Fodor's Expert Review Cottage at Paradise

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

A 20-minute drive from the city center, this two-bedroom cottage stands back from the road on a 12-acre block of rural land (called a "lifestyle block"). With the gin-clear Ngongotaha stream running directly behind the property, it's heaven in a basket for the ardent trout angler. The faux log-cabin exterior gives way to a tastefully decorated, contemporary interior with a gas fire and full kitchen. It's serviced daily, and the fridge is stocked with breakfast provisions to get you going on the first morning.