Discovery Cottage is an early 1900s small character bach on a secluded site right in Tolaga Bay township. The main beach and Uawa river mouth are only a five minutes walk away, and historic Tolaga Bay wharf and entrance to Cook’s Cove walkway four kilometres drive to the south. 

Tolaga Bay is ideal for a holiday at any time of the year, as the winters are mild and short, and the summers long and hot. Veni, your host, can point out the best beaches and places to visit along the East Coast, and introduce you to the rich history and cultural mix of Te Tairawhiti. 

Nga hau e wha, nau mai, haere mai, ki Uawanui-a-Ruamatua! 

Discovery Cottage has recently been restored and extended from the original two small rooms. There's a sunny new double bedroom with modern shower / toilet. 

Discovery Cottage is a great hideaway for couples, and there are single beds in the living area  and kitchen, ideal for daytime naps (or two extra guests at a pinch). Beds have pillows, duvets and electric blankets. Please provide your own linen (sheets, pillowcases and towels) but if you’re stuck, these can be hired for $15 per person per stay. 

The interior of Discovery Cottage is restful and inviting, and filled with Veni's collection of photographs, art and artifacts, from around New Zealand and the Pacific.

Discovery Cottage catches the daily sea breeze and is cool in summer. Both the old and new parts of the building are fully insulated, and with a Dover stove for heating the cottage is very cosy in winter. (the oven works well and the adventurous cook may want to attempt some baking!)



Verandahs face the morning and afternoon sun, and there are shady corners and secluded suntraps in the garden. Morning sun streams into the bedroom.