river and tracks on your doorstep. Location for all the other scenic spots and activities was another highlight. One of our best holidays!!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Reen_Mcmillan

Host profile image
I have lived in the Bay since 1973, brought up 4 children.Now two of them have come back from overseas to raise their families here.
I love Golden Bay for its history, its geographic diversity and beauty, and thriving community

Why they chose this property

We bought this property in 1973 because it ticked all the boxes, bush, river etc, but also had an air of mystery about it.There was evidence of old mining huts, church music sheets scattered on the floor of one of the huts along with flesh coloured corsets and black clunky heeled shoes , prevalent in the 1930's
Bit by bit we pieced together the history, and added our own

What makes this property unique

the feel of a hidden world, yet only 20 minutes from Takaka

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests