Wake to morning birdsong in a clean quiet cozy two-bedroom cottage on a lifestyle block nestled at the foothills of the Waitakere ranges
LOCATION ~Conveniently located for the airport (40 mins), to the city (car 30 mins, train or bus), west or north (SH 16) ~2 minutes drive to the local Swanson train station ~2 minutes shops with superette, hairdresser, liquor store butcher and takeaways (fish and chips, Indian, Kebabs) and local cafes Kumeu showgrounds 10 minutes away Bethells Beach 10 mins away Catch the train to Eden Park 10 mins Kumeu showgrounds Zoo 20 mins The perfect springboard for exploring the wonderful West Coast with its wineries, shopping centers, and natural wonders. Beautiful surf beaches, magnificent waterfalls, native bush, and stunning lakes are all within minutes of Palm Haven Cottage.
INSIDE ~Fully self-contained ~Quality furnishings and linen ~Disable friendly bathroom and access ~Newly refurbished throughout 2024 ~ Open-plan living area ~Bedrooms are adjoining ~Electric blankets on all beds
PROVIDED ~tea bags, coffee, sugar, milk ~salt and pepper ~homemade jam ~other bits and pieces
OUTSIDE ~Surrounded by a gorgeous garden, rural outlook ~ Tranquil location well away from noisy traffic and with a large parking area - trailers and boats welcome ~Covered fenced-off deck for outdoor relaxing and dining during summer
LOCATION ~Conveniently located to Auckland international airport 33 km(30 minutes by car off-peak) ~ Auckland City (30 minutes by car off-peak) ~ west or north (SH 16) 15 minutes away ~2 minutes drive to the local Swanson train station ~2 minutes to local shops ~Black sand beach with glow worm caves and waterfall 15 minutes ~Located at the foothills of the Waitakere ranges tramping tracks ~Ten minutes to Waitakere Hospital ~Ten minutes to Kumeu and winery's
Check-in after 2 pm; Check - out 10 am unless by prior arrangement Special conditions: It has a large fully fully-fenced deck No parties or group gatherings No camping No pets Smoking is allowed outside only, please don't throw butts on the ground. Remove shoes before going inside as we have chickens that are free-range and you may stand in a poop Check-in after 2 pm and before 8 pm or after 8 pm by prior arrangement. Check out at 10 am unless by prior arrangement
Extras: Cleaning for one to seven-night stays (Required, NZ$50.00 per stay); Longer stays POA. Linen (included) NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Leave the house clean and tidy and do the dishes before you leave
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Shoes to be removed before going inside. No eating or drinking in the bedrooms.
Children over 3 years $50 each night stayed.
Porta cot and highchair
We don't want a constant flow of visitors the occasional one or two is fine unless you have arranged before booking.
We can be flexible on check-in/ out times please arrange prior to booking.
Smoking allowed outside no butts on the ground please use ashtrays on deck.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20041638
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Auckland
Located in Waitakere, a neighbourhood in Auckland, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. Sky Tower and Waikumete Cemetery are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Auckland Ferry Terminal and Waitakere Golf Club. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Eden Park or Spark Arena. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Bruce Ritchie Performing Arts Centre - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
Crystal Mountain - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
Soljans Estate - 8 min drive - 11.6 km
Waitemata Harbour - 9 min drive - 13.0 km
Kumeu River Wines - 10 min drive - 13.4 km
Getting around
Swanson Station - 3 min drive
Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.) - 35 min drive
Restaurants
Domino's Pizza - 6 min drive
Korero Cafe - 6 min drive
Pukeko Cafe - 11 min drive
Swanson Station Cafe - 5 min drive
Domino's - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living.?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living. on 21 July 2026 start from NZ$134, 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 "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living.?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is "Palm Haven' Swanson,
peaceful semi-rural lifestyle living. located?
Located in Waitakere, this cottage is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Crystal Mountain and within 6 miles (10 km) of Waitakere Golf Club and Waitakere Hospital. Trusts Stadium and RNZAF Base Auckland are also within 9 miles (15 km). Swanson Station is 27 minutes by foot.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very tidy and peaceful property, older setup but with everything you need to get away for some peace and quiet.Donna was a dream to deal with and made us feel welcome.Will be back again
Adrian J.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2026
Thak you for your review and for being lovely guest's.
I hope to see you again.
The cottage was very sweet and well equipped. Beds were comfortable and the whole place was very clean. Hosts are thoughtful in trying to anticipate needs. It was perfect for us :)
Natalie B.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 February 2026
Thank you for You're lovely review and for leaving the cottage so lovely and clean.
You're welcome back anytime and i recommend you to other hosts.
5 star guests.
Thank you for choosing to stay with me.
Thank you Donna for letting me stay at your place. Excellent communication, stunning location and the property is 100% as described. Highly recommended
Steve W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 October 2025
Hi Steve, thank you for your great review. I try to make every persons stay a good one just as I would like it.
You are a 5 star guest and I would recommend you to other hosts and welcome you back anytime. Thanks for choosing to stay with me.
First and foremost Donna is an amazingly thoughtful host; outstanding communication. We could not have asked for a better first stop on our holiday. The house was very clean, stocked with essentials, and comfortable. The environment was peaceful with a lot of bird life right outside the windows on this wonderful property. Great access to outdoor activities, whether it be beaches or forest. Good restaurants and food market nearby. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Terri E.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 November 2025
It was a pleasure to have Terri and her lovely sons stay.
I try to make every person's stay a memorable one just the way i would like.
They are lovely people and i wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to other hosts and would welcome them back anytime. Happy Newzealand holiday.
Lovely place to unwind after a full on day, secluded but still close to ammenities. Simple & tidy accommodation with everything you need. Loved listening to and watching the birds 😊 Would definitely stay again.
Sarissa-Anne K.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 April 2023
Thank you for your lovely review and for a 5 star rating.
We are pleased you enjoyed your stay and are welcome back anytime.
The property had everything needed for a relaxing, private holiday. Very peaceful location close to amazing beaches. Very helpful hosts & cosy cottage.
We had a lovely stay, our flights were delayed so we checked in late and the host Donna was so wonderful and kind, she had turned the heaters on to warm the house up prior to our arrival. Beautiful private location. We will stay again.
Emma T.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2023
Thank you for your lovely review and for leaving the cottage nice and tidy we hope you enjoyed your stay.
A beautiful, peaceful property!Lots of room and spotlessly clean!Donna is a true sweetheart Kiwi!Great timely communication!So glad we were able to meet you, Donna!Kia Kaha
Kim W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2025
Kim was the perfect guest the cottage was left spotless and her and her husband lovely people.
They were a pleasure to meet.
Lovely spot to escape the city. Nice and peaceful. The host was welcoming and loved watching the bird life. Incredibly clean and tidy. Would definitely stay again 😊
Kendall J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 December 2023
Thank you Kendall for your great review. We try hard to provide a nice clean space and know how lovely and peaceful our property is and how lucky we are and able to share our peace of paradise with our guests.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
janet m.
4 January 2019
A lovely fresh, clean Bach with beautiful garden and birdsong
This was a perfect place to stay after a long flight from England. Only 40 mins from the airport. Lovely and clean with all that was needed for our 3 night stay. We could completely relax and recover. Great hosts and we would not hesitate to stay again.
janet m.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you Janet we are glad you enjoyed your stay with us it was a pleasure to meet you and your family and we hope to see you again in the future, happy travels.
Great place just out of town but still close to travel to other parts of Auckland. Lovely hosts. Thanks Donna for taking my boys to feed the chickens. They loved it!
Corrie L.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 March 2023
Hi Corrie, it was a pleasure meeting you and your lovely family.
Thank you for leaving the cottage lovely and clean. We would welcome you back anytime and recommend you to other hosts.
About the host
Hosted by Donna Gladwin
We have lived out west for most of our lives we love the area with its black sand beaches and the Waitakere ranges with the beautiful fauna and bird life.We know and love the west and are happy to provide guests with information and help in any way to make your stay one to remember for all the right reasons. We are so close to all amenities that you will have plenty to see and do. We have plenty of brochures for the many activities close by.
Why they chose this property
Wake to morning birdsong in a cosy clean two-bedroom cottage on a lifestyle block nestled at the foothills of the Waitakere ranges. Kids can explore and meet the local wildlife (supervised at all times of course) before you head out for an adventure. LOCATION ~Conveniently located for the airport (30 mins), to the city (car 30 mins, train or bus), west or north (SH 16) ~2 minutes drive to the local train station ~2 minutes to local shops
Catch the train to Eden Park or Auckland central to the ferry and explore our beautiful outer islands.
The perfect springboard for exploring the wonderful West Coast with its wineries, shopping centers, and natural wonders. Beautiful surf beaches, magnificent waterfalls, native bush, and stunning lakes are all within minutes of Palm Cottage.
INSIDE ~Fully self-contained ~Quality furnishings and linen ~Disable friendly bathroom and access ~Newly refurbished throughout in 2017 ~ Open-plan living area ~Portacot available ~Bedrooms are adjoining ~Electric blankets on all beds ~Fully fenced deck so safe for little ones
PROVIDED ~small bottle of milk ~tea bags, coffee, sugar ~salt and pepper ~homemade jam ~other bits and pieces
OUTSIDE ~Surrounded by a gorgeous garden, rural outlook ~Very quiet location well away from noisy traffic and with a large parking area - trailers and boats welcome ~Covered fenced-off deck for outdoor relaxing and dining and space for the little one to keep safe and play.
LOCATION ~Conveniently located to Auckland international airport 33 km(30 minutes by car off-peak) ~ Auckland City (30 minutes by car off-peak) ~ west or north (SH 16) 15 minutes away ~2 minutes drive to the local train station ~2 minutes to local shops ~Black sand beach with glow worm caves and waterfall 15 minutes ~Located at the foothills of the Waitakere ranges tramping tracks ~Trust Stadium, Waitakere Hospital, Westwave heated pool and recreation center, cafes, restaurants, and mega center with Costcos 15 minutes away
What makes this property unique
Our cottage is fully equipped with everything you should need it has quality furnishings and décor everything is extremely clean with quality beds. The surroundings and views from the windows are peaceful and green with lots of birdlife for you to enjoy with a covered fenced-off deck, we are at the foothills of the beautiful Waitakere forest and black sand beaches yet close to all amenities. Our property is private, peaceful, and quiet in a park-like setting with lovely gardens and trees with walking tracks all around for you to enjoy.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests