Kotare Muse (named for the NZ kingfisher that often pauses for thought nearby) is our charming guest chalet located in a garden setting adjacent to our home.
Renovated to high standards and well thought out to maximise the living space, with quality furnishings throughout, our chalet offers comfortable and compact living for a couple (or single person): Queen bedroom; shower room; sitting room with kitchenette; small garden and deck with BBQ. Located in a garden setting adjacent to the owners' home, guests share a driveway and property access but have exclusive use of the chalet and its facilities. Safe off-street parking for cars/SUVs. High sided vehicles or vehicles loaded with bikes or kayaks on the roof (possible to park on driveway if removed first), or towing a boat, will need to park on the road.
The good-sized bedroom features a comfortable queen bed dressed in luxury linen, with a large wardrobe (with shelves and drawers), bedside drawers and an easy chair. En suite shower room with toilet and vanity. The cosy living room has two comfy leather La-Z-Boy recliners, FreeView TV, dining table and chairs, plus a kitchenette amply equipped with everything needed to prepare light meals: kettle, toaster, microwave, small fridge, sink and utensils (please note there is no hob or oven available). Double French doors open onto a covered veranda with garden views, creating a light and airy atmosphere; a perfect relaxing holiday retreat after a busy day exploring Golden Bay's environs.
In addition: • Nespresso coffee machine and milk frother (bring your favourite nespresso compatible coffee capsules). • Quality gas BBQ with side burner, plus spray oil, pans and other accessories. • Tower fan for helping to keep cool on those hotter days and nights. • Heaters in all rooms. • Electric blanket for warming the bed on cooler nights. • Insect screens on all windows. • Outside deck with table and chairs for al fresco relaxing/dining. • Essentials provided: selection of teas and coffee, shampoo, conditioner, body-wash, and toilet rolls. • Hairdryer. • A selection of books and games for lazy days. • Maps plus a selection of reference brochures and leaflets about the many things to do locally. • Free unlimited WiFi. • Loan of beach towels, if required.
Past guest comments: “A delightful place to stay… very clean and of the highest quality”. "a lovely hideaway, a beautiful space". “a home away from home, carefully thought out especially for guest comfort”. "Kotare Muse has a feel of luxury and high class quality... the space is very well organised and planned...".
Special conditions: The owners are friendly, caring hosts who respect guests' privacy, and appreciate quiet, considerate guests who will take good care of the chalet, leaving it in the same condition as they find it. No cooking equipment or appliances, other than those supplied, to be used in or outside the chalet. No smoking, vaping or drug use anywhere on the property. Shoes off inside, please. Sorry, no pets allowed. Sorry, no children of any age. No guests' visitors without owners' permission. The living spaces are on two levels, so unfortunately not appropriate for people with limited mobility. Guests will be sharing our driveway and property access through a garden gate.
Please note: There are no onsite vehicle charging facilities for EVs/PHEVs.
Extras: Linen (included); Towels (included); Cleaning: can be arranged for guests preferring not to clean before they leave. (Optional, NZ$50.00 per stay); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to clean the house and do the dishes before you leave.
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No outdoor shoes to be worn inside chalet.
No cooking equipment or appliances, other than those supplied, to be used in or outside the chalet.
No smoking, vaping or drug use permitted on the property.
Sorry, no facilities for babies/children of any age, so not allowed .
Please be aware - chalet is on 2 levels so not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Sorry, no onsite vehicle charging facilities for EVs/PHEVs.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20035942
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
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Motupipi
Located in Motupipi, this chalet is in a rural area and on a river. Te Anaroa Caves and Onetahuti Bay Campsite are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
Abel Tasman National Park - 20 min drive - 23.9 km
Restaurants
The Wholemeal Cafe - 5 min drive
Molly B’s - 5 min drive
Countryard cafe - 5 min drive
Dangerous Kitchen - 5 min drive
Roots Bar - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two on 1 May 2027 start from NZ$160, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Kotare Muse: a bijou chalet for two located?
Situated on a river, this chalet is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Pohara Beach and within 6 miles (10 km) of Rawhiti Cave and Golden Bay. Ligar Bay Beach and Tata Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay. The property is carefully thought out to offer full cleanliness and comfort. The setting is really pretty. The hosts are very friendly and extremely helpful. We were sad to leave and can thoroughly recommend.
Lovely little cottage, had everything we needed, and would be great for summer or winter visits. Great location for exploring the region.
Hosts were super friendly and helpful, very knowledgeable for exploring the area. Fresh baking on arrival was such a welcome surprise!
Although small, every attention has been given to detail. The chalet’s decoration is lovely, the leather recliners are the most comfortable seating we have found in New Zealand, and the bed is wonderful. Very clean, safe to leave windows open at night to hear the crickets and for ventilation. A nice private getaway place for 2. We very much enjoyed our stay.
From the fresh baked scones on arrival to a super comfy bed, Julie and Julian have thought of everything, there was nothing that we thought was lacking. In actual fact, everything exceeded expectations and made our stay incredibly comfortable. We will definately be back :-)
Kotare Muse9th - 15th February 2025Wonderful little chalet in owners beautiful garden setting. A lot of thought and attention to detail has been given to make Kotare Muse as comfortable and welcoming as it is. Spotlessly clean too! Many places to visit in surrounding areas or within an hour or so drive. Mustn’t forget Julie’s scones, freshly baked on our arrival …. yummy! Thank you Julie and Mark.
I booked this accommodation for my mum and dad as part of a surprise birthday present. They said it was beautiful. The hosts were really lovely, great communication, generous and friendly. Thank you very much for helping make mum and dad feel special.
Julie and Mark left us fresh scones with butter and homemade jam and a bit of chocolate. The sheets and towels were high quality and everything was sparkly clean. Close to Takaka and the beach in a quiet neighborhood. Though the space was small, we had everything we needed to be comfortable. Good value for the money. Highly recommended.
A small but beautifully designed property in a completely private part of the owners garden with its own deck under a pergola .The welcome scones with strawberry jam , the flowers in the living area combined with the general peace and comfort of the property made it an exceptionally lovely holiday.
sue h.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 24 December 2020
Thank you Sue and Robin. It was a real pleasure to meet you both and we’re delighted you enjoyed your holiday here. We look forward to seeing you again some time. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year. Our very best wishes to you both, Julie and Mark.
Julie and Mark are outstanding hosts. Their chalet for two is pristine and thoughtfully appointed for maximum comfort. Julie met us with fresh scones, and Mark designed a detailed map to help guests enjoy exploring the area. Julie and Mark gladly answer our questions and shared information about the area. We stayed 3 nights and wished we had booked 3 weeks.
Amazing! Was greeted upon arrival and was told about the area. Kitchen was set with gorgeous garden flowers and a personal card. At night, the garden was lit with sparking lights. Super tranquil. Happy to have celebrated our anniversary here.
Absolutely lovely! A small gem with everything you need. Lovely host Julie, who told us so much about the things to do and see. They have made and printed a map with all details and tips on it. The appartment is small but well thought out. Has all you need as a couple.
The WiFi is not always good but most of the time it is sufficient :)
Highly recommended!
Julie and Mark, thank you both for your little piece of “magic”. Comfortable, cosy and warm despite the rain and thunderstorms!!! You have thought of everything and made it a home away from home. Take care, regards Cliff and Lorraine
Had a lovely weekend here. Hosts are wonderful and kind, and go above & beyond. Julie thought of everything in the chalet - fully equipped kitchen including teas and coffee to suit all tastes. A very warm welcome, homemade scones, (goodness me) what a surprise - a gem of a place with alot of love & care here. We felt very spoilt staying here and will return.There are also detailed folders with helpful info on restaurants, activities and sightseeing. Many thanks!!
From the time we first booked this gorgeous chalet to arrival, was a breeze. We were greeted by Julie who made us feel right at home, (and of course the yummy scones & jam, and chocolate were an absolute treat) and ran through really fantastic information in regard to the area, which was a great help in planning our days. Our accommodation was superb with every little extra detail you could ask for plus more. Julie and Mark's hospitality goes above and beyond for which we are truly grateful. We will be back. Warm wishes Pauline and Tony.
Found Kotare Muse easily from the local directions provided. Welcomed by Julie and orientated round the facilities. This is a well equipped high end space. BBQ is well maintained as is the outdoor furniture and seating area. The kitchen has no hob but he BBQ does have an independent gas ring and saucepans. The bedroom is spacious and the bed very comfortable. Bathroom was spotless with an efficient shower.
Julie was a mine of useful information and tips not just of the local area but further afield too which we made full use of when we left and headed South. Locally Waikoropupu Springs was the star for us but others such as Fossil Rocks and Tata Beach were good shouts too.
Takaka has some interesting shops - we didn’t use the restaurants so can’t comment on that aspect.
All in all a great three days with excellent hosts.
Thoroughly recommend this as an excellent base to explore Abel Tasman and Golden Bay, our thanks again to Julie and Mark.
Pat and Norman (Edinburgh).
Restful, peaceful, and perfectly pretty. Beautifully furnished. There wasn't one thing missing of what you need or want on holiday. Lots of extra's supplied by generous hosts. Very private setting, but enjoyable company also.
This was a wonderful base for exploring the Golden Bay area. The apartment was extremely well equipped and presented. Julie and Mark were fantastic hosts and had a wealth of knowledge to share about the area. We would highly recommend this apartment to others.
Wonderfully appointed modern cottage nestled in a beautiful garden under the Jacaranda tree. Well situated between Takaka and Pohara, giving easy access to glorious beaches, interesting galleries and varied cuisine. Also within walking distance of the local distillery as a bonus. Great hosts - we really enjoyed our stay.
A real gem of a guest chalet, with everything you'd need or want for a stay. A comfy bed, good bathroom and kitchen facilities.... perfect for our two-night stay in the area.
An extra thanks to Julie for the local advice on where to go. We loved our visit!
Erin K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
About the host
Hosted by JulieC_11
What makes this property unique
Situated in a rural riverside community, central to all Golden Bay's natural and cultural attractions.