About Us
Our Story
We’re an outdoors-loving family of four - Sean, Jana, and our two kids, Alanna and Liam.
The Mackenzie High Country, with its vast tussock plains, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks, has our hearts, and it’s been our dream to share its magic with others.
Sean, a builder with over 40 years’ experience, has crafted some of New Zealand’s most stunning backcountry lodges and mountain huts. I’m Jana, a geographer and health & wellness coach with a passion for creating spaces that nurture both body and mind. Together, we set out to create a place where people can truly slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect - whether that’s with nature, with themselves, or with someone special.
Our cottages are designed to bring the spirit of the Mackenzie right inside - the blues of the lakes, the greens of the open tussock lands, and the greys of the glacial moraines. We’ve built them using sustainable, natural materials - timber claddings, wool insulation, natural wool carpets, and linseed oil finishes - because comfort should never come at the cost of your health or the environment.
Each cottage invites you to spend time both indoors and out. Fall asleep under a starlit sky through the stargazing window above the bed, soak in the outdoor hot tub surrounded by native plants, or simply relax with a good book and the scent of pine trees.
Sean, who is also a mountain guide, is always happy to share local weather updates and conditions for your adventures.
And in summer, you might even find a basket of strawberries or apples from our garden waiting for you.
Kowhai Cottages is more than a place to stay - it’s our family’s way of welcoming you into the beauty, peace, and rhythm of life in the high country.
Our Best Features
Unique Craftmanship
Our cottages offer unique and inviting design features that blend modern comfort with rustic charm, ensuring a memorable stay for our guests.
Stargazing Window
Fall asleep under the stars with a large stargazing window right above the bed. Watch the Milky Way drift by or wake to soft morning light through the treetops - nature’s beauty, right from your pillow.
Other Features
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Fully Equipped Kitchen
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Cosy Window Seat
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Outside Deck and Decking Furniture
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Bathroom Underfloor Heating
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Netflix
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Infant Gear and Toys on Request
Outdoor Tub
Soak under the open sky, surrounded by native plants and the scent of pine. Our outdoor hot tub offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring—whether you're watching the sunset, stargazing, or simply enjoying the stillness of nature.
Our Philosophy
Rest. Reconnect. Rediscover the beauty of slowing down.
At Kowhai Cottages, we believe that true rest happens when you slow down and let nature in.
That’s why we’ve created a space that blends the comforts of thoughtful design with the grounding beauty of the land around us.
Surrounded by native plants, pine trees, and the vast skies of the Mackenzie region, our cottages are built to invite stillness, simplicity, and connection. Whether it's soaking in a hot tub under the trees, falling asleep beneath the stars through the skylight above your bed, or waking to birdsong and mountain air—every detail is designed to help you unwind and truly be.
As a builder and a wellness coach, we’ve combined our skills to craft more than just accommodation—we’ve created a peaceful retreat for people who value beauty, presence, and the healing rhythm of nature.
Guest Stories
Memorable Experiences
"What a fabulous cabin!! Very modern with so much love put into this rental!! Master class construction! The huge skylight in the primary bedroom was a treat, looking up at the pines in the daylight and the constellations at night. Amazing! Jana is a warm and kind host, very responsive. Thanks for a wonderful stay!"
Lisa (USA)
"By far the best place we have ever stayed.
Photos are exactly as pictured, and the cottage is beautifully built and styled.
Outdoor bath was amazing on a cold night, and the main bedroom skylight/window was a really nice feature.
100% recommend to anyone looking for a beautiful private getaway that could be for both a week or a weekend."
Tyler (Australia)
"We absolutely LOVED our stay at Kowhai Cottage! It has every amenity you could possibly need for during your stay, and is perfectly situated for exploring the glorious local area. Jana and Sean have poured love into creating such a special place to stay - they have thought of everything! They were so welcoming and really great to communicate with. Stargazing both outside and through the skylight in the bedroom is something we will always remember. We couldn’t recommend Kowhai Cottages enough! Our only regret is not being able to stay longer!"
Emma (UK)
"One of my fav Airbnb’s that I’ve ever stayed at! The beds are so comfy, outdoor area very peaceful with lots of birds, hot tub was awesome, slippers to wear in the cottage.. we didn’t want to leave!"
Tayler (Canada)
