Birch Hill

Central Hawke's Bay

Birch Hill Station is the quintessential Central Hawke's Bay sheep and beef farm. Accessible to both Auckland and Wellington - it's perfectly situated for families or friends to gather for an off-grid country escape. Farm-friendly, fully vaccinated dogs and horses are welcome too - which means no member of the family needs to be left behind!

The luxury escape is set on a sheltered and picturesque corner of the farm. Ideal for groups, Birch Hill can accommodate up to 8 people, in one large wooden-framed tent and a smaller 'sleeper' tent and a cabin. A fantastic fully enclosed kitchen, dining and camp lounge provides a communal gathering area.

Stunning views from the front of the property stretch out over the rolling farmland of the Pōrangahau countryside. The back of the property is ringed with mature kanuka and pine trees dotted with hammocks for lounging in the hot summer weather. A gully behind these trees makes the perfect exploring spot for kids, while parents relax with a cool beverage, and enjoy the sun setting on the amber hills. By day you'll see and hear the distant farm animals and native birds. At night you'll hear owls (morepork) and see amazing stars in the clear country skies.

There are no concerns about running out of things to do at Birch Hill! As well as the games and facilities provided at the property, Birch Hill now offer some incredible paid activities to make your stay a real adventure. From the adrenalin-filled farm tours in the Can-Am Defender four-wheel-drive buggy, to the novelty of knife throwing - there's something for everyone.

FROM $450 p/n

Sleeps 8
Children welcome
Dogs welcome
Horses welcome

PLEASE NOTE: Birch Hill does not allow check-ins on a Sunday so please do not book for a Sunday arrival.

Make sure you download this page with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.

address

987 Wilder Road, Porangahau 4291

directions

Birch Hill is set just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Havelock North in the Hawke's Bay. The Google Maps directions to get there are accurate.

Birch Hill

What time is check in and check out?

Check-in: 3pm - 7pm (or a later arrival by arrangement, but there are strictly no check-ins after 9:30pm after dark)

Check-out: 11am

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

There are two tents and a cabin available during the summer season to accommodate larger groups. Birch Hills is only ever used by one group at a time - whether there are two or eight of you! We think the accommodation best suits 2 or 3 couples, or 2 families holidaying together depending on sleeping and sharing preferences. Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. All beds are made up of 100% cotton linen and wool duvets.

Tent One is a large wooden-framed tent with a 24sqm wooden floor space, sleeping up to 4 people. There is one queen-size bed and a sofa bed (which can make either 2 singles or one king).

Tent Two is a luxury, standing-height, pup tent. It has a 3.3m x 3.3m floor space and comfortably sleeps up to two people in two single beds.

The cabin sleeps 2 in a queen-size bed.

Please note: Birch Hill is suited to smaller groups in the winter months as only the main tent has a wood burner.

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

The camp kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, with hot and cold water, ample storage and plenty of bench space. There is a BBQ and 2-burner gas ring facility available for cooking. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles.

A large chilly bin is supplied for cool food storage and cold pack replacements are kept in the glamper's fridge freezer in the vehicle shed, which you can access anytime.

There is a fully enclosed group lounging and dining area, but note that this is not heated over the winter months.

Some pantry basics are supplied - coffee, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and cooking oil.

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

The camp bathroom has a separate flushing toilet, a basin and a double-head shower (rain head and standard).

An outdoor cast iron, claw foot bath in a private open-air "bath house" has unimpeded views of the countryside. A private outdoor bush shower is also available with a luxurious rain head. Energy for hot water is supplied by LPG gas bottles.

Towels and body wash are provided.

IS THERE POWER?

Birch Hill is completely off-the-grid, so has no electric power source. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles. Lighting is provided via solar-powered lanterns that double as portable torches.

A solar-powered music player is supplied at the site (with Bluetooth). Power points for charging are available at the vehicle shed.

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

Mobile phone reception is available at the campsite and power points for charging are available at the vehicle shed.

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

There is a wood burner in the large tent which keeps it cosy and warm. There is no heating in the smaller tents or in the kitchen/lodge area.

CAN I HAVE An outdoor fire?

Open campfires are not allowed, but there is an outdoor brazier available for use at Birch Hill, which provides a great ambience and a chance to toast marshmallows! At some times of the year, there are local fire bans and if there is one in place during your stay (Your hosts, Libby and Ben, will let you know that the brazier is unavailable).

What is glamping like in Winter?

Birch Hill is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

Birch Hill has lots of warm bedding, a wood-burner in the main tent, and lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. But if you book a stay in winter, bear in mind that the kitchen/living lodge is not heated. You'll need to bring your sense of adventure, and be prepared for the elements!

Can children stay at Birch Hill?

Yes! Children are welcome at Birch Hill. A bonus for parents of small children is that the accommodation is fully fenced so you can rest easy.

CAN I BRING MY DOG OR HORSE?

Yes, Birch Hill is one of our dog-friendly and horse-friendly campsites, but please read all the information below before bringing your dog or horse to Birch Hill.

Doggy House Rules:

The campsite is fenced with a conventional farm fence and has a wooden gate. One wire is electric and this can be turned OFF during your stay.
Birch Hill is a restricted dog zone. All dogs entering the property must be up to date with vaccines and regularly wormed or dosed at least 48 hours prior to arrival (including for Praziquantel) Find out more about Ovis Management in NZ.
Please pick up all droppings (please bring doggy pick-up bags)
Any dogs that are not 100% toilet trained are to be kept outside or in a crate while inside the lodge.
Dogs are not allowed inside the tents (cream canvas and paws don't mix well!
Please bring your own crate and/or dog bed and do not allow your dog on any furniture or soft furnishings.
If your dog hasn't been around sheep and cattle before, please keep the gate shut while at the campsite and keep them on the lead while walking to gauge their reaction before letting them off, to ensure the safety of our stock.
There is a predator control programme in place on the farm, which starts just beyond the big silver woolshed (800m from the campsite). The traps are behind farm fences, bright blue, on the ground and held in place with a metal peg. The traps pose a risk to small dogs who can get through a farm fence.

Bring Your Horse

There is a one-off charge of $30 per horse which you can book through the online booking process. You'll have ample parking for horse trucks, a fenced paddock beside the woolshed with a water trough, and two wash-down hoses.

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS Birch Hill?

Birch Hill is tucked well into the property so you'll enjoy the peace and quiet of being on your own, with the odd farm animal sounds to keep you company! There is a farm cottage in the distance behind the property, but you will not be disturbed by this.

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

Birch Hill has excellent, drive-on access with parking right next to the kitchen area for ease of packing and unpacking. Because your car is so handy, you can come and go from the property any time you please to either explore the local area or head off to the beach - just 20 minutes down the road.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay
An extra chilly bin - if you're a large group, you might find it handy to have an extra chilly bin on hand
Walking shoes or boots - if you're keen to explore the farm on foot
Warm clothes - it can be very chilly in the mornings and at night. A warm jersey and long pants are a must.
Shower and bath toiletries
Insect repellent and Sunscreen
Extra torches - we supply plenty of lanterns and some solar-powered lights but it pays to bring a few extra torches. Head torches can be particularly handy
Towels for swimming - bring some spare beach towels for taking off the property to swim
Mountain bikes - bring your bikes and explore the many tracks around the farm

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

Birch Hill is a working sheep and beef farm, so for the safety of all concerned it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Tent Information Pack. These terms and guidelines include:

Visitors to the farm stay at their own risk. This is a working farm with hazards both farm related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural (ie. Ongaonga/stinging nettle)
Leave gates as you find them
Avoid unnecessarily disturbing stock on the property
Extreme caution driving in and out of the property
Supervise young children carefully. There are specific water hazards for young children on the property such as water troughs and dams.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter the farm buildings on the property.

CAN I BOOK FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY?

Sorry! Birch Hill has a standard minimum stay period of two nights, with no exceptions.

The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.

MINIMUM STAY PERIOD

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Birch Hill.

All Year Round:

Birch Hill has a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights with no exceptions.

Public Holiday Weekends:

RATES

All year round

The nightly rate is $450 for up to four people

Additional people are $80 per adult, per night and $40 per child (under 16), per night - up to the maximum of 8 people.

A minimum night stay of 5 nights applies to the Christmas and New Year period.

ACTIVITIES

Activities can be booked online as you're going through the booking process.

Kiwi Dundee Twilight Buggy Tour

Did you know there’s another whole, secret world of wild animals on Birch Hill Station? Join us in the buggy as we look for the creatures that live alongside us, ‘hiding in plain sight’ on the property. This secret world comes to life about an hour before dusk and that’s when we can expect to spy these creatures going about their private lives.

We’ll tell you all about these animals as we explore the hidden corners on and off-trail and look for rabbits, hares, turkeys, moreporks, dab chicks and eels – and if we’re really lucky – we may spot one of the elusive and graceful deer that also live here.

After dark, we’ll use a spotlight to continue our journey home with the last stop being a visit to our very own fairy-tale glow worm colony on the banks of the Mangangarara Stream.

Note: Tours can take a maximum of five people and each tour takes up to 3 hours. Trips are subject to weather although cancellation is not often necessary.

Cost: $200 for up to two people and $40 per additional person.

Knife Throwing

Fancy yourself as a Kiwi Dundee? We have five specially made target knives which you can use on the target board (a big tree stump located at the campsite).

Cost: $25 to hire all equipment for a weekend

BRING YOUR HORSE

Bring Your Horse - a one-off charge of $30 per horse.

You'll have ample parking for horse trucks, a fenced paddock beside the woolshed with a water trough, and two wash-down hoses.

GIFT VOUCHERS

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

1. booking and payments

1.1 If you book within 28 days of your stay, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.

1.2 Once you have made the online booking and payment, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.

1.3 If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 days prior to your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your internet banking payment has not been received within 24 - 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.

1.4 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

1.5 Bookings made online within 48 hours of arrival will not be confirmed immediately. Once the campsite has agreed that the booking can be honoured, the guest will be informed by Canopy Camping Escapes and the credit card used for the online booking will be charged the full balance of the stay. Note that there is a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) fee.

2. Guest cancellations and date changes

2.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.

2.2 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.

2.3 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.

2.4 Force Majeure

Under our Force Majeure policy, you will be entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons:

Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure.
Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

3. Host Cancellations

Canopy Camping hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:

(a) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;

(b) Unexpected damage or destruction of the site;

Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to the refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option, it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund or to alter the booking to another date or site at no additional cost or penalty.

4. safety and hazards

4.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.

4.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

4.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.

5. pets

No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.

6. GST

GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.

7. conditions of occupancy and conduct

7.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.

7.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.

7.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.

7.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.

7.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.

7.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

7.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.

8. authority to sign

The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.

Eating and Drinking

Birch Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly bin and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Pōrangahau Village is a 15-minute drive away and does some great Fish and Chips! For a special meal out try Wallingford Homestead, which is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights (bookings must be made 48 hours in advance).

Another option for easy glamping is to order meals from Charlotte's Oven. Charlotte's Oven is run by a local chef, who makes healthy, delicious ready meals and snacks for glamping guests to have ready and waiting on arrival. Charlotte will send you the week's menu leading up to your stay, and you can pre-book your meals for a truly hassle-free getaway.

The nearest dairy for basic supplies is in Pōrangahau Village, and the nearest supermarket is in Waipukurau, a 35-minute drive away.
Things To Do

Birch Hill Station is an outdoor paradise for active people. 1300 hectares of scenic farmland and native bush offer great variety for walkers or mountain bikers. If you're a horse rider, you're welcome to bring your horse to enjoy the scenery on horse-back.

At the property itself, you'll find board games, petanque, darts and swing-ball. Relax in the outdoor bath or hammock with a good book, and watch the kids playing in the sandpit, paddling pool and sprinkler.

Birch Hill also offer some 'must do' paid activities. The popular Wildlife Tour gives you an opportunity to explore the farm in the Can-Am Defender four-wheel drive buggy. This six-seater ATV is perfect for ripping up the slopes, soaking up the bumps and splashing through the mud – and this hill country farm is the perfect place to do it.

You can book knife throwing as an activity, this is fantastic fun, and social too! Read more under the 'Rates and Extras' button above.

The surrounding area is great to explore too! Within 20 minutes drive of the property, you'll find Porangahau village and the nearby Porangahau beach for some summertime swimming action - or wintertime beach walks. You'll also find the place with the longest place name in the world - Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu (a good one to tick off the bucket list!).

Bring your clubs and visit the Porangahau Country Club (by the beach) for a round of golf. The course is excellent and it's only $10 a round. If tennis is more your thing, bring your racquets. There are 4 astro-turf tennis courts where visitors are welcome to play for a gold coin donation.

A little further afield you'll find some other beautiful and fairly deserted beaches. Whangaehu is 45 minutes away and has a lagoon that's great for kids.

Toward Waipukurau/Waipawa and north to Hawkes Bay proper and all within a 1.5-hour drive you'll find the Central Hawke's Bay Settlers Museum, and some great walking along the Tuki Tuki River. Havelock North offers fantastic shops, vineyards and restaurants.
Your Hosts

Birch Hill Station is a family-owned sheep and beef farm in Pōrangahau, Central Hawkes Bay, run by Ben and Libby Tosswill. They will be your hosts during your stay.

Ben and Libby left their banking jobs in the bright lights of London in 2009 to run their own farming business and raise their children free-range, back home in Hawkes Bay.

Ben's parents, Bruce and Julie, farmed here for almost 40 years, transforming it from mostly scrub and gorse into a beautiful sheep and beef farm. They fenced off 850 acres of bush and left plenty of trees and bush around the farm to prevent erosion and ensure that stock has excellent shade and shelter.

Birch Hill is 1300 ha (3200 acres), with 800 ha in grazing paddocks and the rest in native bush and pines. It is a beautiful property and with 15km of fully fenced farm tracks, it is safe and easy to take in the views and have a real farm experience. Birch Hill is a “hill country, summer dry” farm and has approximately 4000 breeding sheep and anywhere between 100 - 400 cattle depending on the season. Lambs are born over Aug/Sept and calves are born in Sept/Oct. Ben and Libby's goal is to produce top-quality, free-range meat for the export and domestic market by having the healthiest, happiest animals possible.

Birch Hill proudly supplies Silver Fern Farms and is also the Silver Fern farm - having featured in both domestic and international adverts for Silver Fern Farms.

"
The absolute best place to go! Unbelievably beautiful and so surreal. The decor is stunning, and the nature around you feels like you're totally off the grid. The hosts were very accommodating to our large group and super lovely! You don't want to miss staying here. We will definitely be back to enjoy the beauty of Birch Hill!
"
- 20 Oct 2023
"
Great to connect with nature and to get away from the everyday hustle. Lovely hosts and lovely place. Will definitely be looking to come back again.
"
- 05 Oct 2023
"
We absolutely loved our stay at Birch Hill, a gorgeous setting with everything you need. Even though it was was quite cold, we loved being able to light the fire and enjoy the outdoors still. Our 15 month old lab pup had the best time ever exploring & looking at all the farm animals. Libby and Ben’s instructions were super clear and easy to follow. We’ll definitely be back!
"
- 06 Jun 2023
"
Enjoyed the peace and quiet, the farm walks and a quick trip to the local beach. It was everything we expected and more.
"
- 01 May 2023
"
Perfect spot for a break. Thank goodness for the fire in our room, as we ended up with a terrible night weatherwise.
"
- 06 Apr 2023
"
Fantastic family trip away with our two teenagers. Evenings toasting marshmallows on the outdoor fireplace, and plenty to do during the day either at the property or walking around the farm. Highly recommend doing a twilight tour with Max.
"
- 15 Mar 2023
"
We had a lot of rain but it didn't matter! We had a great social space and comfy beds!
"
- 01 Mar 2023
"
We loved our stay at Birch Hill! The brazier at night was a real highlight and the day time views were spectacular.
"
- 30 Jan 2023
"
Birch Hill is the most idyllic location. So much thought has gone into every detail across the site to ensure the experience of staying there and the immersion in that beautiful setting is one you won’t easily forget!
"
- 20 Dec 2022
"
A great spot for a large family to get together. The hosts had included extra touches. Really nice.
"
- 03 Nov 2022
"
We loved Birch Hill, it was so much fun for our family. Kids absolutely loved the outside bath, the hammocks and all the space to run around and play. Parents loved the outdoor fire and outdoor bath also! Beautiful space and great hosts.
"
- 28 Oct 2022
"
A piece of Central Hawke's Bay paradise! Birch Hill is the perfect spot to relax and explore with the family. Such inviting hosts, beautiful furnishings and luxury outdoor settings. Highly recommend!
"
- 26 Mar 2022

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