Manaaki Mai ( Te Reo Maori) means 'Come this way to be cared for, nurtured, supported; for hospitality, generosity and to be looked after’ and this is what we offer at Manaaki Mai.

Paul and Andrea were not even looking for a property at the end of 2019, but as fate would have it; after a walk around the 50 acres we instantly fell in love with the land and especially the magnificent stand of native bush in the top left corner. The previous owners also already called it Manaaki Mai… it was serendipity.

Sadly, due to illness, Manaaki Mai was in need of some tender loving care after a few years without anyone living here, but we were up for the challenge.
We discovered fruit orchards, an olive grove and seriously overgrown berry bushes and vegetable gardens.

We realised that the land needed aroha (love) and manaaki so our first priorities were the removal of grazing animals and the protection of the Waituturi stream, which runs through the property. This in turn, would improve the quality of the water to the harbour and apply the ‘Whaka-ora’ https://www.healthyharbour.org.nz principals, to which we are deeply committed.

We are passionate about this whenua (land), and its historical significance. Situated at the beginning of an ancient route for Maori from Purau (and Lyttelton Harbour) to Koukourarata (Port Levy) and beyond.

Manaaki Mai is also the site of the first European farm on Banks Peninsula. The legacy of the removal of torara and other native trees, over grazing causing sediment to flow into the harbour and the introduction of weeds and non-native plants is evident.

Our vision is to be the Kaitiaki (guardians) for Manaaki Mai, working to protect the stream and harbour; restore and increase the areas of native bush, by planting trees, controlling introduced predators and weeds to enable native birds, skinks, insects and endemic plants to thrive here for future generations to appreciate.

Whatungarongaro te taangata, toitu te whenua As man disappears from sight, the land remains.