St Karas Cottage is nestled within the 50 acre property of St Enoch and St Elijah Monastery amidst rich farmland, beautiful forests and special views of hills and ancient volcano ridge line. Please note, THE ENTIRE PROPERTY IS SMOKE FREE. Bear this in mind when booking. It is a rural property with all the wee insects you'd expect to encounter outside. And, the entire property is give over to God, so there are crosses on the lawn, on the buildings, and particularly on the Deification Drive that is a meditative walk with Jesus through the gospels where each person has the opportunity to pray into what the Holy Spirit has for their life. There is no urupā (cemetary) on the property as yet. Your time with us is secure, private and self-determined. You are free to walk the property, which is mainly uncultivated. We have free-range chickens and ducks, 5 cats, grazing cows, and wild peacocks, rabbits, possums, goats, pigs, and other forest critters that roam through. Caution is to be taken walking on uneven and sometimes slippery grounds, particularly near the small river and streams. All fences are hotwired and must not be touched. Children should be supervised at all times, and visitors venture about the property at their own risk. And pleasure! We are a small Christian ecumenical contemplative community housed in the main monastery building 200 metres from the cottage. The monastery is a quiet place, a special place. It is a place for and of God. There are gardens to sit in, and places to rest or pray.

Welcome to St Karas Cottage, our stand alone cottage on St Enoch and St Elijah Monastery property, here in the heart of Northland. We enjoy welcoming all who are led to stay in our monastery cottage, and feel certain each person will be blessed by their time here.

The monastery is situated in the centre of Northland between the Bay of Islands and the beautiful west coast. Whether it is history, cafe culture, caves, walks, and coast line of the Pahia and the east or ancient forests of the Kauri in Waipoua Forest, calm waters, giant volcanic boulders, arts and crafts of Rawene, Koukou, Opononi or Omapare, we are in the middle. We make an excellent stopping point to access east and west, and for when you are headed north to 90-mile beach or to Cape Reinga. Of course, you may simply like to come and retreat at the monastery in our lovely cottage, surrounded by gorgeous forest, streams, hillside views and peace and tranquility.