Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub
Come and experience the stunning Mackenzie High Country and treat yourself with a relaxing stay at our cosy , high-quality cottage. It is designed to bring the feel of the surrounding landscape right inside - with natural colours and materials. Enjoy and soak up the stunning night sky from inside our brand new outside bath or admire the millions of sparkly stars through a large ceiling window in the master bedroom at night.
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Twizel
Located in Twizel, this cottage is in the city centre and in the mountains. Ohau Skifield and Ladybird Hill Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mueller Ridge and Lake Ruataniwha. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Church of the Good Shepherd - 49 min drive - 75.1 km
Getting around
Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse) - 114 min drive
Restaurants
Poppies Cafe - 4 min drive
The Vier Project - 18 min walk
Mint Folk - 3 min drive
Jasmine Thai - 3 min drive
Ministry of Works - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub on 31 October 2024 start from NZ$10,000, 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 Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Kowhai Cottage - Rustic Charm close to the heart of town with Hot Tub located?
This family-friendly Twizel cottage is located in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre. Lake Ruataniwha is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We couldn't have enjoyed it more- the attention to detail, warm architecture and interior design, quality materials and character make this a very special cottage and property that stands out from the rest. We look forward to staying again on our next visit!
We loved our stay. The property is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. We will be trying to book the same place every time we come to Twizel. Our favourite by far.
The cottage exceeded our expectations!
The decor inside and outside was beautiful with a well stocked kitchen.
As a special treat we had spectacular view of the southern stars through the master bedroom skylight.
A perfect place which is beautifully appointed . The attention to every detail including etchings of the cheeky fantails and that visited us morning and afternoon and the star gazing skylight in the main bedroom, made us feel like we never wanted to leave. Highly recommend this cottage and hope we can revisit soon. .
So happy with the house and facilities. A very comfortable place to stay with everything you could need. Lots of information about the area and the house.
Would highly recommend to others or stay again. The hot tub was devine!
This property was everything I wanted. Once we got there the detail in the workmanship was just mind blowing. The owner/builder has done the most amazing build. We totally lived it and wished we had stayed for longer. The hot tub outside in the clearest sky’s was the ultimate! Highly recommend for a nice get away and we will be back!
This is an absolute GEM! We cannot give it enough STARS. The property is better than the photos. The decor is beautiful, the beds are so comfy, and the place is immaculate. Jana has thought of everything you could need. The master bedroom has a skylight and the stars at night are magical. It is an ideal location if you are going to Mount Cook.
We loved, loved, loved this cottage. It is beautifully decorated, and everything is brand new. The place was spotless. We loved sitting out on the deck, listening to the birds - it is very private. The landscaping is lovely - we really hope we get back there one day to see it all grown in. Jana is a wonderful host who made us feel very welcome and made sure we had everything we needed.
If you’re looking for a place in Twizel and this place is available - book it! We’ve stayed in many vacation rentals over the years, and this is one of the very best, for a great price.
Beautifuly presented cottage hidden amoungst the trees provided complete privacy. The hosts went the extra mile, from the welcome message on the blackboard, to the house being heated for our arrival,it was perfection. We made use of the heated large outdoor bath that feels very private, and then got a clear sky to take advantage of the stargazing roof in the bedroom. Full kitchen meant cooking food from scratch was easy task and and all cooking appliances and utensils were provided. House was warm, felt very roomy, and would definitely stay here again!
Every detail and aspect of this little cottage was perfect from the welcome sign out front to the slippers and outdoor tub to the eye mask and ear plugs by the bedside to the delicious plum tea and the local botanical soaps and lotions in the bathroom. The host is lovely. She cares about the area and encourages guests to recycle and compost to keep things clean and simple. The sky light in the main bedroom is a “to die for” view of this dark reserve starlit sky. If i could live here, i would. It is, simply put, perfect!!
Beverly F.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Sharron O.
20 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Not very Private - Hosts live on site
As soon as we arrived (we had not entered the home yet) we received a text from the Host to ask how many people we were checking in. This was as our friend who lived in Twizel turned up at the same time we did to say "Hi" and so we could follow her to her home. Our integrity was questioned before we had even set foot inside. It set the tone. The second day, I pulled up to the Cottage and the Host came running out, again before I even set foot inside. I did not feel like chatting, I had, had bad news and my mind was full. I don't go on holiday to make friends with Hosts and these two events made us feel as if we were being watched. As such, we did not use the Hot Tub and left one night early. Also their pillows are awful. All the same. Disappear as soon as your head hits them. We were given one towel each for 3 nights. The cottage is full of instruction signs. Don't do this, do this that way, remember to etc It was not a relaxing vibe at all. Would not return.
Sharron O.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2024
Hello Sharon,
I am sorry you did not enjoy your stay. The reason I asked you to reconfirm your guest numbers was I noticed several cars by the cottage as I was driving out to take my kids to ballet, and normally we just ask so toweling and bedding can be provided for any extra guests staying.
I also apologise for the extra towels missing - that was my fault as I did a deep clean that day while my cleaner had a day off and I just forgot to add the extra towels that we nomally put in for multi-night stays - and I would have been very happy to bring them over if you had asked me.
And - yes, I did come over on day 2 to greet you and just check in with you as we normally do with our guests. This is a common AirBnB practise which often includes meeting the host and I am sorry I bumped into you at a time when you were upset about something that must have happened to you that day. You took that opportunity to also let me know that because of the news you had received, you would be leaving a night early.
With regards to meeting me - I am sorry you found that upsetting - it is normally a welcomed "ritual" with our international guests (which are the majority of our guests) and provides an opportunity to exchanges snippets of each other's lives and and take home some of the Kiwi spirit for them. But I do admit and do have to remember that our Kiwi guests are not as fond of the host interaction and prefer to be left alone - thank you for the reminder.
Well - all the best and safe travels in the future,
Jana and Sean.
Really enjoyable experience. Very well finished in a quiet location with friendly and knowledgeable hosts.
Would reccomend to anyone staying in the area.
Absolutely beautifully done. A bespoke getaway, with lovely attention to detail. It felt so welcoming and I want to take other family members back. There wouldn't be a better place to be if it snowed. Top marks to Jana and Sean.
Very comfortable beds and very clean and had everything you needed.
Recommendation for the next build is to have a proper wood ceder hot tub. And maybe some bin liners for the bin.
Wonderful & warm, modern well appointed, cottage with outside perfect for star gazing.
Jana and Sean are wonder, inviting hosts. They have build a magnificent modern cottage, so warm and cosy. The outside bath was truly a memorable experience for star gazing. Their local knowledge was very helpful. We stayed two nights, we could have stayed a week. We’ll be back. Thanks for your hospitality.
Me and the wife loved it will differently be back.
Jock V.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
About the host
Hosted by Jana
We are an outdoors oriented family who enjoy skiing in winter and exploring, hiking and camping in summer. My partner Sean, who is a self employed builder, and myself designed and built our cottage together in 2019. We have a passion for natural materials, sustainability and quality workmanship and wanted to create a space that is relaxing and and a bit special.
Why they chose this property
What makes this property unique
Our cottage is very welcoming and warm and it is built of mainly natural materials inside and out. It is established in a private setting amongst a small forest of pine trees and a range of newly planted natives.
The cottage features some very comfy beds, a cosy lounge corner, a tiled bathroom with underfloor heating, a self contained kitchen with high quality appliances and utensils, TV, books and games, free WiFi and more.
The cottage is very light and airy with heating and cooling solutions in place for hot and cold days. It is also generally wheelchair accessible.
The sparkly night sky of our internationally renowned dark sky reserve can be admired from the bed in the master bedroom through a large skylight in the bedroom ceiling, as well as from our modern cedar hot tub.
Come and enjoy our special wee cottage - you will not be disappointed.