Mahaanui Cottage Farmstay Experience - Gisborne NZ
Cottage in Tiniroto, Gisborne, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, NZ
11 people
Pet-friendly
Mahaanui Cottage is a fully furnished, self-contained, private, country cottage located in the beautiful Tiniroto, halfway between Gisborne (approx. 2 - 2.5 hour drive) and Wairoa (approx. 2 hour drive).
With everything you need for an enjoyable stay, the Cottage is perfect for friends and families looking for a relaxing country break. Or an active farm experience.
Guests have the entire Cottage to themselves, a fully fenced standalone property (approx. 200 m from the Mahaanui homestead). It's warm and sunny, situated in a cottage garden with stunning views of the surrounding hills and grazing livestock. Peaceful, tranquil and relaxing.
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it comfortably sleeps up to 8 people. An extra double sofa-bed and single bed can be added in the big lounge – to sleep an extra 3 people.
The kitchen is well equipped and has basic cooking provisions such as flour sugar, tea, coffee, spices, oil but you will have to bring all your other food provisions with you as the nearest shops are in Gisborne / Wairoa.
There are two living areas, dining area, laundry, patio with BBQ, carport and space for extra cars. There is also a games cupboard, book library, TV and outside games available to entertain children. And for those cooler months, there are two freestanding fireplaces to keep you cosy (firewood is provided for you).
Two kayaks and life jackets are available for you to use, and we can take them to the river for you.
There are plenty of farm pets (animals) for you to get to know.
Farm Tours are available at an additional cost (if time allows).
Meals can also be provided with some notice for an additional cost.
Time from Airport (please note drive times are currently longer due to damage from Cyclone Gabrielle):
Drive from Auckland Airport ~8 hrs.
Drive from Napier Airport ~3 hrs.
Drive from Gisborne Airport ~2.5 hrs.
IMPORTANT: The Tiniroto Road from Gisborne has been closed from the 36 to 39km mark (as of July 2023). Therefore, the easiest route from Gisborne is via Wairoa (SH2), as the road is mostly tar sealed with the exception of Ruakaka Road (18km). Travel time will be approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (one-way).
Alternatively, there is a bypass route to Tiniroto via the Parikanapa Road which starts at Wae-renga-o-kuri. This is a 23km narrow, winding, gravel road which may be used by forestry trucks between 1 to 10km. So please ensure you drive slowly and stay on the left. Travel time will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (one-way).
If coming from the North, the Te Urewera route (SH38) is very scenic; however, it takes longer and has 150km of driving on gravel roads. Travel time will vary depending on your starting location.
Please remember that Parikanapa Road, Ruakaka Road and SH38 (in parts) are long, gravel roads. They are narrow and winding, and can be driven either way, so please drive slowly, stay on the left and expect oncoming traffic and stock at all times. They can also be slippery in some places after rain and are very dark at night.
IMPORTANT: There is currently no access onto Ruakaka Road via the Donneraille Park turn-off (due to the Donneraille Bridge being destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle). You must enter via the Tiniroto School turn-off.
Cyclists – If you contact us in advance, we may be able to provide boat transport for you and your gear across the Hangaroa River below the Donneraille Park turn-off.
With everything you need for an enjoyable stay, the Cottage is perfect for friends and families looking for a relaxing country break. Or an active farm experience.
Guests have the entire Cottage to themselves, a fully fenced standalone property (approx. 200 m from the Mahaanui homestead). It's warm and sunny, situated in a cottage garden with stunning views of the surrounding hills and grazing livestock. Peaceful, tranquil and relaxing.
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it comfortably sleeps up to 8 people. An extra double sofa-bed and single bed can be added in the big lounge – to sleep an extra 3 people.
The kitchen is well equipped and has basic cooking provisions such as flour sugar, tea, coffee, spices, oil but you will have to bring all your other food provisions with you as the nearest shops are in Gisborne / Wairoa.
There are two living areas, dining area, laundry, patio with BBQ, carport and space for extra cars. There is also a games cupboard, book library, TV and outside games available to entertain children. And for those cooler months, there are two freestanding fireplaces to keep you cosy (firewood is provided for you).
Two kayaks and life jackets are available for you to use, and we can take them to the river for you.
There are plenty of farm pets (animals) for you to get to know.
Farm Tours are available at an additional cost (if time allows).
Meals can also be provided with some notice for an additional cost.
Time from Airport (please note drive times are currently longer due to damage from Cyclone Gabrielle):
Drive from Auckland Airport ~8 hrs.
Drive from Napier Airport ~3 hrs.
Drive from Gisborne Airport ~2.5 hrs.
IMPORTANT: The Tiniroto Road from Gisborne has been closed from the 36 to 39km mark (as of July 2023). Therefore, the easiest route from Gisborne is via Wairoa (SH2), as the road is mostly tar sealed with the exception of Ruakaka Road (18km). Travel time will be approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (one-way).
Alternatively, there is a bypass route to Tiniroto via the Parikanapa Road which starts at Wae-renga-o-kuri. This is a 23km narrow, winding, gravel road which may be used by forestry trucks between 1 to 10km. So please ensure you drive slowly and stay on the left. Travel time will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (one-way).
If coming from the North, the Te Urewera route (SH38) is very scenic; however, it takes longer and has 150km of driving on gravel roads. Travel time will vary depending on your starting location.
Please remember that Parikanapa Road, Ruakaka Road and SH38 (in parts) are long, gravel roads. They are narrow and winding, and can be driven either way, so please drive slowly, stay on the left and expect oncoming traffic and stock at all times. They can also be slippery in some places after rain and are very dark at night.
IMPORTANT: There is currently no access onto Ruakaka Road via the Donneraille Park turn-off (due to the Donneraille Bridge being destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle). You must enter via the Tiniroto School turn-off.
Cyclists – If you contact us in advance, we may be able to provide boat transport for you and your gear across the Hangaroa River below the Donneraille Park turn-off.
Features and Amenities
3 bedrooms
8 beds
2 bathrooms
Bath
BBQ
Heating
Details
- Check in after 2:00pmCheck out before 11:00am
- Minimum booking: 2 nights
Cancellation Policy:
Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.
Additional Information
Check In / Out:
There is a keypad at the front door which gives access to the front door key so guests can self-check-in after 2pm on their arrival date, and check out before 11am on their departure date.
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a Mahaanui Cottage Information Pack with detailed driving instructions and useful Cottage information.
Directions:
Mahaanui is located in the beautiful Tiniroto, halfway between Gisborne (approx. 1.5 hr drive) and Wairoa (approx. 1 hr drive).
IMPORTANT - Please note that there is currently no access via. the Donneraille Park turn-off onto Ruakaka Road (due to the bridge being destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle), you must enter via. the Tiniroto School turn-off.
CYCLISTS ONLY - Please contact Simon and Sally in advance as they may be able to provide transport across the river below the Donneraille Park turn-off.
Time from Airport:
Drive time from Auckland Airport - 7 hrs 15 mins.
Drive time from Napier Airport - 2 hrs 45 mins.
Drive time from Gisborne Airport - 1 hr 30 mins.
Things To Do:
Your hosts Simon and Sally will be available majority of the time. If they are not home, they have family and friendly neighbours standing in if you need any help.
Guests are invited to spend time with Simon and Sally for some on-farm fun, if it is safe to do so. They love introducing all of their pet animals (there are plenty!), teaching people about their stock and land management practices, and sharing their farming lifestyle to those who are interested.
Farm Tours are available (if time allows) for $50 per Adult or $30 per Adult for groups more than 4; and $15 per Child. They are an interactive fun experience that will take you out on the farm (for approx. 2 hrs) to show off the beautiful scenery and views, introduce you to the farm's working dogs, stock mustering and sheep shearing (guests are encouraged to participate!).
Donneraille Park is only a 2 min drive away. The park is a popular picnic, camping and swimming spot on our Hangaroa River.
The secret waterfall is 10 minutes drive down the road. It is a lovely picnic spot that locals enjoy. In Summer, you can slide off the waterfall, jump in from the rocks and from behind the falls themselves.
There is private farm access for trout fishing, swimming or kayaking.
Some other nearby landmarks to check out include the Hackfalls Arboretum, Eastwood Hill Arboretum, Rere Rockslide and Te Reinga Falls / Ruakituri Valley – well known for its excellent trout fishing (Currently No Access - Te Reinga Bridge Destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle).
There are 2 marked walking tracks for guests to enjoy during their stay - one along the Hangaroa River and one that ventures off through the paddocks and out towards the back of the farm.
We are in a great location for day trips to Mahia Beach and Lake Waikaremoana (1hr 45min drive), as well as Gisborne (1hr 30min drive) and Wairoa (1hr drive).
Other Details To Note:
Guests may hear one of our motorbikes as we go past the gate to feed the pigs every morning or our work dogs barking at times, as well as occasional sheep or cattle noises when Simon is mustering near the Cottage.
Special Conditions:
No smoking inside – however, smoking is allowed outside in the garden area.
Pets are allowed - with approval prior to arrival. Fenced dog run available.
Caution and supervision of children at all times is required.
The garden is fully fenced, however there are normal farm hazards such as dams / streams / water tanks / farm tracks and animals outside the gate.
Off road motorbikes and horses are allowed with prior agreement. Stables can be provided.
No extra guests are permitted without prior agreement.
Meals can be provided with some notice for additional cost.
There is a keypad at the front door which gives access to the front door key so guests can self-check-in after 2pm on their arrival date, and check out before 11am on their departure date.
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a Mahaanui Cottage Information Pack with detailed driving instructions and useful Cottage information.
Directions:
Mahaanui is located in the beautiful Tiniroto, halfway between Gisborne (approx. 1.5 hr drive) and Wairoa (approx. 1 hr drive).
IMPORTANT - Please note that there is currently no access via. the Donneraille Park turn-off onto Ruakaka Road (due to the bridge being destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle), you must enter via. the Tiniroto School turn-off.
CYCLISTS ONLY - Please contact Simon and Sally in advance as they may be able to provide transport across the river below the Donneraille Park turn-off.
Time from Airport:
Drive time from Auckland Airport - 7 hrs 15 mins.
Drive time from Napier Airport - 2 hrs 45 mins.
Drive time from Gisborne Airport - 1 hr 30 mins.
Things To Do:
Your hosts Simon and Sally will be available majority of the time. If they are not home, they have family and friendly neighbours standing in if you need any help.
Guests are invited to spend time with Simon and Sally for some on-farm fun, if it is safe to do so. They love introducing all of their pet animals (there are plenty!), teaching people about their stock and land management practices, and sharing their farming lifestyle to those who are interested.
Farm Tours are available (if time allows) for $50 per Adult or $30 per Adult for groups more than 4; and $15 per Child. They are an interactive fun experience that will take you out on the farm (for approx. 2 hrs) to show off the beautiful scenery and views, introduce you to the farm's working dogs, stock mustering and sheep shearing (guests are encouraged to participate!).
Donneraille Park is only a 2 min drive away. The park is a popular picnic, camping and swimming spot on our Hangaroa River.
The secret waterfall is 10 minutes drive down the road. It is a lovely picnic spot that locals enjoy. In Summer, you can slide off the waterfall, jump in from the rocks and from behind the falls themselves.
There is private farm access for trout fishing, swimming or kayaking.
Some other nearby landmarks to check out include the Hackfalls Arboretum, Eastwood Hill Arboretum, Rere Rockslide and Te Reinga Falls / Ruakituri Valley – well known for its excellent trout fishing (Currently No Access - Te Reinga Bridge Destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle).
There are 2 marked walking tracks for guests to enjoy during their stay - one along the Hangaroa River and one that ventures off through the paddocks and out towards the back of the farm.
We are in a great location for day trips to Mahia Beach and Lake Waikaremoana (1hr 45min drive), as well as Gisborne (1hr 30min drive) and Wairoa (1hr drive).
Other Details To Note:
Guests may hear one of our motorbikes as we go past the gate to feed the pigs every morning or our work dogs barking at times, as well as occasional sheep or cattle noises when Simon is mustering near the Cottage.
Special Conditions:
No smoking inside – however, smoking is allowed outside in the garden area.
Pets are allowed - with approval prior to arrival. Fenced dog run available.
Caution and supervision of children at all times is required.
The garden is fully fenced, however there are normal farm hazards such as dams / streams / water tanks / farm tracks and animals outside the gate.
Off road motorbikes and horses are allowed with prior agreement. Stables can be provided.
No extra guests are permitted without prior agreement.
Meals can be provided with some notice for additional cost.
Prices
- Base Price $310 / night
- Weekend Price $320 / night
- Extra People $20 (adult) and $10 (child) / night after 4 people
- Discounts
10% discount for bookings of 7 nights or longer
20% discount for bookings of 21 nights or longer
Host
Sally
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Tiniroto, Gisborne, New Zealand
2Listings
Simon and I own Mahaanui, a 615 hectare hill country sheep and beef farm in Tiniroto, near Gisborne. We also host guests from NZ and around the world in our Mahaanui cottage and Mahaanui Quarters. We love including them in our farm activities and teaching visitors about farm practices, stock and land management as well as introducing them to our work dogs and pet animals.
Ask a QuestionAdventures on the Property
These are the exclusive natural wonders and outdoor activities within the property boundaries.
Private River Access Via Our River Walk
Take our river walk which is a marked trail down to the Hangaroa river and spend the day swimming and picnic-ing on your own private pretty river.
Marked Walking Trails
Take a map and walk or mountain bike out to the back of the farm which is about 5 km on our marked walking trail or explore anywhere you like as long as you leave the gates as you find them and avoid our sire bull paddock!
Simons Farm Tour
Take Simons interactive farm tour to learn a bit about our farming operation and enjoy our lovely hillcountry scenery. Watch his work dogs muster and have a go at shearing a sheep!
Unpolluted Incredible Night Skies
We have amazing night skies on a clear night. Turn your lights out and sit out on the deck or lie on the grass and marvel at the galaxy.
Meet Our Friendly Pets
Come and meet our menagerie of pets. fFendly work dogs, Fig our terrier, Chaja our kunekune pig, China and Rosie our pet calves, Punga the pony, Arthur our old horse, Lizzie our donkey and Star the llama and rescue alpacas
Come And See What We Do
Always happy to have guests come along with us when we are working and learn a bit about how we do things (and help if they like) if it is safe to do so. The cattleyards are close to the cottage so pop down if you hear us working there.
Fly Fish The Hangaroa Or Ruakituri Rivers
Bring your fly rods or borrow ours and try your luck. The Ruakituri river is about half an hour from us and well known for having great fishing. Our local fishing guide can take you for an excellent day out.
Outdoor Equipment Provided
Enjoy the outdoors with the following equipment included in your stay.
Yoga mat (1)
Snorkle set (2)
Kayak (2)
Fishing Rod (3)
Bodyboard (5)
We will probably have anything you may have forgotten to bring so just ask.
Location
The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.
Listing location
Adventures nearby
Adventures Nearby
Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.
$310per night
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