Matauri Bay Retreat - Shearers Cottage

Top rated by guests
102025 MatauriBayRetreat ShearersCottage 19
102025 MatauriBayRetreat ShearersCottage 8
102025 MatauriBayRetreat ShearersCottage 9
102025 MatauriBayRetreat ShearersCottage 10
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review stars
9.8Outstanding
(24 Ratings)
"The cottage is beautiful and rustic with amazing artwork and the best views over Matauri Bay and the Cavalli islands. Very private and perfect for our 2 french bulldogs. They loved the property and th..."
Erin B.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(24 Ratings)

House in Northland

5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area

About this house rental

The Shearer’s Cottage

A private, peaceful retreat set away from the main house. Renovated five years ago. The Shearer’s Cottage offers a relaxed holiday vibe with a spacious northwest-facing veranda, perfect for sunsets, stargazing, BBQ dinners, or relaxing in the hammock with a book.

Inside, polished wooden floors and cosy furnishings create a warm, comfortable space. Enjoy a couch and daybed, TV, art-filled walls, and a selection of books. Beds are made with 100% cotton bedding and wool duvets for a great night’s sleep.

The cottage includes a simple but well-equipped kitchen with tea, coffee, spices, and fresh garden herbs. Bathroom has good water pressure, plus a separate toilet, washer and dryer. Unlimited Wi-Fi included.

An ideal vacation rental for couples, small families, or anyone wanting a quiet, charming escape.  Dogs are welcome.

Property & Farm Information

Welcome to our farm on the hill overlooking Whakarara, the Cavalli Islands and beautiful Matauri Bay. This information will help you make the most of understanding everything our property has to offer.

Our accomodation features walls filled with artwork from our personal collection, including pieces by local artists and works by Teresa HR Lane. Studio visits welcome, please ask.

We are currently replanting native bush, orchards, and shelter trees around the farm. The trees are still young, but the landscape is thriving. As this is a rural property, you may occasionally encounter birds or insects. We follow a comprehensive pest-management plan, though nature sometimes wanders in.

Our water comes from rainwater tanks and is safe for drinking. During dry periods, we ask guests to be mindful of water use. While the property is not fully off-grid, we do use solar panels to support our power supply. Recycling and composting are encouraged.

Guests are welcome to explore the farm and the lake area. If you bring a dog, please keep them under control around sheep and ensure gates are closed. The farm fences are not dog-proof.

Your hosts — Pierre, Teresa, the kids, and our dogs Zane and Lila — live in the main house. We’re happy to share local tips, beach recommendations, and directions during your stay.

Local Information

The settlement of Matauri Bay is a 30-minute drive north of Kerikeri, off SH10, and sits on a loop road that leads to some of the most beautiful beaches, bays and coves in Northland. Our farm is located on the hilltop overlooking the sacred maunga Whakarara, the Cavalli Islands, and Matauri Bay.

Matauri Bay beach is just a 3-minute drive away and offers white sand and gentle surf. Out of season, you may be the first to leave footprints on the beach. Continue along the coastal road to explore more beaches, including Te Ngaere (boat launching), Piapia, Wainui, Mahinepua (great for hiking), and Tauranga Bay. The road eventually brings you out near Whangaroa Harbour and the historic town of Kaeo (about 20 minutes).

For golfers, spa lovers, or anyone wanting a luxury experience, Kauri Cliffs is our neighbouring property — less than 5 minutes by car to the restaurant, spa, and world-class golf course. For the more budget conscious northland offers a wealth of beautiful rural golfcourses.

For divers, kayakers and sea adventures look no further than the Cavalli Islands, dive the Rainbow Warrior or fish the deep ocean.

Despite our rural setting, the local Blue Bar — a small bar, dairy, and fish & chip shop — is just a 5-minute walk away and stocks basic essentials. The Matauri Bay Campground by the beach sells basic supplies and fuel

This is an excellent base for exploring the Far North:

Cape Reinga — approx. 2 hours

Ahipara or the Hokianga — approx. 1.5 hours

Waitangi, Russell & Paihia — approx. 45 minutes

Kerikeri & Kaeo (amenities, supermarkets, petrol, markets) — 20–30 minutes

The property has electric-vehicle charging, and space to park and wash down a boat. Free boat launching is available at Te Ngaere, with paid access at Matauri Bay.

Amenities at Matauri Bay Retreat - Shearers Cottage

Non-smoking
Pets allowed

Map of Northland


Things to know


Additional fees to expect

Cleaning & other feesWe include all stay related fees in the Cleaning Fee line, which may include cleaning, property manager, resort, tourism and other stay related fees. All Vrbo properties are professionally cleaned after each stay.
Booking feeNo booking fees, easy credit card payments.
Service feeThis helps Vrbo provide a safer and more secure booking experience.
TaxesTaxes on accommodation such as Occupancy Tax, VAT, or GST. May also include tourism fees.

Customer support

Customer support is handled by our partner Vrbo

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    Ratings and reviews

    9.8 / 10.0
    Outstanding(24 Ratings)
    10.0 / 10.0
    The cottage is beautiful and rustic with amazing artwork and the best views over Matauri Bay and the Cavalli islands. Very private and perfect for our 2 french bulldogs. They loved the property and the freedom of their own space in an idilic location. Smart tv, washer and dryer plus a massive shower. Our host Teresa was so friendly even helped us with a flat battery in our car. Highly recommend 5 stars
    8.0 / 10.0
    Very nice place to stay, but rather expensive.
    8.0 / 10.0
    It's crazy quiet... and the beds are soo comfortable. I'd have loved a wee bit more water pressure in the shower mind.. though in the scheme of things not a biggy. Loved the dogs too.
    10.0 / 10.0
    We had a fantastic time at the Matauri Bay Shearers Cottage. The property was nice, private and quaint and just as advertised. A short walk to the pub and diary and a short drive to the beach. The hosts (both the two legged and four legged kind) were very welcoming. Would definitely love to come again. Thanks!!
    8.0 / 10.0
    Good but not great. It is an old cottage but was missing some luxuries for the price. The house is colourful, comfortable and clean and the hostess made everything easy.
    10.0 / 10.0
    Peaceful, comfortable with everything you need. Amazing views and location was great. Close to the beach and great coffee. Wonderful host. Just a perfect spot with great artwork.
    10.0 / 10.0
    A good base for visiting friends at Matauri Bay campground. Peaceful surrounding of sheep and fields. Rustic feel but comfortable.
    10.0 / 10.0
    Colourful painted exterior reflects an interior hung with the artist owner’s and others artworks and furnished with upcycled decor. It’s Dreamtime in the hammock on the deck with azure skies and aquamarine balustrades wrapped with emerald tecomanthe vines. Paddocks with sheep and a pond all surrounded by tons of native planting, it’s gorgeous. It’s not all smick and contrived, it’s honest and homely and super comfy. We took our dog who loved meeting and playing with owner’s dog. Far enough away from the bay to tempt you to laze and read, then make the beach(s) visits a worthwhile trip. This is a place that’ll get better year on year.

    FAQs

    Is parking included with this house?

    Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Matauri Bay Retreat - Shearers Cottage. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

    Is there a pool at this house?

    We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

    Is Matauri Bay Retreat - Shearers Cottage pet friendly?

    Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

    What amenities are available at Matauri Bay Retreat - Shearers Cottage?

    We found 2 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, and pets allowed.


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