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Hawkhill Cottage

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Hawkhill Cottage

Napier, Hawke's Bay


Hawkhill Cottage is located in a semi-rural area just 15 minutes from Central Napier.

The one-room (with bathroom) cottage has a distinctly Mediterranean vibe... Terracotta tiles, plaster walls, nestled amongst lavender, rosemary, olives and tall cypress trees - it's like you've stepped into a little corner of Tuscany in the Hawke's Bay.

With expansive views, the cottage looks East over the Ahuriri Lagoon, out towards Napier and the Pacific Ocean beyond. You can see from Cape Kidnappers through to Bluff Hill, Mahia and the Kaweka Ranges. The sunrise is sensational - and the sunset peaceful to sit and watch with a glass of wine in hand. The twinkling lights of Napier are spectacular at night.

Bird watchers will love the wetland birds on the lagoon, as well as the plentiful hawks, pheasants, quails, yellowhead, tuis, and woodpigeon who regularly visit the cottage and gardens.

The surrounding garden is lush and fruitful - and guests are welcome to help themselves to the citrus fruit, figs, feijoas, avocados, macadamia and walnuts when in season.

We rarely find a spot that is so close to a vibrant town, yet so tranquil. Enjoy the wineries, arts and beaches of Napier during the day - and retreat to your own little peaceful paradise at the end of it all. Perfect.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Hawkhill Cottage has all the facilities you need to self-cater. Just bring your own food, and prepare meals in the kitchenette. There is a double electric element and barbeque for cooking and you'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking, both Misson Estate and Churchroad wineries are only 5-minutes away - or head to Napier (just 15-minutes drive away) for a selection of fantastic cafes and restaurants.

If you need to pop out for supplies, you'll find a supermarket in Napier, about a 15-minute drive away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Hawkhill Cottage is a peaceful escape - and the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the Hawke's Bay region.

With everything from Art Deco Tours to wineries, the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market to pottery and art studios - and floristry and cooking classes - there really is something for everyone.

If you're keen to get active, bring your bikes! The Hawke's Bay cycle trail has a starting point 5 minutes away from Hawkhill Cottage.

Those that wish to just relax and enjoy the peaceful vibe of the cottage will love watching the birdlife found on the lagoon and a range of natives that love to visit the surrounding gardens.

There are plenty of board games to keep you entertained.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Katrina, Richard, their two daughters Amelia and Greta, Rubble the Golden Retriever and Chilli the cat are your hosts at Hawkhill Cottage.

After enjoying an urban lifestyle for 15 years, in 2017 the family felt the need for a change of pace. The Hawkhill property was discovered on a holiday in Hawkes Bay - Richard's beloved hometown.

Driving to Hawkhill for the first time along the narrow country road, taking in the native birds, the toi tois, the fresh country air, and animals Katrina was reminded of her grandparent's lifestyle property in Ti Point. Upon arriving at the Hawkhill property, the peacefulness, the beautiful views, the lavender, the warmth of the sun, took them back to St Emilion, a wine village in Bordeaux where they got engaged seven years earlier. They jumped at the chance to purchase the property and made the move from Auckland in January 2017.

Now, Monday to Friday, Richard is an Investment Adviser at Craig Investment Partners in Havelock North, while Katrina is a Chartered Accountant who spends half the week carrying out this role in Napier, and the rest of her time with the kids - and tending to the lifestyle property and lovely Hawkhill Cottage.

TESTIMONIALS

“ We so enjoyed our stay. It was so quiet and peaceful. We took our dog and she also loved it. The views from the cottage are amazing. The cottage décor suited the whole atmosphere. ”

Dianne Walden- 2025-07-05

20 / 20

“ A lovely, quiet and private spot with an incredible view out towards Napier, high above with an outlook over it all. ”

Gareth Ross- 2026-05-27

1 / 20

“ Great getaway spot with beautiful views. ”

Jason Barry- 2026-04-07

2 / 20

“ An absolutely charming little cottage with a lovely view to match. ”

Mary Graham- 2026-03-25

3 / 20

“ Loved every minute of it. Perfect relaxing atmosphere with stunning views that photos just don’t do justice. Very clean and easy to navigate. Loved it. ”

Sammie Stratford- 2026-03-15

4 / 20

“ The cottage is beautifully set amongst lavender bushes and conifer trees and overlooking the estuary, which gives stunning dusk and dawn views. More spacious in person than in the images. We loved our stay here. Thank you. ”

Marta Buda- 2026-03-03

5 / 20

“ Such character and charm, we immediately relaxed on arrival. Such spectacular views. ”

Kim Meredith- 2026-02-24

6 / 20

“ Very private, amazing outlook, and Rubble the resident dog very friendly. ”

Marie Windsor- 2026-02-21

7 / 20

“ More than what we expected. Very private, lovely setting and accommodation. Great to be able to bring our little Maltese with us. Thank you so much. ”

Sue & Dick Hart- 2026-02-13

8 / 20

“ Great views and comfortable, nicely laid out cottage. ”

Tony George- 2026-02-10

9 / 20

“ If you are looking for a secluded and yet still close to town spot, Hawkhill Cottage is the place for you. The interior is thoughtfully presented, well maintained, neat and tidy, and has a lovely view. The place certainly has the Mediterranean feel to it. The hosts were friendly and communicative. We enjoyed a daily visit from their sweet dog, Rubble. ”

Georgia Panagiotelis- 2026-02-01

10 / 20

“ Perfect child-free weekend escape. Lovely setting and views. ”

Lisa Thomas- 2026-02-01

11 / 20

“ The view was outstanding, the gorgeous cottage so tranquil, and not far from town either. ”

Paul Sutton- 2026-01-17

12 / 20

“ This accommodation was absolute bliss. Beautifully positioned with incredible views. Lovely Tuscan-like cottage with everything you need for a getaway. Highly recommend this spot. ”

Riley Smith- 2025-12-13

13 / 20

“ We really enjoyed our stay, very peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking views. ”

Rachel Massey- 2025-12-01

14 / 20

“ Fantastic location and really homely. The cottage and grounds were immaculate. We had everything we needed in the cottage. Loved it. ”

Susan Turner- 2025-11-29

15 / 20

“ As birdwatchers, we could not have picked a better spot. The view of the estuary was amazing, with hawks regularly drifting by. The beautiful, characterful cottage was so comfortable, we didn’t want to leave. ”

Linda Offord- 2025-11-20

16 / 20

“ Lovely cottage with attention to detail. Perfect spot, quiet but close to everything you need. ”

Charlotte Baker- 2025-10-27

17 / 20

“ Thank you for such a beautiful stay for my family and me. We all enjoyed the Tui’s chirping in the trees next door and the amazing sunrises. What a special and thoughtful cottage you have shared with us, we are very grateful! Ngā mihi nui. ”

Stephen & Marion Seymour- 2025-08-21

18 / 20

“ Gorgeous place to stay with all the things you need. ”

Trish Morrissey- 2025-07-15

19 / 20

“ We so enjoyed our stay. It was so quiet and peaceful. We took our dog and she also loved it. The views from the cottage are amazing. The cottage décor suited the whole atmosphere. ”

Dianne Walden- 2025-07-05

20 / 20

“ A lovely, quiet and private spot with an incredible view out towards Napier, high above with an outlook over it all. ”

Gareth Ross- 2026-05-27

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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