Authentic Farm Stay Accommodation in the Tararua District

Waitawhiti Country Retreat offers an authentic Tararua farm stay experience in the peaceful countryside of the Tararua District. This historic 2,300-hectare sheep and beef station has been family-owned for over 160 years and welcomes guests looking to experience genuine rural New Zealand hospitality.

Located along scenic Route 52 near Tīraumea, Waitawhiti Country Retreat is the perfect rural retreat for travellers wanting to unwind, reconnect with nature and enjoy the wide-open landscapes of the Tararua countryside. Guests looking for a North Island farm stay will find a relaxing rural escape surrounded by rolling farmland and spectacular views.

Guests can relax in comfortable farm stay accommodation while exploring nearby walking tracks, historic sites and the welcoming rural communities of the region.

Group Farm Stay Accommodation at Waitawhiti Country Retreat

Waitawhiti Country Retreat offers two unique accommodation options surrounded by rolling farmland and wide-open countryside views.

Knucklebone Lodge – Sleeps up to 14 Guests

Knucklebone Lodge is perfect for groups, families or touring parties looking for a spacious rural retreat in the Tararua District.

The lodge includes five comfortable bedrooms and can accommodate up to fourteen guests.

Room layout includes:

• Super King bedroom
• Twin bedroom
• King bedroom
• Queen bedroom with bunk beds
• Bunk room with two sets of bunks

Guests have access to:

• Two bathrooms
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Comfortable shared living areas
• Outdoor seating areas

Evenings can be enjoyed around the outdoor brazier while taking in the clear night skies and spectacular Milky Way views.

Ideal for Group Stays in Tararua

Knucklebone Lodge at Waitawhiti Country Retreat is ideal for group accommodation in the Tararua District, comfortably sleeping up to 14 guests across five bedrooms.

The lodge is perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Friends travelling together
• Touring groups
• Retreats or special celebrations

With shared living areas, a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor spaces for relaxing, it provides a unique rural setting for groups wanting to experience a genuine New Zealand farm stay.

Neils Whare Cottage – Rural Accommodation in Tararua

Sleeps up to 4

Neils Whare is a beautifully restored shepherd’s cottage offering a cosy and peaceful farm stay for couples or small families.

Originally built as a single shepherd’s cottage, the property was lovingly renovated in 2023 while retaining its authentic rural charm.

The cottage includes:

• Queen bedroom
• Bunk bedroom
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Open-plan lounge and dining area
• Modern bathroom

Guests can relax outdoors beside the brazier and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Tararua countryside.

Experience Life on a Working New Zealand Farm

A stay at Waitawhiti Country Retreat provides the opportunity to experience authentic rural life on a working sheep and beef station.

Guests can enjoy:

• Walking through open farmland
• Interacting with friendly farm animals
• Watching daily farm activities
• Relaxing in peaceful countryside surroundings

This unique farm stay offers a genuine connection to the land and the traditions of rural New Zealand.

Stargazing at Waitawhiti Country Retreat

With very little light pollution, Waitawhiti Station is an excellent place for stargazing in the Tararua District. On clear nights guests can step outside and enjoy spectacular views of the Milky Way, Southern Cross and brilliant rural night skies, making your farm stay experience even more memorable.

Family-Friendly Farm Stay

Waitawhiti Country Retreat is perfect for families wanting to enjoy time together in nature.

Children and adults alike can enjoy outdoor activities such as:

• Backyard cricket
• Lawn games
• Exploring the surrounding countryside

With plenty of space to roam, it’s an ideal destination for families looking for a relaxed rural getaway.

Pet Friendly Farm Stay

Waitawhiti Country Retreat is a pet-friendly farm stay, so guests are welcome to bring along their beloved pets during their stay. If you are travelling with more than two dogs, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Farm-to-Table Dining

On request, guests can enjoy meals prepared with fresh locally sourced ingredients.

The Richardson family also offers the opportunity to taste traditional family favourites that celebrate the flavours of the Tararua region.

Campervan Parking at Waitawhiti Country Retreat

Travellers exploring the region by campervan can also stay at Waitawhiti Country Retreat.

Guests are welcome to park their campervan in a spacious no-power campsite on the farm, providing a peaceful place to stay surrounded by nature.

Stay at Waitawhiti Country Retreat Farm Stay

Discover peaceful farm stay accommodation in the Tararua District, perfect for families, couples and group stays. Visit the Waitawhiti Country Retreat website to learn more about the lodge and cottage accommodation.

👉 Visit Waitawhiti Country Retreat Website

What Makes a Farm Stay Special?

A farm stay offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic rural life while enjoying comfortable accommodation in the countryside. Guests at Waitawhiti Country Retreat can relax in peaceful surroundings, explore the farmland and enjoy the slower pace of life on a traditional New Zealand sheep and beef station.

For travellers looking for a North Island farm stay, Waitawhiti Country Retreat provides a genuine rural escape surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tararua District.

Location & Travel Times

Waitawhiti Station is located in the scenic Tararua countryside, approximately 1 hour from Masterton and 50 minutes from Pahiatua, making it an easy rural escape from nearby towns in the Wairarapa and Tararua regions.

Day Trips to Castlepoint Beach

The station is also around 1.5 hours from the stunning Castlepoint Beach, one of the Wairarapa’s most iconic coastal destinations. Visitors can enjoy a scenic day trip to the beach to explore the lighthouse, walk along the coastline and experience the rugged beauty of the east coast.

Explore the Tararua District

The Tararua District is known for its scenic landscapes, quiet rural roads and welcoming rural communities.

From Waitawhiti Country Retreat you can explore:

• Scenic Route 52
• Tararua countryside drives
• Local walking trails
• Historic rural settlements
• Outdoor recreation areas

For more travel ideas and places to visit while exploring the region, read our Manawatū–Whanganui travel blog and discover more things to see and do in this part of the North Island.

FAQs

Where is Waitawhiti Country Retreat located?

Waitawhiti Station is located in Tīraumea in the Tararua District of New Zealand’s North Island, along the scenic Route 52.

What accommodation options are available at Waitawhiti Country Retreat?

Guests can stay at Knucklebone Lodge, which sleeps up to 14 guests, or Neils Whare, a restored shepherd’s cottage ideal for couples or small families.

Is Waitawhiti Country Retreat suitable for group accommodation?

Yes. Knucklebone Lodge at Waitawhiti Country Retreat sleeps up to 14 guests across five bedrooms, making it ideal for group stays, family gatherings or rural retreats in the Tararua District.

Can campervans stay at Waitawhiti Country Retreat?

Yes. Campervans are welcome and can park in a peaceful no-power campsite on the farm.

What is a farm stay in New Zealand?

A farm stay allows visitors to stay on a working farm while enjoying comfortable accommodation and experiencing rural life. At Waitawhiti Country Retreat, guests can relax in peaceful countryside surroundings and experience authentic New Zealand farm hospitality.