Awatotara Cottage was perfect for us. Beautiful surroundings, and a nature reserve with rare native birds on our doorstep. Liz and Bruce were wonderful hosts. Liz generously provided us with home-made bread, yoghurt and vegetables from her garden, and Bruce collected paua from the shore. We were able to visit wildlife reserves on their land where important conservation work is being carried out.
The cottage itself is one of the most comfortable places we've ever stayed, making it easy to relax inside on the occasional wet day (it was January), and very easy to heat with the wood-burning stove if the weather turns cold.
We very quickly got used to the drive to and from Waitangi, and found that exploring the island from this SW corner was just as easy as from anywhere else. Staying on a working farm and talking to Liz and Bruce also gave us more of an insight into life on the Island than would have been possible from staying in a hotel or lodge.