Cottages

Cottage accommodation in rural New Zealand and its small towns: an older building, a fire for the evening and a garden to sit out in.

Cottages are small by design, which is the appeal: thick walls, low ceilings, a kitchen table that seats everyone staying, and one or two bedrooms rather than four. Most are cosy rather than roomy, which suits couples, a pair of friends, or a family with young children.

A cottage makes sense for a quiet few days somewhere green, a walking trip, or a base for visiting wineries and country markets. Pack warm clothes for winter, and expect the nearest cafe to be a short drive rather than around the corner.