Set on a working sheep, cattle, deer and horse farm, 10 kms from SH1 on a scenic through route to Feilding and Palmerston North.
There are 4 golf courses within 1 hour from Mangaweka, including Rangatira Golf Course with it's 3 level course and unique cable car back up to the club house.
Locally there are beautiful gardens open to the public, including the renowned Cross Hills Rhododendron Garden 25 minutes away.
This is an area of river adventure - kayaking, canoeing, rafting (both white water and scenic), and of course trout fishing. The Rangitikei River is known as one of the best flyfishing (and most challenging!) rivers in the world, and we have the services of an excellent guide. Also on the river are the high-adrenalin activities of bungy jumping, bridge swinging and a flying fox.
Our river on the farm has wonderful swimming holes only 10 minutes walk from the house, and there is limited catch and release trout fishing. You can wander across the farm, or have a 4WD tour with David (conditions apply), visit the new born foals (in season) or feed the pet lambs and sheep. Special conditions: Pets allowed with prior approval, special cleaning charge can apply Smoking outside only Not suitable for children under 10 years
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Single night surcharge (Optional, NZ$30.00 per stay); Dinner- 2 course (Optional, NZ$35.00 per person); Dinner - 3 course (Optional, NZ$50.00 per person); Dog fee, per dog (Optional, NZ$5.00 per night);
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Rangiwahia
Located in Rangiwahia, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Rangatira Golf Club and Mt Stewart Reserve are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mangaweka Adventure Co - and Whitecliffs Boulders. Discover the area's water adventures with canoeing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.
Mangaweka International Airport (The Hub Cafe) - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm. on 14 May 2026 start from NZ$198, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm. located?
Situated on a river, this cottage is within 20 miles (32 km) of Mangaweka Adventure Co -, Rangatira Golf Club and Taihape Town Hall. Whitecliffs Boulders and Mt Stewart Reserve are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
What a wonderful and eccentric house. Had an electric beater, everything we needed in the kitchen, a BBQ, and it has a cool spiral staircase. We ate dinner on the balcony. Lovely hosts! Thank you for having us.
Anaïs H.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 February 2026
It was a pleasure to have you stay. How great to be able to eat dinner on the balcony! Did you watch the sun go down?
Best wishes
Team Mairenui
It was so good to have correspondence with Carol and such a pity that we weren't able to meet. Maybe another time! But I am disappointed that even though I explained to VRBO that the booking had to be cancelled at the last minute because of a death in the guest's family and agreed to refund the whole amount VRBO decided that my listing " has been temporarily suspended due to an avoidable cancellation.". Such a lack of empathy!
A gorgeous and relaxing spot away from stress and hassles. An amazing starry sky experience with nearby bush walks and birdsong. Lovely friendly and generous hosts. A great place to set away from it all.
Lovely location. Great place to base for exploring the area. Peaceful and tranquil. Great that the place is pet friendly. Our dog loved the location, the sells, the river and the wildlife.
We had a wonderful few days here. Was a very quirky place filled to the brim with character. Had everything we needed and beautiful surrounding scenery. Would definitely recommend to those wanting to get away for the busy hustle and bustle and to just relax.
Awesome place, such a quirky little retreat. Loved the spiral staircase with all the wood and brick contrast. Spending evenings by the fire was a real treat. Was a pleasure to be able to bring our dog with us too!
We both loved the house. Especially because it has the old, historic characteristics with the modern bathroom. We were very cosy and warm in the kitchen with the wood fireplace. The property around is well groomed. Srunning scenic views.
Quaint architecture.
Beautiful remote location - ideal for 'taking it easy'.
Scenery around the area is stunning. Take a ride up to some of the higher points to view the central plateau volcanoes!
Great property but check the pricing for additional people
Brilliant property and lovely location
Needs to be really clear in the advertising that every extra person over 2 people is an extra $70 pp per night as this can change the cost significantly - it almost doubles the price for a weekend if you increase from 2-4 people.
Claire F.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 October 2024
Hello Claire
I'm sorry you were confused about the pricing, but when you book you are required to state the number of people who wish to stay. As you only requested for 2 people you were charged the basic rate. If you had requested accommodation for 4 people the rate would have doubled.
This is how most places charge. With some places you would be charged a house rate but it would be quite a lot more than the basic amount.
I hope this clarifies the charging for anyone else who wishes to book!
The building is quite unique. Reminds me of 1980's stye architectural design. I would love to know the history of the building and maybe some photos of it being built? Would stay again without a doubt.
We loved our stay at the secluded retreat, our hosts were very good at communicating throughout the booking and during our stay. Marienui is an ideal place to explore the Manawatū cycle way. So many interesting places to explore along the way. The description of the place was accurate, bed very comfortable. A hands on country experience, wood chopping, fire lighting great for us city folks.
Lovely location. Was a quick stop over enroute to our destination. Really enjoyed our short stay. Dogs loved the space to roam. House is very reminiscent of Rodger Walker style. Love its character. Thanks David and Sue
The photos do not do this property justice!
The house has a unique layout and charm of its own - the house itself was a highlight of our stay. The location is beautiful - a good base to explore the local area.
It is easy to self cater, the house has everything you need.
The hosts are warm and welcoming.
We recommend and hope to return soon!
Quirky, layered & private accommodation on the Mairenui Retreat farm. If you're looking for something different and a place to get away from it all, this is a great spot. Nature on your doorstep, and peace & coziness inside. Loved it!
Really loved the location and the hosts are most friendly. Its not a luxury experience, so be prepared for some wild /old farm coarseness. As long as spider webs, a few leaks and mystery creatures living in the walls don't spook you, you'll have a great time. It's away from noice and hustle. mornings are so peaceful with beautiful views. So grateful for an opportunity to bring our doggo with us also! ❤️ We arrived on a frosty evening and the fireplace was going creating a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure you read welcoming instructions! Those were super helpful in figuring this unique house out =)
This is a charming and very unique country house. If that’s your primary interest and you are very outdoorsy you will be satisfied. But there are flaws. The furniture in the living room is very old and starting to fall apart and not very comfortable. The heating in the winter is not really adequate. There is only one working space heater and a wood burning stove. And I know you’re not here to watch tv but there should be a working tv made in this century to watch a movie around the fire at night.
The area this house is located in is magnificent. However, overall I thought the house was poor.. When I opened the front door there where two sparrows inside that had possibly been there a while.. the lounge was dark, musty any I was totally underwhelmed. There was a leak in the conservatory that hadn’t been fixed for a long time and it was unusable.. there were signs of old leaks in other parts of the ceding as well.. The bathtub was next level grotty!.. it needs to be replaced if you want people to use it. Sue was nice enough and accommodated my JetSki on a neighbouring farm but unfortunately I left without staying.. I just thought it wasn’t clean enough! Really disappointing and could be soo much better if they kept up the maintenance.
Annette S.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 January 2025
I'm sorry the Retreat didn't live up to our guest's expectations. However I would have expected the guest to come to the Homestead to express her concerns and to check out. We had no idea she had left. I was concerned when the jet ski appeared to have gone and contacted her to check on it's whereabouts but didn't have the courtesy of a reply.
The Retreat is a quirky architect designed house which appeals to most people - but obviously not to this guest. We hope she finds somewhere more suited to her expectations next time.
About the host
Hosted by Sue Sweet
What makes this property unique
Panoramic views over the farmland and nearby mountain range