Jennifer and Richard have had experience in running Boutique Accommodation in New Zealand and Overseas. They setup and ran a Ski-Lodge in Japan for a season for a NZ Owner. Ran Boutique Accommodation in Norfolk Island. Having left New Zealand in 2012 to have a catamaran built, we spent the next 7 years travelling 3/4 of the way around world, visiting over 35 countries. We love meeting people from all walks of life, enjoy good food and wine. We love gardening, cooking and enjoying life.

Ongarue Cottage is a little piece of paradise in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, situated at the end of the famous Timber Trail Great Ride. ​ Guests have use of a century old Cottage built of native timbers: The Cottage has four bedrooms, three with ensuite bathrooms and one with a private separate bathroom We supply a continental breakfast, an example of what is included is: Weetbix, Muesli, Yoghurt, Poached Fruit from our orchard (when available), Bread, Butter, Homemade Jam/Jelly, local Honey, and Free Range Eggs (when available) for you to cook. There is also Juice, English Breakfast Tea, Coffee pod machine (and pods) Plunger Coffee and Instant Coffee and Milk. There is a shared kitchen/dining area and lounge (unless you book the whole house), with outside BBQ and outdoor dining option. There is a hot tub for 9 people and outdoor garden furniture. The 140 year-old Church is where the hosts live, adjacent to the Cottage.

We are at the South End of the famous Timber Trail. Voted one of NZ two best cycleways. While with us, try at least the lower section (45 km), which is mostly gently downhill. Bicycle hire and transport is available via 3 local companies. 20 minutes walk from the Cottage is a 70 metre-long trout-filled swimming hole with (wait for it!) a little sand. 10 minutes drive away is NZ's largest Alpaca farm, with a tour/demonstration programme and shop. 15 minutes drive away is the town of Taumarunui, the commercial and administrative capital of the Ruapehu area. Here you’ll find all facilities you need - many shops, restaurants and service centres, a great golf course, a municipal swimming pool, sports and cultural centres and a full hospital. Within an hour’s drive are the famous Waitomo Caves, Lake Taupo’s Trout Fishing, Tongariro National Park’s Volcanoes and the Whakapapa ski-fields. Ongarue Cottage is also a good base to join water adventures down the Wanganui River (up to 4 days of kayaking/rafting and the longest jet ride in the Southern Hemisphere) and close to the start of the Forgotten World Rail Trail. The Independent Republic of Whangamōmona (google it!) is also hidden in the forests south of Taumarunui.