Cobden Garden Bed and Breakfast

08/08/2026

The National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier is one of many stand out experiences when visiting Hawke's Bay New Zealand and staying with us at Cobden Garden B&B. Celebrating 50 years on its current site my first memories were of seeing sea horses for the first time when the aquarium was located under the Memorial Conference Centre. In its current location there are many favourites including Terry the hawksbill turtle, the little blue penguins in their special enclosure, (they all have names and are very much individuals with endearing qualities), Alfie the tuatara and in the kiwi house you need to look very carefully to find a kiwi using its long beak to search out grubs for dinner. Thank you to the staff for our guided tour recently.

30/07/2026

One very happy little visitor when you take the lid off the compost bin.

28/06/2026

The walkway along Hardinge Road in Ahuriri is one of my favourite walks. Yesterday the sea was particularly impressive. The wild weather around the country affecting our normally smooth sea.

16/06/2026

The view of Cobden Garden B&B from Cobden Crescent. Named after the Crescent - or the Road or the Lane (there are three roads with the name Cobden as you approach the B&B) - and the extensive garden even the approach to Cobden Garden Bed and Breakfast is leafy promising more garden sights.

08/04/2026

In lieu of payment for doing laundry for our guests we ask for a donation to ECOED - Environment, Conservation & Outdoor Education. Quietly the generous donations have been accumulating, and we were thrilled to credit their give a little page with $1250.00 at the end of March. We received this lovely message from them. "Kia ora, Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation. We are facing a big shortfall in funding this year, so this donation is very helpful indeed! Ngā mihi". We are so pleased to be able to help our little kiwis.

20/02/2026

Our guests looking spiffing for their Art Deco vintage car ride and day in Napier. Joining many enjoying Art Deco in Napier this weekend.

18/01/2026

A modified look for our Titoki Room today as we deal with yet more stains from sunscreen. As the bedspreads are too large for our machines it means a visit to the laundrette on a day that we will be able to line dry. That is not today as it is wet and cool. Last Sunday we were surviving 37 degrees!

05/01/2026

Kereru are regular visitors to our garden. This visit enjoying kawakawa catkins. They certainly help spread kawakawa plants throughout the garden and neighbourhood.

24/12/2025

23/12/2025

Spectacular skies last night providing the perfect background for some posing by grandchildren Oliver and Chloe.