Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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

From 2:00pm (or by arrangement – we like to be flexible, if circumstances permit).

By 11:00am (or by arrangement – we like to be flexible, if circumstances permit).

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“.

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“).

> You can read about our Enviro Policy and practices here

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.

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.

> View our breakfast menu selection here

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.

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.

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.

Yes, we have already welcomed many gay and lesbian couples.

Yes, there is secure WiFi in the cottage, FREE unlimited data exclusively for your use.

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.