Aramatai Gardens could be described as a country cottage sitting between a botanical park on one side and farmland on the other. The park is extensive with ponds and bridges, and many interesting trees and plants. You could spend an hour walking and admiring this attraction. If you stay one night only, I would suggest checking in as early as possible to have enough time to see the park and falls. Bring food for dinner though because there are no food options nearby. You cook breakfast yourself from products supplied by Jill. Homemade brownies are one of the best I ever had. The only minor thing I would suggest is one more slice of bread for breakfast.

Lovely little cottage with fully equipped kitchen for supplied bacon and eggs with muesli/bran/yoghurt/fruit/toast/fudge etc. Gorgeous rolling gardens with ponds, bridges, seats, pathways and viewpoints. Allow 45min each way for the walk up to the secret waterfall( well worthwhile). Jill is friendly , helpful and hardworking.

My leg disappearing between two boulders when I was jumping down (off-track) in the bush area just above the falls. Luckily injury was mostly to pride.

The food supplied for breakfast was great - bacon and fresh eggs plus cereal and fruit juice - and the lovely touch of fresh baking! Not that far from Te Kuiti but very close to the Taumarunui highway if you were travelling that way. Very highly recommended!! The gardens were the highlight of the stay - like a small arboretum. Thank you Jill!

We could not see an iron and ironing board as we were heading to a function however I am sure our obliging host would have supplied them if asked - so certainly not a major issue!

Great location for glow worm caves and Hairy feet tour. Plenty of food which was awesome as there's not much nearby and restaurants keep unusual hours. None were open when we wanted to eat. Farm fresh eggs and bacon were excellent. Comfortable, clean cottage with the sound of cows greeting us. Very comfortable bed and hosts accommodated our later arrival. Would definitely stay there again. I wish we stayed longer so we could explore the property more and hike to the waterfall. You could spend a day just enjoying what the property has to offer.

Figuring out the driveway entrance took a few minutes but once through the gate we were happy to be there.

Our stay at Aramatai Gardens was truly enchanting! Nestled in a picturesque location surrounded by nature, the walk to the waterfall was amazing. Greeting the friendly cat, dogs and horses added a special touch. The cottage was incredibly comfortable and the breakfast was hands down the most generous we've experienced in all of New Zealand. Every minute spent there was thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks for sharing your home; it was an unforgettable experience!

Nothing

A tranquil and comfortable cottage in beautiful gardens. The property was immaculate and the breakfast provisions magnificent! Jill's welcome and advice on the area were excellent. A perfect place to relax and appreciate the locality. The walk to the waterfall is a highlight that should not be missed.

There is nothing to dislike.

The location was peaceful and the gardens were beautiful. It was a healing place. The cottage was very spacious for an over night stay and very comfortable. We appreciated the special touches - my husband especially appreciated the brownies. Breakfast was very good. You thought of every detail. Many thanks. (Thanks also for letting us have some greens from your veggie bed!)

Nothing - it was the nicest over night stay I've had.

Birdsong Cottage is set in the most amazing garden - so tranquil and only natural sounds like those of hte birds visiting the gardens. Great breakfast supplied , room large and roomy with kitchen facilities

It is a fair way out of town - which didn't bother us once we realised we needed to bring out our takeaway dinner rather than travel back in. Once you are aware of that it would not be an ongoing issue as you would come prepared.

Beautiful rural setting with lovely garden. Great breakfast and brownies on arrival . Lovely clean studio.

Just a bit cold at night as only 1 cover on the bed but we later learnt from the owner that there were spare blankets in the box. We did put on heater. 20 minutes drive to nearest restaurant/ cafe.

Jill should charge a lot more than she does. This place is absolutely magical. Beautiful, beautiful gardens, on a very picturesque farm with a fantastic short walk threw the farm (saying hi to the farm animals along the way) to a stunning waterfall. The breakfast provided is huge, as good as you’ll get anywhere, to many things to list, but the fresh eggs, real farm bacon and homemade brownies were so awesome.

It was sad to leave