The Musterer's Rest

The Musterer's Rest

Hawke's Bay

The Musterer's Rest is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier.

Starting life as an old Musterer's Hut, the hut has been gradually restored into a quaint and atmospheric glamping site, complete with outdoor kitchen and bathroom. It sits nestled into the ancient native trees which border the farm boundary.

The hut is simply but stylishly decorated. French doors open out onto a spacious deck with stunning views of the valley and up to the often snowcapped Ruahine Ranges. Outdoor beanbags are provided to sit and enjoy the sun and views. A twin-size hammock hangs under a nearby shady tree.

The Tuki Tuki River is just 50m from the hut and laden with trout for the avid fisherman. Or just enjoy a picnic and a paddle on a hot Summers day. There are numerous native bird species living in the surrounding trees to keep you company - including tui, morepork, kereru and quails, along with a few resident pheasants. 

In the valley around the hut are numerous paddocks which are home to polo ponies, and often sheep and cattle as well. A polo field is set 100m away from the hut and if you're lucky you'll be able to watch the ponies train during the week. 

The Musterer's Rest is just what it says on the box... a truly restful place. And you'll know it the first time you drive up the track to the hut. The views opening up before you are unexpected - a hidden treasure that forces you to take a deep breath and just... relax.

FROM $250 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

A $50 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

host address
 

613 Blackburn Road, Ongaonga 4278

directions
 

The Musterer's Rest is set in the Central Hawke's Bay, 1 hour from Napier, 1.5 hours from Palmerston North and just over 3 hours from Wellington.

To get there, follow the Google Maps directions to 613 Blackburn Road. You'll turn a hard left hand turn into the farm drive - which is signposted "Totara Valley Park". You'll then follow the driveway which winds down through the farm about 3km to the Musterer's Rest. Each fork in the drive is signposted to keep you on the right track. Your hosts will try to ensure all gates are open when you are staying, but the general rule of thumb is if you open a gate, it must also be closed behind you.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with more detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

The Musterer's Rest

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CAN CHILDREN STAY AT The Musterers Rest?

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Minimum Stay Periods

Rates

Gift Vouchers

2. booking and payments

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  • Eating and Drinking

    The Musterer's Rest is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut 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, your host, Dan, recommends Saffron Indian Restaurant in Waipukurau (20 minutes away) and Skinny Mulligans in Waipawa (25 minutes away).

    The nearest places to go for supplies are the Countdown and New World supermarkets in Waipukurau, the 4-Square in Waipawa or the General Store in Onga Onga (10 minutes away). 

  • Things to do

    You'll find plenty to do at the hut, with petanque, croquet, badminton and boardgames all supplied. Soak in the outdoor bath amongst the trees and relax around the firepit at the end of the day for some stargazing and marshmallow toasting.

    If you like to get out and about check out the popular day walk to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine National Park or bring your mountain bikes and hit one of the many trails in the region. If you're feeling especially adventurous - give water-skiing a try! Backpaddock Lakes Water Skiing Park is about 20 minutes away from the Musterer's Rest.

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at the Musterer's Rest are Dan, Kylie, daughter Cleo and dogs Chips and Delta. Dan is a farmer and horse trainer, and Kylie runs a horse massage business.

    Ten years ago, Dan and his brother, Nick bought their property to set up a polo pony breeding and training facility.

    Over the years, visitors to the farm have made many comments complimenting the stunning location - so when Dan and Nick discovered a run-down musterers hut, they knew exactly what to do.

    After relocating the hut to the perfect spot, putting in some hard renovation graft, and a fair amount of creativity - 'The Musterer's Rest' was born. 

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