Frequently Asked Questions
What can we see and do if we stay at Kamahi Cottage?
We’re in a beautiful country setting just 30 minutes from Waitomo, which is world famous for its glowworm caverns, Black Water Rafting, cave eco-tours and caving adventures.
If you feel like just taking a break, why not relax at the cottage. You can read, watch TV, listen to music, bird watch, relax on the veranda in loungers, wander through our extensive landscaped garden or take a walk over our beautiful farm nearby. Our home is just on the other side of the garden from the cottage and you’re always welcome to join us.
If you are staying for several days there are great scenic attractions in our Waitomo / King Country region:
- Take a day’s circular drive from Kamahi Cottage to beautiful Kawhia village on the West Coast (leaving Otorohanga on State Highway 31)
- Check out the Te Puia Hot Springs on Ocean Beach at low tide
- Return via the Te Anga ‘Coast to Caves’ Road to Waitomo Caves Village (you’ll pass the spectacular Marokopa Falls & Mangapohue Natural Bridge on the way
- Drive the short distance (15 minutes) from Waitomo to Otorohanga to visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park and check out the Kiwiana displays in the main street ‘Ed Hillary Walkway’
- Head home to Kamahi
Check out Things to do while you’re at Kamahi Cottage for more ideas and great FREE attractions.
Where are you?
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
And within easy driving distance of a great range of central North Island attractions:
- 160 kms (2 hours) from Rotorua
- 160 kms (2 hours) from Taupo
- 160 kms (2 hours) from New Plymouth
What are the driving routes from Auckland?
You have two choices after you arrive at Auckland International Airport:
Route 1 – The shorter scenic route:
- Drive south on State Highway 1 as far as Ngaruawahia
- Turn west onto State Highway 39 and follow the signs to Pirongia / Otorohanga
- At Whatawhata, just north of Pirongia village, continue on State Highway 31 to Otorohanga
- At Otorohanga turn south onto State Highway 3
- At the southern end of Otorohanga on State Highway 3 (just after passing over the Waipa River bridge) turn left onto Otewa Road (under an overhead rail bridge)
- Follow Otewa Road for approximately 12 kms and turn right onto Barber Road
- Kamahi Homestead and Cottage are on the left hand side of Barber Road at 229 Barber Road – 2.29 kms from the intersection of Otewa and Barber Roads
Route 2 – via Hamilton:
- Drive south on State Highway 1 as far as Hamilton
- From Hamilton take State Highway 3 in the direction of Waitomo / New Plymouth. An excellent sealed road leads south through the rural towns of Te Awamutu and Otorohanga
- At the southern end of Otorohanga on State Highway 3 (just after passing over the Waipa River bridge) turn left onto Otewa Road (under an overhead rail bridge)
- Follow Otewa Road for approximately 12 kms and turn right onto Barber Road
- Kamahi Homestead and Cottage are on the left hand side of Barber Road at 229 Barber Road – 2.29 kms from the intersection of Otewa and Barber Roads
When can I check in?
From 2:00pm (or by arrangement – we like to be flexible, if circumstances permit).
What time is check out?
By 11:00am (or by arrangement – we like to be flexible, if circumstances permit).
What does the Qualmark 5-star grade mean?
We have undergone Qualmark’s rigorous assessment and licensing process and achieved their 5-star certification. Qualmark is Tourism New Zealand’s official quality assurance programme and rates Kamahi Cottage as “Exceptional – Among the very best available in New Zealand“.
Environmental policy?
We also undergo Qualmark‘s ‘Responsible Tourism‘ audit to assess our environmental commitments. We have been granted an Enviro-Gold Award (“Excellent Performance in Responsible Tourism Operations“).
Do you provide Gift Vouchers?
We can produce personalised Gift Vouchers to suit any occasion.
All stays have full gourmet breakfasts included in the rates. 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]
We can also organise and include local activities for you – e.g. caving trips, Black Water Rafting, cave abseiling.
If you would like to arrange a Gift Voucher, please phone us on +64 7 873 0849 (for international calls) or 07 873 0849 (for calls within New Zealand).
You can also email us.
Is breakfast included in the tariff?
Yes. Full gourmet breakfasts (continental, plus a choice of cooked options) are available whenever it suits you, wherever you prefer – either delivered to the cottage or served in the homestead dining room.
Can we order dinner?
Yes, of course. I do appreciate a bit of forewarning, so that I can prepare it for you. Dinners are typically 2 or 3 courses (you can view some sample dinner menus here). These are a guide – I’m very happy to improvise and create other dishes. I’m an avid recipe collector and love to experiment (and I’ll even share my recipes with you!).
Dinner can be served at a time to suit you and I can deliver to the cottage for a private occasion. If you’d like to join us in our own home (it’s only a short distance from the cottage through the garden) you’re most welcome.
Can we self-cater?
Kamahi Cottage has a fully equipped kitchenette – great for preparing simple meals. There’s a microwave, hot plates, cooking pots & pans, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware. We also stock a small selection of top quality New Zealand wines at reasonable prices, but you’re very welcome to bring your own.
Do you accept children?
Of course. The cottage has a sofa-sleeper downstairs that converts to a queen size bed. There’s also a cot available for infants, plus a high chair.
Plus: Children under 2 years old stay for free.
Are you gay friendly?
Yes, we have already welcomed many gay and lesbian couples.
Do you offer free WiFi?
We have secure Wifi in our own home. It’s only a short distance from the cottage through the garden and you are very welcome to use it at any time, free of charge. Wifi is also available around the garden and there’s plenty of outdoor seating, if you’d like to make use of our “outdoor office.” We can also provide fax and printer facilities (you might want to do an electronic check-in for your flight and print off your boarding pass).
Do you require a deposit when I make a booking?
No. We simply need valid credit card details (Visa or Mastercard). We process your full payment when you leave Kamahi Cottage.
Is it safe for me to give you my credit card details?
Absolutely! We use an accredited offsite booking system that allows you to enter your credit card details securely. It also helps us confirm that the credit card details entered belong to a genuine card.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Because of our small size, cancellations affect us significantly and we have a strict cancellation policy:
- Cancellations received 31 days before guest arrival = no charge
- Cancellations received 30–8 days before guest arrival = 30% of total charge
- Cancellations received 7–0 days before guest arrival = 100% of total charge
If we can re-book the cottage for your cancelled dates we will not charge you. We highly recommend travel insurance.