Title: Secret Cottage Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=67325938&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Secret Cottage Riverside holiday home with kitchen and patio ## Photo gallery for Secret Cottage ![Terrace/patio - Secret Cottage (Waitara)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67330000/67326000/67325938/2620e6bb.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Secret Cottage (Waitara)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67330000/67326000/67325938/c1dacaf0.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - Secret Cottage (Waitara)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67330000/67326000/67325938/08d9eeb7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior detail - Secret Cottage (Waitara)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67330000/67326000/67325938/c62e55b7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Dining - Secret Cottage (Waitara)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67330000/67326000/67325938/6e978d85.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Escape to this charming 2-bedroom home, nestled in a lush garden of fruit trees and birds. Perfect for families or couples, the house is warm and cozy with a fire lit on chilly days. Explore Taranaki's mountain tracks, visit the Len Lye Centre or simply unwind at the nearby beach. ## Reviews 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5 ## Popular amenities - Breakfast included - Kitchen - Washing machine - Free Wi-Fi - Outdoor space - Parking available ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Secret Cottage Set in an established garden, this home away from home is a private retreat in semi rural Waitara. The two bedroom home sleeps 4-5 with a sun-room as the optional 3rd single bedroom. Close to New Plymouth Airport with the city 15 minutes away. ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach nearby ### Ski - Snowboarding nearby ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Wheelchair-accessible parking available ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Hob - Lobster/crab pot - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Toaster ### Dining - Free breakfast available - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Fireplace - Living room - Wood stove ### Entertainment - Books - DVD player - Games - TV - Video library ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Fenced yard - Garden - Outdoor furniture - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - Accessible parking space - No lift (single-level property) - Wheelchair-accessible parking - Smoke-free property ### Services and conveniences - Housekeeping on request - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - In a rural location - In a village - In the mountains - Near a health/beauty spa - Near an outlet shopping centre - Near the bay - Next to a golf course - On a river ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Kayaking nearby - Motor boating nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Mountain climbing nearby - Rafting nearby - Rock climbing nearby - Sailing nearby - Scuba diving nearby - Snorkelling nearby - Surfing/bodyboarding nearby - Swimming nearby - Water skiing nearby - Water tubing nearby - Windsurfing nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher - Deadbolt lock ### General - At least 80% lighting from LEDs - Bulk dispensers for toiletries - Composting - Comprehensive food waste policy - Comprehensive recycling policy - Eco-friendly cleaning products used - Eco-friendly toiletries - Energy-saving switches in guestrooms - Garden - Housekeeping (on request) - Vegetarian breakfast available - Vegetarian dining options ## Similar properties ![TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116730000/116728200/116728148/b8491144.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Bell Cottage - Oakura Holiday Home New Plymouth - Kitchen - Washing machine - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-01&endDate=2026-02-02&selected=116728148&PinnedHotelID=116728148&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/66000000/65490000/65487100/65487073/98c6285e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The River Retreat - Eco-Friendly Escape Inglewood - Outdoor space - Parking available - Barbecue grill 10 Exceptional 5 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-01&endDate=2026-02-02&selected=65487073&PinnedHotelID=65487073&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37917300/37917292/e9153e48.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Home away from home elevated warm many extras . 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Dishes washing in the dishwasher. Doors and windows fully closed before leaving. Put rubbish and recycling into the bins out in front. Food scraps in the small green bin. ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### Property is also known as Secret Garden Hideaway Waitara Secret Garden Hideaway Private vacation home Secret Garden Hideaway Private vacation home Waitara ## About the area Located in Waitara, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. TSB Showplace and Puke Ariki are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Waitara Golf Club and Sentry Hill Winery. Travelling with kids? Consider New Plymouth Observatory and Brooklands Zoo. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and mountain biking nearby. [Visit our Waitara travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Waitara.dx6342451) [View more Holiday homes in Waitara](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Waitara-Private-Holiday-Homes.d6342451-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-39.00023%2C174.25623&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=SLqXlheM_bNEjGXwoBBjW6E_8ug=) Waitara, Taranaki ### What's nearby - Manukorihi Park \- 1 min drive \- 0.7 miles - Waitara West Quay \- 2 min drive \- 1.6 miles - Waitara Library \- 2 min drive \- 1.6 miles - Pukekura Park \- 16 min drive \- 13.4 miles - Bowl of Brooklands \- 18 min drive \- 13.9 miles ### Getting around - New Plymouth (NPL) - 10 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪McDonald’S Bell Bock - ‬8 min drive - ‪Van Dyck Pancakes - ‬9 min drive - ‪Marcel's World - ‬9 min drive - ‪Paradise Valley Berry Farm - ‬10 min drive - ‪Tom's Place Takeaways - ‬3 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Secret Cottage pet-friendly? ### How much is parking at Secret Cottage? ### What time is check-in at Secret Cottage? ### What time is check-out at Secret Cottage? ### Where is Secret Cottage located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Secret Cottage Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 31 8 - Good 9 6 - Okay 3 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.4 Cleanliness ### 9.0 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Darin H. 14 Sept 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great little place to stay Perfect for what we needed, quiet location, tidy and all amenities. ##### Darin H. Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Karin C. 5 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Visiting Nana’s Loved garden & birds & felt comfortable staying there ##### Karin C. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Lorraine B. 20 Oct 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Hideaway stay The hideaway was comfortable and well equipped. ##### Lorraine B. Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Emma M. 1 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Womad Trip Only 15-20min to Womad - a super calm and cozy place to unwind after a big day at the festival! ##### Emma M. Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Fiona d. 20 Apr 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely restful stay Loved our stay. Plenty of everything and the shower and bed were wonderful. The fire was great and kept us very warm. Very convenient location. ##### Fiona d. Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Richard W. 26 Oct 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Ideal three days, thank you. Very comfortable. We were lucky with the weather. The wood-burner is excellent. ##### Richard W. Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Louise H. 20 Aug 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely Wee Getaway It was a lovely wee weekend getaway, clean, cost home & great being able to bring our fur baby. Thanks! ##### Louise H. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Leigh A. 5 Feb 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Repeat guest A real home-from-home that has everything a family needs. They don't call it a 'retreat' for nothing! ##### Leigh A. Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gavin T. 7 Nov 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy Disliked: Location #### Relaxing weekend Awesome garden to relax in. Our Greyhound loved sniffing about and playing on the deck in the sun. Nice and quiet area to stay. The only negative (and it's no fault of the property) to be aware of is the road works can add up to 7 minutes to trips anywhere while you wait at the temporary lights. Thanks for adding to a great weekend! ##### Gavin T. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Tim P. 9 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Nice little house in quiet location A relaxing retreat in a quiet location. Vintage style granny vibe decor, this quaint cottage had plenty of room. The kitchen was well stocked. TV not smart but OK. The garden was nice with lots of fruit trees. Washing machine in bathroom was good but no extractor fan in bathroom and no insect screens to keep bugs out if windows left open.Beds were varied. Twin beds very comfy and queen bed too soft and very high off ground. Nice to have bed in conservatory, made a fabulous day bed for relaxing and enjoying views of the lovely garden. Confusing entrance. P ##### Tim P. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Susan D. 6 Apr 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely stay, everything we needed and more. Great place would recommend ##### Susan D. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Tracy H. 29 Jan 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place to stay Catching up with family ##### Tracy H. Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Carol W. 5 Mar 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Pleasant retreat Cosy and homely and we all enjoyed our stay. ##### Carol W. Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Melanie H. 14 Mar 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Loved the place! Just as listed had everything we needed. Tucked away and the garden was lovely. ##### Melanie H. Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Radhika P. 4 Jan 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A very cosy comfortable accommodation. We had everything we needed to have a comfortable experience. The location was also good too. I would stay here again. ##### Radhika P. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ross S. 5 Mar 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy #### Quiet seclusion Lovely and quiet area, just what we needed for a weekend away. Close proximity to the jet sprint track was a nice surprise. ##### Ross S. Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Donna B. 14 Sept 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Nice and relaxed We enjoyed our stay, and were very happy all in all, and would be happy to stay there again. Thanks for the opportunity to stay. ##### Donna B. Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Crystal S. 6 Feb 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Tranquil oasis We had a wonderful stay at this retreat with our dog, close to beaches and a great location being 15mins to New Plymouth. Homely amd comfortable would recommend to friends and family who like to travel with their furry friend! ##### Crystal S. Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andrea M. 16 Jul 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Wonderful retreat Enjoyed our stay very much. Couldn't ask for a better homely atmosphere and nice and quite. Recommended to all. A+++++ ##### Andrea M. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Cheryl D. 7 Jun 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Spacious accommodation We enjoyed our stay with the spacious and pet friendly accommodation. Davina is very easy to communicate with and very helpful, she helped us find and post the clothes we left ##### Cheryl D. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### anna w. 9 Jan 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Cosy weekender We had a lovely stay at Davina’s property. The weather was pretty rainy but we enjoyed watching a movie and playing board games when we weren’t out and about. It great to be able to go on holiday with our dog too. ##### anna w. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### CRAIG H. 21 Jun 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### R and R Enjoyed the stay quiet and relaxing , stress free and peaceful. Thanks to my host . ##### CRAIG H. Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Tracy H. 22 Jul 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Holiday Just catching up with family ##### Tracy H. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### janice b. 5 Aug 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely The accommodation was lovely and met our needs. The grounds definately needed a bit of work but the weather hadn't been the best for doing outside work I guess Thankyou very much. ##### janice b. Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023 ### 6/10 Okay #### Tasha T. 11 May 2023 Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Secret garden Was very much like the pictures, didnt realize the 3rd room was detached but suited our young adults. Couldnt enjoy gardens due to weather. It could do with some air as it did smell musty on arrival. ##### Tasha T. Stayed 2 nights in May 2023 ---