Summary:
Welcome to Okuti Cottage by Tiny Away, the ideal holiday homes NZ escape in Wairau Valley! Set on a 10-acre retreat, our property blends rural charm with adventure in the heart of wine country. Enjoy our cozy orchard, truffière, and a delightful assortment of farm animals like chickens, guinea fowl, and Peking ducks to keep you company. And don't miss the playful antics of our four Border Collies, who’ll add extra warmth and cheer to your stay.
The Space:
Okuti Cottage by Tiny Away sits in the picturesque countryside of Wairau Valley - South Island New Zealand, renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc. This rustic retreat is set amidst native plants and is just 15 meters from the gate.
A cabin nestled in one of the best holiday homes, where rustic charm seamlessly blend with modern comfort, providing the perfect escape for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying local food, wine, and winter adventures. Nearby skiing and snowboarding are available, along with a charming country tavern within walking distance that is open from Thursday to Sunday.
Nearby, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, Pollard Park, and just a 38-minute drive to the Wairau Lagoons Walkway, where you can explore a beautiful trail through wetlands and lagoons.
A cozy 139-square-foot tiny home with friendly farm animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs to keep you company. Complete with easy water access, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas-heated for hot showers).
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ escape here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities, such as food and water during your stay with us. Thank you.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny home and are welcome to explore the truffière, orchard, and creek. If you have any questions, you are welcome to knock on the main house door and introduce yourself.
- Fishing opportunities are available in nearby lakes and rivers (licenses may be needed)
- Wine tours and tastings are available; please ask the host for more details.
- Explore the mountain bike tracks.
What’s more, outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to explore such as the nearby Wairau River is an excellent spot for fishing, and for avid hikers, several trails offer breathtaking views of the Wairau Valley's natural beauty.
The Neighborhood:
Okuti Cottage by Tiny Away sits in the charming countryside of Wairau Valley - South Island New Zealand, renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It's just an hour from the city of Nelson and a quick 32-minute drive from the serene town of Blenheim.
To explore more of the region, check out the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival in February or the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival on March 8.
Our local recommendations:
- Wairau Tavern for very good pub meals, coffee, and drinks. Hop on hop off wine tour bus is 30 minutes away.
- Mount Richmond is a picturesque peak offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Wairau River is a serene river popular for fishing and kayaking, offering tranquil waters and scenic views along its banks.
- Pollard Park is a landscaped park with lush gardens, walking paths, and recreational areas, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
- Wairau Valley is a charming valley known for its vineyards and wineries, offering a picturesque setting and opportunities to sample local wines.
- Wairau Lagoons Walkway is a scenic walking trail that meanders through wetlands and lagoons, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying natural beauty.
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim is a fascinating museum showcasing aviation history with impressive displays of vintage aircraft and interactive exhibits.
Getting Around:
By car:
- 30 mins drive to the nearest town Blenheim
- 1 hr, 30 mins drive to the nearest city Nelson
By public transport:
There is no public transport, however I may be able to do pick ups from airport or bus/train station in Blenheim. Or if you're coming from Wellington, the quickest route is to:
- Fly from Wellington to Blenheim: Catch a domestic flight from Wellington Airport to Blenheim Airport, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
- Then, drive from Blenheim to Wairau Valley: From Blenheim Airport, drive north on State Highway 1 (SH1) for about 30 minutes to reach Wairau Valley.
Additional Tips: We kindly remind guests to check their flight and transport schedules so we can arrange pickups exclusively in Blenheim.
Other Things to Note:
- Gas BBQ Grill is available
- Drink water available free of charge
- Wi-Fi is available near the main house
- Mobile phone reception has a good signal
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- The shed is off-limits, and the pigs can only be viewed with the host
- No Smoking allowed inside the tiny home; except outside the private spaces
- There are recycling and rubbish bins available and will be collected by the host
- There are 4 Border Collie dogs that roam freely, as 2 ducks, 3 guinea fowl, and 1 cat
- Always remember to shut the gates before entering and leaving the paddocks
- Please do not enter animal paddocks or yards without the land host's permission
- We also ask guests not to feed farm animals as they are on specific diets for their health
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge.
Pre-orders & Activities
- Laundry Service is available for an extra cost of $10/load ($5 – not dried or folded)
- Breakfast is available upon request for an extra cost of $20/person . ( Wholemeal sourdough bread, bacon and eggs from our premises, fruit,cereal, milk, butter, marmite, jams ). Breakfast delivered the night before.
- Meals – Available on request with 24 hours’ notice. Options include: ( Nachos: $20, Moussaka: $30 and Vege pie: $30 )
- Fishing opportunities are available in nearby lakes and rivers (licenses may be needed)
- Wine tours and tastings are available; please ask the host for more details.
- Explore the mountain bike tracks.
All pre-orders and activities listed above must be prearranged with the land host 24 hrs before arrival for a smooth check-in. Thank you.
Important note:
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present on the property
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the [compost/cassette] toilets and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
