Property grounds

Reviews of Quiet, relaxing cottage in a rural setting


Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 81 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 101 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 101 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jose R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Touring New Zealand
Nice , relaxed stay with all the comforts of home. Away from the hubbub of the city.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antony P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Blissfully Quiet Staycwith Helpful Hosts
We stopped overnight on a trip between Picton & Turangi. Located just off SH1, Puka is spacious, clean, quiet and comfortable with nice gardens. The hosts two dogs were very friendly. Easy access to the supermarkets in Levin. It was a good choice. We would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

tanya r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely short stay
Nice and quiet, lovely gardens, comfy bed and well appointed kitchen 😁
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janine D., Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness
Country Retreat
Ann & Dave were very accomodating and down to earth. They offered preserves, butter, milk, tea, coffee & bread. The kitchen was fully equipped with all the cooking equipment and a fridge. My daughter & myself arrived later around 10pm, Ann had waited up for us & welcomed us with a friendly smile.The bed was comfortable along with the spare mattress for my daughter. Extra blankets were offered including many towels & flannels in the spacious bathroom. Shampoo, conditioner & body wash was in the shower stall😄We enjoyed the choice of programmes & movies on the smart TV. Ann & Dave offered us a jar of honey and we enjoyed a nice chat upon departure.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerrie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Hidden Gem
We really enjoyed our stay at 'Puka', it was a true delight, lovely and warm and cosey, very clean and in a quite spot. The icing on the cake was being given a tray of goodies, vogels bread, butter, homemade blueberry muffins, honey, jam & milk. Thankyou so much.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Tracey C., Lower Hutt

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed our little getaway
Pros: Tidy place with all amenities required for our stay. Grateful for the mandarins we received and butter and bread. Nice and private Cons: Place could have done with being aired out and would have been nice to get fresh towels for 2nd nights stay but we made do. Partner loves sugar in his coffee and was very limited amount supplied. Overall a lovely place and hosts
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

lyn b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely, quiet clean property
Enjoyed our short stay despite the weather
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adele B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just as wonderful as the first time
We stayed at Puka in 2019, and it's remained my favourite since. Staying longer this time was even better. The extra's like fresh eggs, bread, milk, and homemade spreads were wonderful. Puka is warm and cosy, the bed deliciously comfortable and the facilities great. Perfect for creatives needing time away and brain space in a quiet spot. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mitch G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice cottage with everything you need including coffee plunger and a coffee machine.
We enjoyed the private and spacious cottage overlooking a beautiful and listened to the ruru at night. Far enough from the Levin town centre for the peace and quiet but close enough to zip down for coffee and checking out the op shops. Also 10 min drive from the Lake Papaitonga reserve with lovely tracks through bush and wetlands. The owners are next door and very accomodating with supplies of homemade honey and jam. Also two very cute and friendly dogs.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Busy Mum's bliss
I loved staying here. It was the perfect peaceful getaway for a weekend of relaxing on my own. The honey is beautiful and I slept better than I have in months. I can't wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Elisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mixed Bag
Pros: the place was nice looking, well decorated with a nice garden. Unexpectedly, we found the hosts left us muffins, eggs, milk and toast for breakfast. There was a nice bath and a good amount of towels provided with soap for the shower and for the hands. The linen was clean and the house was full of colour and was quiet. Cons: the listing said we would have the use of an art room and two bikes. However, after booking we were told both were unavailable. There was no instruction manual for anything in the house and the DVD player didn't work together with the TV. The bed was so terribly soft we took turns sleeping on the sofa. We would have given 5 stars but the issue with the TV, the false advertising and the bed were a disappointment.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

David A., Wellington, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Tidy, quiet and easy to find
This property had everything needed for a quiet, relaxing short stay. We would happily stay here again if the opportunity arises.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debi G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful getaway
Puka is a great getaway location, the hosts are friendly and the property is absolutely beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annette M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful setting for relaxing stay
I loved staying at Puka. I was there for a personal art retreat and it was the perfect place. Fresh eggs and veges and homemade honey were a bonus! And the garden rural setting was inspiring. Really recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended!
Clean, warm and comfortable and Handy to Levin. Spacious and great facilities. We had a warm welcome as we were gathering our wits after a long car trip. We wouldn't hesitate to stay again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynne F.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Night Away
Private, well presented. Friendly hosts.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stella H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Cottage Stay
Super easy and nice to deal with, very comfortable nice cottage added bonus of netflix. Despite being on property felt super private, would definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike, Napier

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Lovely little cottage, very clean and tidy with lovely honey straight from the property!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Philippa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Retreat
Beautiful green getaway spot. Everything we needed. Easy to self cater. Friendly, helpful hosts. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Lovely property, garden, and decor.

10/10 Excellent

Mark & Gaynor W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Had a lovely restful break away, just what was needed. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Luxurious, peaceful, spacious but cosy, and wonderful host's. One of the best places I've ever stayed, in any city or country.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

ann w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Fabulous, spacious, private, tastefully decorated and very relaxing, will be back - thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Madison K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute & cozy
Loved the property! Clean, warm and cozy with everything you need plus a few extras which was so nice :) Will definitely be back in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jill R.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the location & privacy also the sound of nature in the morning
Very good
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
David was a great host and ensured we were looked after. Loved the cottage and would definitely recommend to all.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Raewyn L.

Has everything you need plus added eats. Tranquil garden setting.
Lovely home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peggy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage.
Delightful cottage in a lovely rural setting. A very pleasant two nights and I look forward to being able to stay again at some stage.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Craig H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Well Recommended
The Puka accommodation is an excellent property for couples or small families. The property was well presented, tidy and in a nice quiet location not far from Levin. We had a great time and will definitely be returning in the near future.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Fiona W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Puka Paradise
Beautiful garden setting in a very comfortable character cottage.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ruth H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
A lovely place to stay, comfy bed, quiet at night, good quality furnishings and beautiful garden to look out at

10/10 Excellent

Rachel m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden retreat, very spacious for two
Immediately welcomed onto the property, it's a lovely setting, lots of little food extras. Bathroom was attractive. Water pressure was great for filling the kettle! Range of cooking equipment, toaster oven, electric fry pan, microwave, single electric ring. Huge TV. WiFi reasonable. Was nice to ask the windows and doors but I expect it would be hard to keep warm in the winter.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Louise & Adrian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable place to stay
Great location near Levin. Lovely peaceful place with tranquil outlook onto garden. Very comfortable place to stay and great hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blissful sanctuary
Plum blossoms, spectacular magnolia, divine bath and the perfect magazine to lift my spirits. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A fantastic place to stay
Only had a one night stay. Two nights would have been nicer (next time). Property is in a good location just out of town with a pleasant rural outlook. Well kept gardens. The accommodation was cosy and had everything we needed. There was plenty of space for the two of us. Highly recommend a stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Adele B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rural Heaven
Lovely host. Beautiful quiet setting. Bed was like sleeping on a cloud. Morning bird song chorus wonderful.

10/10 Excellent

john w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptional
Don't go past this place. It's only five minutes off the main highway but incredibly peaceful and so tastefully decorated. Super clean and detailed with whatever you'll ever need for a night or two or longer. And Anne and Dave, the hosts are such super hosts. It's a modern, but a rustic character place and backs onto trees and a quiet farm.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lynn K.

Liked: Cleanliness
country peace and quiet
Enjoyed my retreat in this peaceful place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shontelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Our stay here was amazing The property is amazing and relaxing Hosts were super cute with the little extras Will definitely be staying again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daisy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Thank you so much for having us! So cosy and relaxing, just what we needed
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Annie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely retreat
We had a lovely stay here in Puka. The hosts Ann and Dave and their dog Loui were v friendly and helpful and we were given fruits and veg from the garden and yummy local honey. The accommodation is spacious and tastefully decorated. It has a garden and a place to sit out in the evening which on a sunny evening is perfect with a glass of wine. We were given plenty of towels which was nice. It is well equipped for self catering too. We met the chickens who kindly gave us eggs with which I made an omelette using their tomatoes in the salad followed by fruit salad with pears and grapes from the garden and the honey for the juice. Great. We also were given ideas for local walks and Foxton is worth a visit for the windmill and flax museums and lovely coastal walk. Great place to swim. Good location for beaches and walks. Would recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gillian A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely quiet garden cottage
I stayed here three weeks while working in Levin. It was the perfect place. Ann and Dave were very warm and helpful. Dave drove me to a lovely walking track. And Ann regularly bought me fresh towels and linen and treats from the garden including fresh eggs, plums, grapes, honey and I was encouraged to pick vegetables . The garden is beautiful and there is a large TV screen with Netficks and a gas fire for the evenings. Hopefully I will get more work in Levin and can come and stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Stayz R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome, second time staying at Puka. Tanks Again Ann and DaveWill be back again for sure.
Great thanks.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Walter K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming
Loved it, the decor is charming and the art work!!!!!! was a wonderful suprise. When we get to the north island again we very much hope to stay for more than one night. Walter and Helen Kilgour.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maata M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just wow
This was a nice and quiet place to stay. I was finishing off a 21st key carving whist up there and the owner was amazing. He offered to set up a workstation for me under shelter where I wouldn’t get wet and the use of his workshop if I needed. He also without even knowing gifted me my first carving hammer that he had come across in his time. I am so thankful for the gift and awesome hospitality it will be regifted through time. Thank u so much will definitely return to our stay again soon. Nga Mihi te whanau Puka ka aroha hoki.

8/10 Good

Maja Vemmelund R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Nice location when you have a car and want to get out of the city. Very peaceful area and the accommodation decor was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bruce W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best stay of my two week trip to NZ
Lovely accommodation, very spacious, comfortable and well furnished. The private garden was lovely too and very peaceful. The breakfast provisions in particular were very generous. Overall the best accommodation for my two week trip and I have stayed in some pretty good places so far.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Katrina M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thank you
The cottage is just lovely and cosy looking out over beautiful gardens in a country location. There is everything you need to hand and the decor is gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gregory F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter stay
We stay at the end of July, loved the location and the place is very spacious but staying in winter the heating was inadequate.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thanks for the feedback. As we were not there you may not have been aware of the thermostat on the electric fire that you can adjust if the temperature is colder. We will endeavour to communicate this better to guests in future