Stunning river views with convenient mini-kitchenette
Sequestered in 1.5 private hectares, just five minutes drive from Waitangi Treaty Grounds, this riverfront lodge offers restorative peace and calm, organic-focused cuisine, and accommodation in two ensuite rooms with pastoral and river views.
Food and travel writer Michael Hooper and partner Rev. Chris Wharehinga Swannell (of Maori ancestry) prepare a "bake-house breakfast" delivered to your room's own balcony or served at the kauri native timber dining suite, with home-baked breads and croissants, home-made conserves from the organic gardens and orchard, and eggs from free-range hens.
Easy walks through the estate's native bush under soaring trees, skirt and overlook the Waitangi River with its ducks and other birdlife. Resident alpacas may eat from your hand and a pre-ordered platter by the river with a fine New Zealand wine is a soothing, casual alternative to the restaurant options of Paihia.
Gourmet dinners may be planned in advance for four or six resident guests.
Close to all the activities on the waters of the Bay, to local wineries, and across the beaches of the bay of 144 islands, Riverside Homestead is without pretention but generously provisioned with modern comforts, respect for the privacy of guests and attention to detail.
At least four hours notice is required to prepare your room. Higher Covid Alert levels may affect the services offered.
Michael and Chris (and all of their animals) are expert hosts with a beautiful property and everything that you could ask for. We really enjoyed spending a bit of time with them and genuinely think that their bnb was the best accommodation we stayed in on our entire 3 week long honeymoon.
They're incredibly knowledge about the area, with impeccable recommendations, and the house is well situated for plenty of activities. We also thoroughly enjoyed breakfast and wish that our plans had lined up for dinner!
If we come back, we will stay again and we'll recommend to any friends coming through the area!