Entire apartment

Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve

Apartment in Maungatautari with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve

Interior - Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve (Maungatautari)
Exterior - Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve (Maungatautari)
Exterior - Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve (Maungatautari)
Shower, hair dryer, towels, shampoo - Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve (Maungatautari)
Exterior - Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve (Maungatautari)
Fantail Cottage, nestled in the picturesque heart of rural Karapiro, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by an expansive central country garden. Relax on your private deck overlooking rolling farm fields or explore the nearby river and cycle trails.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
The current price is AU$138
includes taxes & fees
1 Feb - 2 Feb

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve

Fantail Cottage is one of three near our character homestead on a family owned, picturesque farm in the heart of rural Karapiro. Each cottage borders an expansive central country garden with Tui and other native birds, and spectacular rural views.

Karapiro Country Cottages are just minutes from the river, cycle trails, nature walks and many of the area’s local attractions and event facilities.

From the moment our guests approach through the tree lined driveway, to when they sit on the deck of their private hilltop cottage overlooking our rolling farm fields, we make sure they feel our hearty welcome.

Our manicured lawns wrapped around a towering Copper Beech tree boast beautiful roses that smell like grandma’s used to, and a thriving country kitchen garden.

Each cottage opens onto the central gardens, making it ideal for groups to share the occasion from their private accommodation.

They all have access to the fully equipped outdoor kitchen, complete with BBQ and dishwasher, and covered entertainment area. Guests can self-cater with fresh vegetables from the garden or enjoy our home-cooked meals prepared with ingredients from the farm. A 3-course evening meal is available on request ($45).

We enjoy showing our guests the local scenery. You can chill out with the native birds and trees, or drink Champagne overlooking the countryside while the sun sets. Our DOC approved pest control programme ensures the neighboring private native reserve remains one of NZ's most spectacular.

Kids have lots to do with plenty of space to run around. And if they want to try gardening, we’d love to teach them the skills.

After years of extending country hospitality we’re experienced at event catering. Our venue is perfect for small functions.

The site is great, and the location is just as good. Karapiro Country Cottages are near all the major attractions and venues. We are literally minutes from the river, Horahora Domain and the Karapiro Rowing Club. The Karapiro section of Waikato Cycle Trail is just across the river and Hobbiton, Maungatautari Mountain, Tirau Village, many historic sites and the regions popular event venues are all close by. It’s only 20 minutes’ drive to Mystery Creek and the Avantidrome.

Fantail Cottage ..........
A studio style cottage with queen bed, the Tui Cottage has a newly renovated ensuite bathroom, TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. It’s ideal for couples to enjoy the serenity of the Karapiro’s unique setting in luxury.

Extended groups can benefit from booking the adjacent Tui Cottage and Karapiro Family Cottage

* Includes Continental Breakfast
* Includes Linen and Cleaning
* We love animals. Pets may be allowed with prior approval
* Smoking is OK outside only

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limo/town car service
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator

Dining

  • Free breakfast available

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed
Note from host: obly with prior consent

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
Only organised events by prior consent

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: only organised events by prior consent
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Vrbo Property
100007545

About the area

Located in Maungatautari, this apartment is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Maungatautari Ecological Island and Lake Karapiro, while Cambridge Museum and Putaruru Timber Museum are cultural highlights. Ready for a night out? Consider The Red Barn and Sir Don Rowlands Centre at Mighty River Domain. Visit our Maungatautari travel guide
View more Apartments in Maungatautari
Map
Maungatautari, Waikato

What's nearby

  • Karapiro lake panorama, Waikato, New Zealand
    Lake Karapiro
    7 min drive - 4.2 km
  • A few kilometres downstream from Lake Taupo the river changes to some rapids for a short distance.  When the rapids finish there is a drop which creates a waterfall. It all ends with this scene which is stunning. Only a 30 second walk from the car park to the river this shot was taken about a 5 minute walk further downstream on the main track at sunrise.
    Waikato River
    7 min drive - 4.2 km
  • The Red Barn
    10 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Chiddingfold Garden
    17 min drive - 20.6 km
  • Cambridge Farmers' Market
    23 min drive - 28.7 km

Getting around

  • Hamilton (HLZ-Hamilton Intl.)
    37 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Red Barn
  • Rhubarb Cafe
    17 min drive
  • The Boatshed
    16 min drive
  • The Boatshed Karapiro
    16 min drive
  • Fitzgerald Glade Cafe
    9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve?

As of 31 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve on 1 Feb 2026 start from AU$137.95, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve located?

Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Lake Karapiro and within 6 miles (10 km) of Maungatautari Ecological Island and The Red Barn. Waikato River and Sir Don Rowlands Centre at Mighty River Domain are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Fantail Cottage - 1 of 3 in a country garden bordering a native reserve 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 informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andre D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay while bikepcking trip

greatt spot, easy friendly reception, quite and peaceful, excellent facilities. will come again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

B&B overnight

Beautiful property with amazingly kind hosts. Dinner meal was delicious!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Alan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Country garden

Lovely quiet place and friendly host
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kiri B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic country cottage

Such a cute little cottage in a beautiful country garden setting. Huge shower, comfy bed, covered outdoor kitchen. Loved it here!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shirley K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and well-appointed.

Very friendly host. Provided lovely breakfast with stewed apples - a pleasant bonus. Enjoyed the beautiful rural setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we were looking for

Very convenient for our stay. Appreciated the quiet surrounds and being able to pick vegetables out of the garden which was a real treat. Bed was comfortable and linen was excellent. Shower was great and very spacious. Cooking elements would be a helpful addition though the bbq was great and there were other cooking methods eg electric frypan. Friendly hosts. Lovely area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Janet P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tiny delightful piece old fashioned New Zealand

As winter gets a grip, tiny Fantail Cottage soon warms up. Small but extremely comfortable. Views & veg garden very special. In heaven with the bird life. Given great ideas from the host for exploring. Beautiful, peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely rural cottages

Mary the host and her Mum Rosemary were great and very obliging. We had access to a huge vegetable garden and made great use of it. Stir fry veggies one night and delicious vegetable chowder on another. The spacious kitchen was in a covered timber room facing the garden. Huge fridge freezer and every possible pot, pan and utensil. There were 4 of us from Australia and we’re sorry to leave. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Linda F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location

Farm/ cottage stay

I really enjoyed my stay it was great to have the option of a home cooked meal or the use of the out side kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Matt K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

A delightful base from which to experience Karapiro
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

The H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short getaway from akld

Great as a base to explore the surrounds such as sanctuary mtn
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanya V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

NZ Cottage

Very nice, the grounds were lovely and just as described in the listing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Deborah A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Great get away

Can see that would be a lovely destination to stay put at for a few days. Was a little further out of Cambridge than we would have liked for this stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, peaceful spot

We had a wonderful time here as a stop off on our honeymoon. The views are gorgeous and Mary and family were incredibly accommodating. We loved having homemade treats with breakfast in the outdoor kitchen. Finn the dog was an energetic delight to greet us home :) fully recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Brent W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay with Finn

We had a great stay even though it was only for a night, we still felt like family. We were greeted by Finn (the dog) who suckered us into playing fetch with him 100 times, which was awesome. We also had a home cooked meal with the family, which was great and I would highly recommend doing it as well. Almost all the food was grown right on the property and you could tell by the taste!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

FANTAIL COTTAGE

Very comfortable and great country area!! Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kath H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful rural property.

We really enjoyed the kitchen and seating that is under cover but outdoors. A delightful evening absorbing the ambiance. Able to choose from the extensive vegetable gardens to add to our meals and breakfast goodies supplied. Roses to smell and our little dog settled in well. Thank you for sharing this delightful property .
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Country Cottage

Loved staying at this garden oasis. It was peaceful and quiet with the most hospitable hosts. We were close to town but out in the country, able to see star-filled skies and sunrises and be awakened by birds. We felt at home and enjoyed the outdoor kitchen, fireplace and rolling hills. Our hosts were very accommodating, Sharing the history of the area and telling us about nearby attractions like the Sanctuary Mountain and Arapuni Swing Bridge. We loved our stay while at an international dragon boat festival at Lake Karapiro.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

😊

😊
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alley P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mini Escape

We were looking for some peace and quiet after a hectic few weeks and found it here. Comfortable, clean with the most beautiful vegetables garden and quails running around in the morning. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to recharge our batteries.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On the way to the Shire

Get place for a short break. Need to come back to explore the area

10/10 Excellent

Sharon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous overnight stay

Loved the property and the excellent attentive care that Mary gave on our arrival and in the morning. Would definitely recommend to others, and would love to come back again
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Judy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint cottage

Great hosts , in lovely farm setting , comfortable with nice homely touches .
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020