Roa was once a thriving community serving the mining people. Nowadays Roa has four families, two holiday houses, sheep, chickens, many native birds and a feeling of "remoteness" for some! Roa is approximately 3 k's from Blackball where there is a general store, hotel, cafe, sausage and salami factory, crafts and other delights. The cottage is on a no exit road which leads to a working open cast coal mine which is far up into the Paparoa mountains. There is weekday traffic to and fro the mine. Road access to the Paparoa Great Walk is approx 2 k's. from the cottage The cottage is an older, rustic, comfortable and cosy cottage with a small yard and a colourful flower garden. It is usually quiet and peaceful. (Unless the coal trucks are running). There is a stream down behind the house, down a steep bank, which offers a place to cool off and enjoy. The owner lives on site and can assist in anyway you might find helpful for your stay. Greymouth is the closest town ,approx 24 k's and a good place to shop for supplies. Reefton, Hokitika, Punakaiki and other interesting places are all within easy driving distance.