The cottage is off the grid, but has enough power obtained through solar energy to run lights, a fridge and ports [not power points] to charge your devices [good cell phone coverage for internet connection but no independant link] Cooking is done on a gas hob [no oven] and the kitchen is kitted out with high-quality utensils and all your basic cooking needs. There is also a BBQ for outdoor cooking.
After a hard day relaxing, you can enjoy a hot shower in the bathroom or a soak in the outdoor bath with views over the river and the surrounding farmland. The bath, with hot running water, is set amongst the reeds on the hillside. Facing the sunset and with the moon rising behind it is the perfect way to greet the evening.
When you arrive, (check-in at 2 pm, checkout at 11 am) we shall meet you at our farmhouse and show you to the cottage. We have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for guests to drive themselves the 3.5km farm track to the cottage [or we can drive you if you prefer].
You can explore the farm or brave our homemade mountain bike track [BYO bikes] through our 3 acres native bush block. Walkthrough the new wetland or try your hand at catching the native delicacy, whitebait, when in season [August to November].
Being only 55km from Auckland International airport means Te Papa Eco cottage is the perfect place to arrive or depart from. Instantly, you are in real New Zealand, surrounded by open spaces, a river at your feet and stars above.
The Eco cottage is very private, set on a hill at the back of our 500-acre farm. Guests will have the freedom to roam the farm, bush, wetlands and river.
Horses are welcome.
We are always on-farm and happy to talk, share our ideas and recommendations.
Te Papa Eco Cottage overlooks the first part of an ambitious rejuvenation project that aims to revive the Whitebait spawning habitat and the nesting areas for the endangered Matuku and Matata [Bittern and Fern bird]. With the help of the Waikato River Authority [Tainui], we have cleared a two-hectare island of exotic weeds, reformed spawning ponds and replanted native flora. We are now doing the same for kilometres of streams bordering our farm.
There is also a private boat ramp if you wish to bring a boat.
Te Papa is 15mins from Waiuku, the gateway to the beautiful Awhitu peninsular, the historic Manukua heads lighthouse and Kariotahi beach [a wild black sand beach on the west coast]. Trout fishing can be arranged on our dune lake nearby [BYO gear].
Several high-quality restaurants and cafes are within 10/20 minutes drive.
One of the best things about Te Papa eco-cottage, is that it really is, a place you can go and unwind. We have a 4 wheel drive vehicle for guests to drive themselves [or we will ferry you] the 3.5km farm track to the cottage. You can explore the farm and bike/walk the tracks through the bush.
Te Papa is 67km from downtown Auckland and only 55 km from Auckland international airport.
Good cell phone reception to create wifi hotspot but no independent internet.
Please do your own dishes and put them away.
Horses are welcome and can be grazed overnight. There are great riding opportunities around the farm with log jumps at regular intervals.
You are staying on a farm, above a river, amongst nature, there will be insects.
Smoking outside only.
Please wash and put away your dishes before you leave.
Place candles on provided tiles.
