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Situated above a quiet bay with stunning sea views towards the Pancake Rocks, and just a short walk or 1 minute drive from Punakaiki’s visitor centre and eating places, Hydrangea Cottages has 7 uniquely-designed stylish character cottages, to enable you to relax and unwind, surrounded by native rainforest and limestone outcrops. With self-contained studio, 1-bedroom and 2 and 3 bedroom seaside house equipped for comfort for up to 10 people, Hydrangea Cottages is Punakaiki’s best accomodation for those seeking secluded peace, sunset views, and going to sleep with the sound of the sea.
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We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Rimu cottage. The cottage itself is quite rustic but the views and privacy were terrific. Also, it was great to be able to do some laundry. The cottage is very convenient for visiting the Pancake Rocks. Make sure you bring some basic provisions. Note: This is the only accommodation we have found in NZ that has not had milk or a bottle of water in the fridge which would be nice given you can’t buy anything around the area. Also, the cutlery (just 2 knives and forks and a couple of spoons, bread knife and one other)and dinnerware was minimal - 2 large plates and only one small one. All that was minor but a few more items would make the guest feel like more at home and a better value. All in all a great stay.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Bring provisions
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikau Cottage was as promoted. It has been nicely renovated.
The kitchen and bathroom fittings and facilities are all of a very good standard. The two bedrooms are both large. The bed linen was fine quality. The sound of the sea while in bed is wonderful. Good sea views from the cottage and the deck. Wifi worked well.
Communal laundry on site worked well, although no drying rack or clothesline or iron. Self check-in was fine and easy. Cottage was clean.
I would recommend this accommodation. It was relatively expensive, especially for Punakaiki ($340 per night) but we felt the quality was there; we were a couple but it will sleep many more, which might make it more affordable.
Small negatives: we were harassed by mosquitos at night, despite keeping all the insect screens shut. Some insect spray and/or an audit of standing water would help this. Some shade over the deck would have been nice. And a clothes drying rack. There is no dishwasher.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We walked out of the 4 day Paparoa track (amazing time), straight to th epub, with packs for lunch. No plans , except find a place to stay with a hot bath, hopefully outdoors. Quick google search and I was phoning Karen, to discuss a same day booking for us. So easy over the phone with her, and 15 minutes later we were unlocking a door to a most gorgeous place to rejuvenate. We were offered the Miro cottage, which was spot on. The bath outside on the deck was exactly what was needed, The deck and bed/living room filled with sun in the late afternoon, and provided a fabulous sunset over the Tasman. The cottages are so close to the action, but also secluded and peaceful.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Miro for couples and sea views!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from karen Dickson, Owner at Hydrangea Cottages
Responded 25 Oct 2021
Thank you for your comments - great to hear you enjoyed staying in Miro cottage.
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These holiday properties are exceptional - position, outlook, amenities. The position close to the centre of the village and the tourist attractions is absolutely perfect. The views from the unit cannot be beaten, overlooking the ocean, the sound of the crashing waves is wonderful. The large, spacious bathroom is perfect. The shower has great water pressure and the toiletries that are supplied are lovely. There is an outside bath which is quirky but probably great in the middle of winter! Our only complaints were - no aircon which would be ok if there were fly screens on the doors and windows. The pillows are feather filled - which is not our choice as they flattened quickly and were uncomfortable. So.... these things really are our personal preferences. We would definitely visit again as this a superb property.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Punakaiki, Owner at Hydrangea Cottages
Responded 12 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review and great to hear you enjoyed your stay with us.
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My husband and I spent 4 nights staying in Paparoa hut, one of the Hydrangea Cottages in Punakaiki. There are a variety of cottages to choose from depending on your accommodation needs. The Hydrangea Cottages are situated directly across the road from the river, lagoon and beach. The scenery is breathtaking and the lagoon is such a lovely place to swim.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Room Tip:Self contained, breathtaking scenery, lovely lagoon for swimming and there are plenty of walks,...
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Response from Hydrangea Cottages, Owner at Hydrangea Cottages
Responded 15 Jan 2023
Thanks for your review or Paparoa Hut, our small cabin at roadside level with easy assess to the lagoon and the beach.
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We had the Mamaku cottage - it was beautful. Very pretty and very spacious. Good heating, plenty of towels, comfortable bed, nice sitting area (separate room) with good sized table. Very close to the Pancake Rocks (which is definely recommended - also the Truman Track (do that at low tide when you can go down on the beach). Everything was great. We were sorry to only be staying one night.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:The Mamaku room was great - don't know about any others.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A friend recommended these cottages to stay ahead of our Paparoa track tramp. The cottage really nicely done, rustic but stylish in a lovely location above the state highway overlooking the sea. My only beef was the price, high for nzers shown by only two cottages booked during our mid January stay.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perfect location in Punakaiki. We stayed in an upper unit which provided a nice view of the ocean. Large suite with separate bedroom and great room. Our only wish would be for AC to help keep it cool as the sun is overhead. Fans were provided. It is a beautiful place to enjoy a glass of wine on the deck listening to sound of waves crashing onto the beach just across the road. Recommended
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely loved out stay here. Very friendly and helpful reception from Neil and Karen. Allowed us to park our car while we went up the Paparoa river track. The room we had came with the outdoor bath tub and candles. The view was beautiful as we watched the sun set and enjoyed the sounds of nature. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom spacious. Everything was very clean. We arrive in winter to find the heat pump on and the room was lovely and warm and very welcoming. Most of all we loved the size and feeling of the place. Was perfect for us, world class.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:It would be a mistake to pass this place
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from karen Dickson, Owner at Hydrangea Cottages
Responded 1 Aug 2020
Thanks for your kind review of Miro cottage - re the candles we do not usually provide these - and were left from other guests. regards Karen.
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Loved these small cottages overlooking the sea. We booked Miro cottage which had an outdoor bath - heaven lying in the bath watching the stars and listening to the sea was just wonderful. My only complaint was the lack of tea/coffee supplies - two tea bags and 1 satchet of coffee for a couple for two nights wasnt alot so maybe be prepared as tgere is no shop handy, but otherwise loved our time here.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from karen Dickson, Owner at Hydrangea Cottages
Responded 6 Sept 2020
Thanks for your review and letting us know about tea supplies, this was over looked by us and we would of been more than happy to give you more if you had asked during you stay - Thanks for staying with us while in Punakaiki. regards Hydrangea cottages.
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There are more places to choose from in the Punakaiki area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$168 - AU$269 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hydrangea cottages hotel punakaiki
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionPunakaiki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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