Our 1940’s refurbished cottage is a home away from home for family and friends who live near and far. Set in the middle of a large avocado and feijoa orchard, it is one of three homes built on ancestral land originally belonging to the Ngati Ruatakena hapu (extended family cliques) of the Te Whakatohea tribe (indigenous people). It is surrounded by a rich settler history that can be seen at the local museum in the township of Opotiki, a short 10 minute drive away, and many local marae (ancestral gathering places).
If you’re into the great outdoors then this is a good place to base yourself with quiet (never crowded) safe swimming and fishing beaches 5 minutes down the road, while a further 5 minutes drive either way on SH 35 will allow you to launch a boat to go diving or deep sea fishing, or maybe head into the hills for a spot of hunting in search of deer or wild pigs.
The Motu Trail is part of the National Biking Trail starting in the town of Opotiki and passes through the sand dunes on our local beach then heads inland towards the hills and bush. It is not uncommon to see fishermen making the most of the early morning or late afternoon tides either surf, torpedo or kayak fishing. Our fishing grounds are well known for their bounty of snapper and kahawai and our connecting streams home to whitebait in August.
Just up from the beach is the local Tirohanga camping store and it has all the necessities, does tasty takeaways, as well as makes the cheapest and biggest ice creams in a cone you will ever see. It is a favourite stop for trail walkers and bikers.
Inside, our cottage is cosy, bright and cheerful and full of home comforts including a portable foot bath for tired feet at the end of the day, and books and games for all ages. If you are one of those people who likes to cook while on holiday, then you will find all the basic necessities in our kitchen from electric frying pans and woks, through to a full oven, microwave and an air fryer.
There is a small deck out front that gets the sun all day and it’s a good place to read, enjoy a chilled glass of wine or beer while sitting around a blazing brazier or if it’s too cold, inside next to the log fire. With a clear view in front it’s also a good spot to stargaze and unwind.
For the less physical our cottage is also a great place for artists and writers to hide away or rediscover their muse, while the more social can head to nearby Ohope Beach and Whakatane a 30 minute ride way where there are good restaurants, galleries, movies and day tours for the more adventurous on land and sea.
A further 10 minutes beyond Whakatane, also known as the gateway to White island - an active volcano, is Awakeri Hot Springs. A favourite place for locals this is where people go to soak away aches and pains. It also has a great outdoor and covered BBQ area and playground.
There is plenty of parking space for cars, boats and trailers as well as room for kids to run around and kick a ball.
We have deliberately kept our price low so that families can have an affordable holiday. With the beach, rivers, bush and trails nearby there is something for everyone.
So, naumai, haeremai - welcome to Pete’s Cottage.
