10/10
Reviewed Aug 26, 2026What a beautiful place to stay! Everything was so clean, tidy and welcoming, with an amazing view. We felt so comfortable and relaxed here. Our hosts were lovely, and we were so happy to have precious Sam the dog come to visit us and proudly show off his toy. Such a special stay we didn’t want to leave
10/10
Reviewed Aug 20, 2026My wife did not want to leave!
10/10
Reviewed Jun 13, 2026We had a beautiful stay at The River Cottage. It was the perfect place to unwind after a half marathon. The cottage was extremely comfortable, warm, luxurious and with the most comfy bed. Everything was perfection!
10/10
Reviewed Mar 16, 2026River View is a true gem. A stunning high quality cottage with incredible views.
Whilst it feels incredibly remote, it is only 20 minutes from Havelock North and 10 minutes from the wonderful Red Bridge coffee hut.
Sarah was a wonderful host and was incredibly kind to give us a lift to and from the nearby Craggy Range winery for our wine tasting.
Sarah has two very friendly dogs who visit the cottage occasionally, but she was careful to check with us first to make sure that was ok with us.
Nothing. One of the most stunning places I have visited.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 26, 2026Words can not describe how special this cottage is. The cottage is immaculate, brilliant location, peaceful and the view is stunning. Sarah and Dave a lovely hosts and leave you to relax and enjoy the serenity. Dogs Sam and Bob and very cute, friendly and amusing. Proximity to Craggy Range winery and restaurant is a plus. Delicious lunch. Our stay here was the highlight of our holiday.
Having to leave 😢
10/10
Reviewed Feb 22, 2026Hands down, one of our favorite places we've ever stayed in. An absolutely pristine private cottage in a gorgeous, tranquil setting. The incredible property is surrounded by bucolic scenery overlooking a river. The views are unbelievable and we happily spent a lot of time just sitting and marveling with a glass of wine. Truly a special place to unwind, relax, and get away from it all. The spacious cottage is modern with very high quality amenities. The shower/bathroom is fabulous as is the large, comfy bed. The kitchen is also excellent and it was nice to cook a few meals. The hosts were so wonderful and kind. They really make you feel welcomed. We enjoyed having their lovely two dogs, Sam and Bobby, around too! Such a pleasure coming here and has been the highlight of our North Island travels. We definitely hope to return and stay longer! Many thanks, Sarah and Dave, for having us. An utterly enchanting stay.
Absolutely nothing!
10/10
Reviewed Jan 25, 2026This was our second stay at River View and, just as last year, it is perhaps the best place that we have stayed at in our travels in New Zealand. The cottage is modern, immaculate, comfortable, private, with a beautiful view over the river and the hills. We very much enjoy our contact with Sarah and Dave and their advice on things in the area. They also have a very nice pool that we enjoyed each morning. It is not far from Hastings and Napier and the many wineries in the area. Ocean Beach is excellent and not far away. Our highest recommendation for this as a lodging.
This is a perfect place to enjoy the stunning views across the Tuki Tuki River and valley, while still being a close easy drive to all the places you want to see around Hawke’s Bay. The cottage is pristine, spacious, modern and has all the amenities you could want. The layout is thoughtful and private, nicely separate in aspect from the main house. Our hosts Sarah and Dave were welcoming and helpful, with tips on what to see and do. Two friendly dogs, Sam and Bobby, were a definite bonus! If you’re after a great sight seeing base that offers comfort, peace and a divine outlook, this is the place for you.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Dec 16, 2025It was such a pleasure to meet Sarah, Dave, Sam & Bobby – you couldn’t ask for more welcoming hosts! We enjoyed every single day from morning to evening. The cottage is excellently equipped and tastefully decorated, and the bed was super comfortable. The stunning views captivated us anew each morning. The location is perfect as a starting point for hikes in the surrounding area, and wineries and well as restaurants in the more urban areas are easily accessible.
That we had to leave!
10/10
Reviewed Dec 6, 2025Views are great
A little hard to get to, but worth it.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 4, 2025Excellent location with amazing views of the Craggy Range and the Tukituki River!
Not a thing!
Great location not too far from town and close to the destination winery we went to. Peaceful and so quiet
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Sep 29, 2025Stunning property with magical and spectacular views. So restful and rejuvenating. Wonderful property that is like a miniature Black barn retreat so just perfect for 2 or family of 3. Loved Sam the soulful Alsatian. King bed very comfortable and kitchen has everything required for making meals.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 17, 2025It's such a beautiful location and the cottage itself is stunning with amazing quality fittings and furnishings. Sarah and Dave very accommodating and easy to deal with. We'll be back for sure!
10/10
Reviewed Jul 10, 2025The location was gorgeous and although it is only a short trip to town, it felt like you could be in the middle of nowhere.
Everything was fabulous.
9/10
Reviewed May 19, 2025Fantastic cottage, clean tidy with all the amenities with style. The lookout view so peaceful, had to stay another night just to appreciate it all. Lovely friendly host highly recommend 😊
10/10
Reviewed Apr 16, 2025A fantastic place to stay and enjoy nature. Situated in a beautiful setting with awesome views.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 2, 2025Cleaness and facilities are outstanding
10/10
Reviewed Mar 24, 2025A fabulous view of the river and countryside. Attention to detail and decor in the cottage to a a very high standard. In particular the linen and super king bed, top notch. Hosts extremely welcoming and helpful.
TV was a bit difficult to operate and sound quality not great. Oven also had difficulty but probably a power cut.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 27, 2025Excellent standard throughout. Very welcoming. Lovely setting.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 8, 2025River view was one of our favorite stays in New Zealand. Splendid view over the river and landscape, comfortable, spacious, modern, immaculate vacation house. We really enjoyed the friendly contact with Dave and Sarah, their advice on things to do in the area, the daily visits from their dogs. The place is sunny, perfect facilities- kitchen, bathroom, comfortable bed. Location is close to vineyards and great beaches. We would definitely come here again.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 24, 2025Jaw dropping views - very peaceful
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Jan 11, 2025Beautiful location, excellent views. Owners were just delightful- everything about it was amazing. Couldn’t have wished for more. Lovely comfortable bed with furnishing and kitchen facilities top notch
Nothing!
10/10
Reviewed Dec 21, 2024Everything. Spotlessly clean , well equipped/ laid out . Comfortable, great views , great hosts . Love the dogs 🥰can’t recommend highly enough
Not a single thing.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 14, 2024Beautiful quiet location
Maybe missing a bath
10/10
Reviewed Dec 2, 2024everything was perfect for rest relaxation and enjoying the scenery...we are seriously considering going again
the weather
9/10
Reviewed Nov 30, 2024Stunning remote location. Beautifully decorated cottage.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 11, 2024A beautiful spot, stunning views, exceptionally appointed property with excellent attention to detail inside out. Very friendly and helpful owner making us feel welcomed.
N/A
10/10
Reviewed Oct 13, 2024Stunning views and wonderfully appointed. Even the sheets on the bed were fantastic.
9/10
Reviewed Jul 29, 2024Everything was lovely. Beautiful linen!
10/10
Reviewed Jul 5, 2024Fantastic property, lovely hosts and cleanliness on point.
Nothing, it was all good.
10/10
Reviewed May 15, 2024Amazing location, Picture perfect. Great kitchen set up. Warm through out with underfloor heating if required in the bathroom. Ver y close to the wine regions and cellar doors. You need a car to move aroiund
10/10
Reviewed Apr 29, 2024Such a beautiful location and the cottage is very well set up. Everything that you need and the interior design is gorgeous . Lovely spot to sit in the sun and enjoy the views but also close to the walks and vineyards
10/10
Reviewed Apr 1, 2024The magnificent views. The gorgeous linen (my wife said to mention that!!) The cottage layout.
Nothing.
9/10
Reviewed Mar 27, 2024Sarah provided very clear instructions for getting there. The cottage is quite private and the view from the living room is fantastic. The kitchen is well equipied with pans, kinives, cutlery, china, microwave, full kitchen top and oven. The fridge is huge. Next time, we will be planning on staying at least 3 nights.
Could not fault anything, the stay was exaclty what we wanted. Perhaps I could suggest on adding paper towels to the kitchen inventory.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 18, 2024New and fully fitted.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Mar 16, 2024Stunning property in an idyllic location
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Mar 10, 2024Beautiful views and cottage.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 10, 2024River View Cottage exceeded our expectations we rate it as one of the best places we have stayed. We love the style of the cottage, the views and the peaceful surroundings for us it was absolute perfection!
10/10
Reviewed Feb 27, 2024Just an incredible place
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Feb 21, 2024Stunning location, gorgeous property, could not fault it in any way.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Feb 20, 2024This was the nicest place I stayed in while in New Zealand.The views of the mountains were stunningly beautiful. The house itself was beautiful both inside and out. Everything was comfortable, every little detail was tasteful. I would have liked to stay here longer. Thanks to the family for allowing us to be there. It's close to Craggy Range Wineyard and high quality restaurant.
-
10/10
Reviewed Feb 19, 2024Tranquil setting fantastic setting with magnificent views
close proximity to wineries.
Great hosts
Nothing to dislike!
10/10
Reviewed Feb 15, 2024This property was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand, if we could have stayed longer we would! What an exceptional view of the river and the stars at night. The property was extremely well equipped with the bedroom, bathroom and lounge/kitchen being furnished to a very high standard.
As noted in other reviews the access road has a high, grassy centre and our rental Toyota Corolla needed a little careful driving to avoid scraping the bottom on the centre section.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 9, 2024The stay was absolutely beautiful! Such a beautiful spot and would visit it again. The host was very lovely and accommodating. Beautiful views and a very short drive to the best wineries craggy range and te mata.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 2, 2024Absolutely stunning spot! Photos dont do it justice. Stayed here the night before my wedding in hopes of a beautiful spot to get ready and it was absolutely perfect. Comfortable stay, and made for some stunning photos despite the weather! Sarah and Dave are fabulous hosts! Hopefully we will be back for another stay! Oh - and 10/10 for adorable dogs!
Nothing - everything was perfect!
9/10
Reviewed Dec 28, 2023Private and picturesque location, beautiful minimalist cottage with well thought out but subtle luxuries
Unfortunately the gravel drive way was not in great condition which was only an issue as we had took a brand new sports car with us. Host were both very quick to try work out ways to resolve this, including mowing the grass centre strip, offering there own vehicle for our use, offering to collect us from the bottom of the driveway if we wish to park there and even offered to drop us to and from Napier. This was 3 days including xmas day, which was above and beyond. We did use our own car just took it nice and slow.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 3, 2023Loved the space to relax, the comfy furnishings and the general high spec of the cottage. Everything helped us to relax, and we appreciated the kindness of the owners and the complementary wine on arrival.
Nothing. The owners have thought of everything!
10/10
Reviewed May 7, 2023Such a beautiful, well thought out space to relax and unwind and so peaceful. Sarah was an amazing host and the location is close enough to havelock but further enough away to not hear or see traffic which was bliss. The morning sunrise colours over the hills was an added bonus.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 30, 2023Stunning setting yet near to local attractions
10/10
Reviewed Apr 24, 2023Splendid comfortable property,
very quiet and well appointed.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 13, 2023The cottage was so lovely - both inside and out. It was a slice of paradise and very well set up. Sarah and Dave were lovely, Sarah greeted us warmly and showed us around and Dave was there to check us out.
The only thing I would suggest is putting a sign on the gate "River View Cottage"
10/10
Reviewed Mar 30, 2023A beautiful modern cottage with a great view
nothing
10/10
Reviewed Mar 18, 2023This newly built cottage is in the most beautiful country setting with wonderful views of the river and hills in the distance. It is an ideal spot for a quiet and private getaway. But it's also an easy drive to the amenities of Havelock North. Some of the best vineyards in the region are close by. The cottage is comfortably furnished in a warm contemporary style. The kitchen is fully kitted out with quality appliances, so it's a good spot for those interested in cooking and taking care of their own catering. The hosts are warm and generous. I'm looking forward to a return visit.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 16, 2023We enjoyed it all. Location, view, tranquility, luxurious comfort and most hospitable hosts. Nothing to fault, all to enjoy.
Nothing at all.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 16, 2023The Hosts are the most caring and humble people. we were so great to be staying at their beautiful property. The location is just stunning, waking up to see such magnificent views was so wonderful.
nothing
Location is fabulous, quiet, and peaceful.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 19, 2022A beautifully designed cottage set just on top of the cliff overlooking the river. Sarah and Dave are delightful hosts ready to help whenever called on. We have booked again for next year.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 13, 2022The most spectacular views from this beautifully built and styled modern cottage. Our hosts Sarah and David were very lovely and gave us local tips to enhance our stay.
Would have been nice to have a place to launder clothes - travelling with a toddler meant lots of laundry haha
10/10
Reviewed Dec 5, 2022property location was perfect for our trip and views from cottage were amazing. Property was very clean, tidy and well furnished. Host Dave was very helpful, friendly and even took us to a river bed in his 4x4 for a walk. Superhost!
8/10
Reviewed Nov 14, 2022We had a lovely time. The location is awesome. Very quiet and lovely view. We loved watching the mist rise over the river in the morning and the kingfishers diving for tadpoles. Very relaxing. Sarah's awesome coffee skills were very appreciated and the wine and platter in the fridge on arrival was a lovely touch.
Nothing. We loved it
10/10
Reviewed Nov 10, 2022The river view cottage is in the most idyllic spot overlooking the beautiful Tuku Tuki river and landscape, as soon as we arrived we immediately felt relaxed.
Sarah and Dave were the most amazingly friendly and warm hosts and nothing was too much trouble. The cottage has been thoughtfully presented and there are beautiful little touches which makes a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Would definitely recommend for a romantic quiet getaway and will certainly be going back again. Thank you so much sarah and Dave (Bobby snd Sam) we loved every single minute of our stay in your beautiful piece of paradise.
10/10
Reviewed Oct 28, 2022Exceeded all expectations. Stunning property with amazing views, tastefully styled with beautiful decor and such a lovely warm welcome from the hosts. Very pleased and privileged to have experienced it all as the inaugural guests.