Kotare House is our dream, forever home. We love to share it with guests in the lodges, either 1 bedroom Ruru Lodge or Kaka Lodge which has a 1, 2 or a 4 bedroom layout for you. Set on a ridge overlooking Christian Bay to Kawau Island at the front and with acres of native bush to explore or just enjoy from the house at the back. We are a short hop to the amazing Tawharanui Park, to Omaha Beach, to Matakana village and many other spectacular places. The Lodges are very comfortable and well stocked with everything you need for a stay. Several wedding venues such as Tahwaranui Lodge and Koru Hideaway are very close to us. It is important that you are aware that we are not a party destination and ask for quiet after 11pm. If this is not suitable for you, please cancel the booking and if you do not respect this we will ask you to leave.

Alysn is an artist, working and offering workshops and creative retreats from the studio at Kotare House, Brian loves the garden and surfing. We live in another section of Kotare House so are around if you need help or advice about the lodges and the area we are there for you.

The nearest eating is the Stables Bar and Restaurant or the café at the Country Park. Next door to that is the Sculptureum with its Rothko restaurant. Other venues include the Rusty Pelican (Burger night on Monday, 2 for 1 pizza on Tuesday and Thursday), The Vintry, The Matakana Inn, Matakana Market Kitchen , Jin Jin (Facebook @jinjinmatakana), the Vietnamese truck, fish and chip shop and more. The Sawmill Brewery makes a range of craft beers which we sample regularly. They do serve other drinks and food too! Brick Bay Vineyard and Sculpture Trial makes for a relaxing half day whether you eat or simply wander the trail. If you are partial to vegan, raw, paleo and gluten free diets then the Hungry Elephant is a good place to try out, they also have a grocery and eco product store. For more special occasions the Plume Vineyard Restaurant or the Ascension Wine Estate. Many of the local bars including the Sawmill Café at Leigh (don’t confuse with the Sawmill Brewery) have regular live music. The Matakana cinema is a fabulous boutique, 3 screen cinema is well worth a visit as is the renowned Saturday Market. Golf, beaches (and all activities), horses and walking etc.