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Black Bivvy

Black Bivvy

Taumarunui, Manawatū-Whanganui


Black Bivvy is 18 minutes drive from Taumarunui in the King Country region, in the Central North Island. It's approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Taupō.

Sleeping up to four (perfect for two couples), the large, purpose-built, off-grid hut sits in a sheltered Northern facing clearing on the edge of a 70-hectare stand of mature native bush. A stony-bottom stream runs below the hut and down to a pretty waterfall.

The hut is comfortable, modern and spacious - and made for outdoor living. A sliding window in the kitchen and door from the living area open up to a large outdoor covered dining space and outdoor fireplace - kitted out with grills for barbequing over the open fire. An outdoor bath sits on the edge of the deck - a place to while away the hours with a view of the starry night sky.

Black Bivvy is a place to immerse yourself in nature as wildlife abounds. Explore the bush tracks on the property and enjoy breathtaking views of Tongariro National Park. Keep an eye out for tui, kererū, and fantails, which are frequent visitors, and, if you're lucky, you may even spot one of the wild deer that wander the property.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Black Bivvy is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Taumarunui is 18 minutes drive away and has plenty of restaurants, cafes and takeaway options. If you're up for a longer drive, Lauren's Lavender Farm is a great place for cake and coffee. It's a 35-minute drive away and is open from late October to mid-May.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Taumarunui.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

With an outdoor fireplace, large alfresco dining area and outdoor bath - there's plenty to keep you occupied at Black Bivvy.

If you're feeling adventurous, give the flying fox a try. At 60m long and about 2m off the ground at its highest point, whizz through the clearing amongst the green. It is great fun no matter what your age.

Bring your horse along! Riders can enjoy exploring the paddocks, diverse farm tracks, and scenic bush riding trails with stunning views of Tongariro National Park. For more details, check out the 'Rates and Extras' section. Not a rider? Lace up your tramping boots and discover these beautiful bush walks on foot!

Those that are looking for more sedate activity, could take a peaceful walk through the bush tracks on the property.

If you'd like to go further afield, you'll find ski fields and Mt Ruapehu Sky Waka 50 minutes drive away. Mountain bikers could hit the Timber Trail, 1 hour away. Lauren's Lavendar Farm is also open from late October to Mid-May - it's a 35-minute drive away and well worth a visit.

Forgotten World Adventures in Taumarunui offers rail tours and jet boating for the adrenalin seekers!

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Black Bivvy are Luke and Shannon Pepper, and their pet labs, Buck and Tilly.

Luke and Shannon jumped at the chance to buy this property when it came up for sale four years ago. It was close to their dairy farm, but more importantly, had all the features they were looking for - stony bottom rivers, beautiful native bush and gentle rolling hills.

The initial idea for the bivvy was so their family can use the place. Something small and basic where the bush-loving family could escape to - and enjoy all the native flora and fauna the property offers, as well as the wild deer that freely wander the land. As the project developed, they realised others would enjoy the experience too. So they set about creating a deluxe off-the-grid glamping space that all could enjoy.

The name, 'Black Bivvy' is an ironic nod to their initial idea of a small and simple bush hut or 'bivvy' escape!

TESTIMONIALS

“ One of the most incredible places to stay. To be basically at one with nature was one of the best highlights. ”

Ange Smart- 2024-11-17

20 / 20

“ Honestly, the best stay ever. We had a blast at the Black Bivvy. Our six-year-old loved the flying fox, bush walks, and making s’mores on the outdoor fire. Every attention to detail had been taken care of. We will be back. 10/10. ”

Megan Ireton- 2025-09-29

1 / 20

“ Excellent facilities, beautiful setting! ”

Andrea Thomson- 2025-09-16

2 / 20

“ Amazing place, perfect for a weekend get away from the city. Scenery is incredible, we had a kiwi right out the door both nights. The outdoor bath is super relaxing and the shower is so good. Super warm place. ”

Roly Moran- 2025-09-01

3 / 20

“ An amazing home on an amazing property. Thank you for sharing your home with us. We had the best time and would recommend to all. ”

Ashleigh Murphy- 2025-08-05

4 / 20

“ Beautiful place and space to relax and recharge, made more special by our welcoming hosts who made certain that everything was absolutely perfect and were available if required. ”

Jos Voyce- 2025-08-02

5 / 20

“ We had the Black Bivvy for a mum and daughters weekend. It was perfect. The outdoor bath on a frosty morning was bliss. The location and setting were absolutely stunning. It had everything and more than we needed. The flying fox provided endless giggles. We would absolutely recommend this property and would love to come back again. Maybe next time with my husband. ”

Raechel Leishman- 2025-07-23

6 / 20

“ It has everything a family could ask for. From nature walks, activities for the kids, and a nice relaxing river. It was the perfect getaway for our family. ”

Toby Hargreaves- 2025-07-05

7 / 20

“ My favourite spot so far! Everything was just magical. ”

Chanel Tansley- 2025-05-29

8 / 20

“ Ambience is an understatement, this place is a rustic haven. Beautiful facilities, thoughtful decor, clean and well equipped. The native ngāhere that surrounds is beautiful, and the sound of birdsong every day calms the soul. Highly recommended. Our hosts were down to earth and left us undisturbed for our entire stay. Black Bivvy is a slice of heaven. ”

Mellisa Chesterman- 2025-04-19

9 / 20

“ Black Bivvy was an exceptional experience that redefined the word 'getaway' for us. From night skies, incredible birdlife, outdoor bath, everything was perfect. ”

Lisa Higgins- 2025-04-11

10 / 20

“ ”

Pete And Shaleigh Patten- 2025-04-04

11 / 20

“ Perfect place to unplug, unwind and relax. Had everything we needed. Super comfy and would stay again! ”

Kyla Latoa- 2025-03-19

12 / 20

“ Stunning accommodation, pure tranquility for the ultimate R&R off grid stay. ”

Becky Harrison- 2025-03-13

13 / 20

“ Amazing spot! Definitely going to go back! ”

Zoe Reichardt- 2025-03-12

14 / 20

“ Black Bivvy is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. The setup is beautifully done, providing the perfect space for relaxing by the fire, whether indoors or outdoors. The walk up to the waterfall is a must-do! We will definitely be back again. Highly recommend. ”

Christine Shanahan- 2025-03-04

15 / 20

“ We have stayed once before and absolutely adored it. We stayed the first time in winter, and it was stunning. The second time in summer, it was awesome. We will be back again. ”

Michelle Lennard- 2025-02-25

16 / 20

“ This property is full of surprises! We stayed with our two children (ages three and four), and they had the time of their lives. A truly unique getaway! ”

Paul Crocker- 2025-01-30

17 / 20

“ What a great stay at a great place, it has exceeded all expectations and I'm finding it hard to explain how great it was without writing a three pager, or ruining the surprises we loved about this property. ”

Damian Silvester- 2025-01-22

18 / 20

“ Black Bivvy is a tranquil luxurious paradise that needs to be experienced. Nothing much compares. ”

Brett Holleron- 2025-01-12

19 / 20

“ One of the most incredible places to stay. To be basically at one with nature was one of the best highlights. ”

Ange Smart- 2024-11-17

20 / 20

“ Honestly, the best stay ever. We had a blast at the Black Bivvy. Our six-year-old loved the flying fox, bush walks, and making s’mores on the outdoor fire. Every attention to detail had been taken care of. We will be back. 10/10. ”

Megan Ireton- 2025-09-29

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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