Frequently Asked Questions
Our guests often have questions and requests about their stay at Kamahi Cottage.
If you have a request or question that hasn’t been answered here, please get in touch.
We’re on a hilltop with stunning views, just 30 minutes from the Waitomo Caves. (Waitomo is famous for its glow worm caverns and Black Water Rafting adventures).
If you feel like a stress-free break, why not relax at the cottage? You can read, watch TV, listen to music, bird watch, wander through our large garden or a walk over our farm. Our own home is on the other side of the garden and you’re always welcome to join us.
Staying for a few days? Check out great attractions in our Waitomo / King Country region:
- Drive from Kamahi Cottage to beautiful Kawhia village on the West Coast (leave Otorohanga on State Highway 31)
- Check out the Te Puia Hot Springs on Kawhia’s Ocean Beach at low tide. We’ll give you a shovel to dig your own hot pool on the beach.
- Take State Highway 37 from Kawhia to Waitomo Caves village. Visit the spectacular Marokopa Falls and Mangapohue Natural Bridge on the way.
Leave Waitomo for Otorohanga (a 15 minute drive) and visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House. - Head home to Kamahi Cottage. (It’s another 15 minutes driving)
Check out more things to do near Kamahi Cottage . There are also lots of great free attractions.
Yes. Full gourmet breakfasts (continental, plus a choice of cooked options) are available whenever it suits you, wherever you prefer. We deliver breakfast to the cottage or serve it in the our own dining room nearby. The choice is yours.
We are:
- 15 kms (15 minutes) from Otorohanga
- 30 kms (30 minutes) from the Waitomo Caves
- 165 kms (2½ hours) from Auckland International Airport
- 190 kms (3 hours) from Auckland City Central
- 80 kms (1 hour) from Hamilton
- 160 kms (2 hours) from Rotorua
- 160 kms (2 hours) from Taupo
- 160 kms (2 hours) from New Plymouth
Yes, of course. We do need 24 hours’ notice. Dinners are typically 2 or 3 courses. We’re also happy to improvise and create other dishes to suit your tastes.
Dinner is served any time it suits you. We can deliver to the cottage or serve it in our own home, if you’d like to join us.
Kamahi Cottage has a fully equipped kitchenette – great for preparing simple meals. There’s a microwave, hot plates, cooking pots and pans, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware. We also stock a small selection of boutique New Zealand wines for sale, but you’re very welcome to bring your own.
Of course. The cottage has a sofa-sleeper downstairs that converts to a queen size bed. (All linen is supplied). There’s also a cot available for infants and a high chair. Plus: Children under 2 years old stay for free.
Kamahi Cottage is great for kids. There’s lots of space in the garden to run and play.

We’ve been assessed by Qualmark NZ and awarded 5-Star certification. (Qualmark is Tourism New Zealand’s official quality assurance programme). It rates Kamahi Cottage as “Exceptional – Among the very best available in New Zealand“.
> Read our Sustainability Policy here
Kamahi Cottage is essentially an Eco-retreat. The Cowan family has a long history of conservation and care for the local environment. Qualmark, NZ Tourism’s Quality Assurance Programme, promotes Kamahi Cottage as a ‘Gold Sustainable Tourism Business’.
We offer personalised Gift Vouchers for Kamahi Cottage to suit any occasion.
Every stay at Kamahi Cottage includes free, full gourmet breakfasts daily. We can also add 2 or 3-course dinner options for an additional charge.
[Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase]If you would like to order a Gift Voucher, please phone us on +64 7 873 0849 (for international calls) or 07 873 0849 (for calls within New Zealand). Alternatively, please text us on 021 0551818.
Cancellations received within 7 days before guest arrival, 100% of total charge.
If we can re-book the cottage for your cancelled dates we won’t charge you. (We recommend travel insurance).
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
If there’s a change in COVID alert levels that stop you from travelling, we offer a 24-hour cancellation policy and a refund if you’ve pre-paid your stay.