Entire home

Idyllic river side retreat

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Exterior
Interior
Property grounds
Dining
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Parapara, Tasman Region
  • Place, Milnthorpe Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Abel Tasman National Park
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaiteriteri Beach
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Parapara

Located within a mile (2 km) of Kahurangi National Park, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Parapara Beach. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.

What's nearby

  • Milnthorpe Park - 5 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 43 min drive - 34.4 miles
  • Cape Farewell - 47 min drive - 26.0 miles
  • Kaiteriteri Beach - 59 min drive - 53.9 miles
  • Little Kaiteriteri Beach - 59 min drive - 53.9 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪The Mussel Inn - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Courthouse Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lady luck Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Poss - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Rosy Glow Chocolate Shop - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Idyllic river side retreat

The cottage is warm and well appointed, built in uncut river stone to high specs
The dwelling is private and quiet, with no other houses in sight, and is set in it's own large garden area
Insect screens allow the sliding windows to be open on hot nights without moths , mosquitos etc swarming in
Bird life abounds, and the unspoiled ParaPara river ,glimpsed through the trees is 20 steps away.Old gold workings from the 19th century are still visible, and the track up the river follows the water race that provided power for the historic paint factory working in the early days of the colony.There is a network of tracks developed by the host's partner over the last 9 years
5 minutes from marvellous Milnthorpe Park with its bush walks and beach, 10 minutes from the town of Collingwood, and further afield spectacular Wharariki beach and the Westhaven inlet
Or if you're in the mood for perusing arts and crafts, many artisan galleries are nearby, potters, jewellers and glass workers
For a fee of $30.00 I will provide a fire bath for you, good for relaxation and star gazing ! from May to October .Outside of that time we don't light outdoor fires.


In winter months from June to August the sun sets early in the valley
There is a good efficient fire, plenty of dry wood and a heater,and with double glazing the cottage is really cosy.
Special conditions:
Most suitable for couples, but a day bed in the living room can also be used for another person

Smoking outside only
No tents
quiet enjoyment (no parties or loud music)
.
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included);
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: smoking permitted outside

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Garden
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

I do not allow day guests additional to those included in the reservation . Please do not use the reservation to host groups
To protect our privacy and to diminish wear and tear on the property ,I ask you not to invite further guests to the cottage or surrounds

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking permitted outside

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector and a first aid kit.

Property is also known as

Idyllic River Side Retreat Cottage
Idyllic River Side Retreat Parapara
Idyllic River Side Retreat Cottage Parapara

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this cottage?

This cottage is located in Parapara within a short 20-minute walk of Kahurangi National Park. You'll also find Milnthorpe Park and Parapara Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Idyllic river side retreat?

No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Idyllic river side retreat good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen along with a garden.

Does Idyllic river side retreat have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Does Idyllic river side retreat have connecting rooms available?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Idyllic river side retreat?

Yes, every cottage at Idyllic river side retreat comes with a patio and some offer water views.

Idyllic river side retreat Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 190 out of 193 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 193 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 193 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 193 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 193 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location, very comfortable and restful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

iain c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time coming to this amazing stone cottage retreat. Such privacy, access to a beautiful river for a refreshing dunk after a day exploring the area. Perfect location for getting into Collingwood and Takaka. Golden Bay not far as well to explore by kayak. Just sitting in the morning and evening listening to birds swoop around is worth the booking alone!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ally P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had such a wonderful time in Maureen's cottage. It's clean and well-equipped, and we loved exploring the river. We'd love to return one day!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
From our first glimpse of property from the driveway until our last glance back when leaving everything & everyone (our hosts) was/were perfect. Can not put into words how special.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rebecca s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is idyllic. We had a lovely welcome to the beautifully crafted house. Surrounded by birdsong, bush tracks and the most dreamy river swims! Came over for family and had to tear ourselves away every time we went out. Hoping to stay longer next time.
View from one of the tracks
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The serenity was overwhelming! The accommodation so comfy from the bed; the fire; the kitchen basics and the general vibe! So relaxing. Thanks Reen
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter and henny V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As always a pleasure to stay. Amazing property

Cosy warm and well equipped holiday home
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reeces M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely peaceful feeling batch in good order, a week here feels like dropping the weight of a years stress, think of it as an investment in your health
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Really nice Bach in lovely area
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter and henny V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the fourth time we stayed in parapara. The house is like a home. Clean,well equipped and the only sounds you hear are the birds. Reen is always there when you need. But you get all the pricacy uiu need. We already thinking about our next stay
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Hamish F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice stay

The location was really nice, very secluded and peaceful, all the facilities were nice, but I did notice the fire alarms had been taken out while I was staying there.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Idyllic stay

2nd time staying, just as good as the first. Lovely and quiet, beautiful bird song.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Armin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

Fantastic stay in a cosy cottage in the bush near the river with a beautiful garden. We can highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike & Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome cottage stay.

Fantastic place to stay, very private and quiet. The cottage was excellent, with everything you need, lovely garden around the cottage and awesome bush walks starting behind the cottage. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place,quality build

Quite lovely setting
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful getaway

We had a great and relaxing time at this beautiful and cozy little bach. The location is great and the hosts are friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maree D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous property, secluded and surrounded by native bush. Attention to detail and everything we needed. Lovely to have opportunity of an oudoor bath under the stars. Deserves 5* plus.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil riverside and bush setting

Everything about Reens cottage is outstanding. Extremely peaceful and comfortable, in a great location to explore Golden Bay. Great swimming and bush tracks nearby with abundant birdsong.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Place

This was an amazing stay at Reen's place. Super cozy and a tranquil environment tucked away in beautiful nature Still close to great activities. Reen is a fabulous host, who is very responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful & Private

Great property, had everything we needed. Very peaceful, nice place to relax. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter and henny V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second time we stayed here and just like the first time it was amazing. Great batch ,great hosts.

Amazing!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Noel and Jenni M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A spot of paradise

A treasure of a place; a treat to stay.Idyllic location, surrounded by the best of NZ- it's bush and birds, with a view of the river from the house. Doesn't get better than this.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teo A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage and gardens

we really loved our stay, great cottage with everything you need, beautiful gardens and river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace of paradise

Great to be welcomed by the host.The property was excellent it had everything you could want and was very central.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larrissa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little peice of paradise

Absolutely loved our stay! We will be back 💕
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023