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 private homes. 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.
The Experience
Designed for Rest, Comfort, and Connection
Kowhai Cottages offers two private, handcrafted wooden cottages in Twizel, in the heart of the Mackenzie High Country.
Each space is designed to feel both cozy and easy to live in — combining natural materials with modern comforts such as underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen, and simple touches like Netflix.
Time here naturally slows down.
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.
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.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Everything you need to cook and settle in comfortably.
Natural Building Materials
Timber, wool, and natural finishes for a grounded feel.
Underfloor Heating
Warm bathroom floors for cozy stays year-round.
Laundry Facilities
Convenient for longer stays and outdoor adventures.
Netflix & Relaxed Evenings
Wind down with a movie after a day outdoors.
Cozy Places to Sit, Inside and Out
Comfortable spaces to relax, read or enjoy a cuppa
Our Cottages
Two Private Cottages, Designed for Comfort and Quiet
Our Cottages
Both cottages offer the same core features — including stargazing windows, outdoor baths, and cozy interiors — with slight differences in layout and space.
Whether you’re drawn to stargazing from bed, relaxing in the outdoor bath, or simply enjoying a quiet retreat in Twizel, each space offers a slightly different way to experience the Mackenzie High Country.
Not sure which one to choose?
Both cottages offer the same sense of calm, privacy, and connection to the Mackenzie landscape — just with slightly different features and layout.
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.
Strgazing in Twizel
Twizel is located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing. With low light pollution and wide, open skies, the night sky is clearly visible throughout much of the year.
When choosing accommodation for a stargazing stay, small details make a big difference — access to outdoor space, minimal surrounding light, and the ability to view the sky comfortably.
At Kowhai Cottages, stargazing becomes part of your stay. Whether you’re lying beneath the overhead window above your bed, soaking in the outdoor bath, or stepping outside into the quiet of the night, the experience is always close at hand.
Twizel’s clear skies and dry climate make stargazing possible throughout much of the year.
Guest Stories
Kowhai Cottages have been featured in New Zealand Guide as one of the best unique stays in the South Island.
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)
Things You Might Like to Know
Is Kowhai Cottages good for stargazing?
Yes — Twizel is located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in New Zealand for stargazing. Both cottages feature overhead windows above the bed and outdoor bathing areas, allowing you to enjoy the night sky in comfort.
What is included in the cottages?
Each cottage is fully self-contained and includes a kitchen, underfloor heating, comfortable living spaces, and simple entertainment options like Netflix — making it easy to settle in and relax.
How many people can stay in each cottage?
Each cottage comfortably sleeps up to three guests, with an optional fourth pull-out bed available if needed.
Are the cottages suitable for families?
Yes — families are welcome, and the cottages can be set up to accommodate children. Infant gear can also be arranged if required.
Is one of the cottages wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Cottage Two has been designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, with a slightly more spacious layout for ease and comfort.
How far is Kowhai Cottages from Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki?
Kowhai Cottages is located in Twizel, within easy driving distance of Aoraki / Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Tekapo — making it an ideal base for exploring the Mackenzie region.
Where can I book a cozy cabin in Twizel?
Kowhai Cottages offers two private, handcrafted wooden cottages in Twizel, available to book directly through our website. Each cottage is fully self-contained and designed for a quiet, comfortable stay in the Mackenzie High Country.
