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Cottle Hill Creek

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Cottle Hill Creek

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.

Children aged 9+ only

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Eating and drinking near Escape

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 can provide some beautiful platters to enjoy at the Ark. If you'd like to order, check out pricing and details under the 'Rates and Extras' button above.

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 near Escape

THINGS TO DO

At Cottle Hill Creek, hop in the boat to row or kayak on the lake (lifejackets are provided!), take a walk around the property, bird watch, or say hello to the animals.

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, a fantastic swimming hole, is a 12-minute 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 at Escape

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.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Wonderful setting with excellent hosts. An excellent way to getaway from it all. ”

Kerry Hilton- 2024-07-09

20 / 20

“ Wonderful stay, friendly host and beautiful view. ”

Milos Stojanovic- 2026-05-02

1 / 20

“ It was such a tranquil setting and we were surrounded by farmland and animals. Our host was very welcoming. ”

Linda Christianson- 2026-04-22

2 / 20

“ We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. A beautiful, peaceful property. Lots to do there and so close to local attractions. Friendly and helpful hosts. The ark was clean, comfortable, quiet and cosy and the funny duck swimming around the front door and the chickens round the back were entertaining company. ”

Marie Ringrose- 2026-04-15

3 / 20

“ Our stay at Cottle Hill Creek was absolutely perfect. Such a beautiful, relaxing place that had us daydreaming about what life on a farm might be like one day. The animals were a highlight, they all had their own personalities. The ducks greeted us every morning outside the cottage, and the roosters and chickens were an absolute hoot. We were genuinely sad to leave. We easily could have stayed a whole week. ”

Morgan Rouse- 2026-03-23

4 / 20

“ It was amazing, wish I’d booked for longer. Paddle boarding around the water and having the fire going at night was magical. ”

Jack Ashton- 2026-02-20

5 / 20

“ A truly unique experience. We'll be back. ”

Sanja Antonijevic- 2026-01-10

6 / 20

“ A wonderful place and a friendly host. What else do we need? ”

Ann Katrin Kray- 2025-12-15

7 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at Cottle Hill Creek, it’s such a beautiful spot, so peaceful and relaxing. The Ark is a very cool spot, very comfortable beds and it has everything you need for a self sufficient holiday. Careena and Chris are such lovely hosts, they are very welcoming and friendly. It’s lovely to be able to swim in the lake and enjoy the outdoor fire in the evening. We only wished we could have stayed longer, we will definitely be back! ”

Elizabeth Kriechbaum- 2025-12-01

8 / 20

“ Superb venue away from the husle and bustle of our busy lives, sipping wine and eating cheese and dips as we looked over the lake with only the fish and the birds as our neighbours. Will definitely return. ”

John Hogan- 2025-11-11

9 / 20

“ Chris welcomed us like family. We loved the Ark and the surroundings. We spent the morning rowing and kayaking. It was a beautiful setting where we could spend the whole day exploring and relaxing. At night, we started the fire, had a BBQ, and enjoyed dinner outside by the lake. Our youngest even helped to feed the chickens and collect the eggs, which were the freshest we’ve ever had. ”

David Siauw- 2025-10-01

10 / 20

“ Absolutely loved this place. Calm, peaceful, and so beautiful. We took tonnes of photos. Though we stayed at Cottle Hill Creek in winter, we felt warm and cosy in the house. Hosts are great. Can’t wait to return to The Ark in summertime. ”

Anna Khanash- 2025-07-03

11 / 20

“ Wonderful host and accommodation. We were so pleasantly excited with the farm animals all around the area. A peaceful and quiet bit of paradise. Thank you. ”

Andrew Steel- 2025-06-02

12 / 20

“ ”

Keely Kastrukoff- 2025-05-08

13 / 20

“ What an absolutely amazing place! Was such a treat to have your own private space and lake! Absolutely stunning and looking forward to going back. ”

Pierce Hargreaves- 2025-03-11

14 / 20

“ Had a beautiful time. The most beautiful accommodation. Great for animals lovers too. The host was also amazing. ”

Jacqui Foy- 2025-01-16

15 / 20

“ A lovely stay! The Ark is beautiful, clean and cosy. We loved the lake and all the amenities. It was a great relaxing getaway! ”

Ashley Johnson- 2025-01-10

16 / 20

“ Excellent host, very friendly, and the accommodation was exactly what we were looking for. ”

ultan burke- 2024-11-19

17 / 20

“ Gorgeous relaxing setting and Chris was a friendly host who recommended the local Friday night food market’s to us, which we enjoyed greatly! ”

Earlene Robertson- 2024-11-01

18 / 20

“ The hosts were so inviting and made us feel so welcome. Such a beautiful place, and we had the most amazing time! Highly recommend. ”

Lisa Frost- 2024-07-16

19 / 20

“ Wonderful setting with excellent hosts. An excellent way to getaway from it all. ”

Kerry Hilton- 2024-07-09

20 / 20

“ Wonderful stay, friendly host and beautiful view. ”

Milos Stojanovic- 2026-05-02

1 / 20

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