Cookson Cottage
Cookson Cottage is a Department of Conservation backcountry base in the Kauaeranga Valley, inside Coromandel Forest Park. It’s designed for bunk-style groups and is used to explore the nearby valley walk network, with shorter outings as well as day trips starting from the cottage area.
The cottage sleeps a maximum of 8 people across separate sleeping areas (two people in Room A’s bunks; two people in Room A’s other bunk set; two people in Room B’s bunks; and two people in the living room bunks). Bookings are required, and backcountry hut passes/tickets can’t be used here. You’ll need to bring your own linen; check-in is after 3:00 pm and check-out is before 11:00 am.
Fees for stays up to 30 June 2026 are $161 per night plus a $50 cleaning fee, with a minimum stay of 2 nights. Bookings run up to 30 June 2027; if there’s no availability shown online for your dates, it’s fully booked and no spaces are kept for arrivals without a booking. A $10 service fee applies for phone and in-person bookings made at a visitor centre, while same-day online bookings are available until 8:00 pm if spaces remain.