The heart of the North Island is home to secluded pockets of beautiful scenery where you’ll find unique accommodation on the edge of rivers, tucked away in native forest and on the stunning coast. Manawatū is the central region that boasts all this natural wonder, just a short drive from major cities like Wellington.
Explore local farms, the Rangitikei River, small rural towns and Himatangi Beach. Whether you’re after a laid-back holiday to relax and recharge, or an authentic Manawatū experience to discover what makes this place special, this range of boutique accommodation will deliver. For a peaceful escape, check out these top unique places to stay.
1. Hiwinui Country Estate
A break in the countryside is a true Manawatū experience. With farmland and rolling hills as far as the eye can see, a stay in the peace and beauty is an unforgettable experience. Hiwinui Country Estate is a family-owned labour of love. Small touches and good Kiwi hospitality make you feel right at home. Hiwinui is a rural lodge and in spectacular New Zealand lodges fashion, a stay here is a complete experience. Enjoy the stunning lounge and common areas, soak in the outdoor spa and relax by the outdoor fire. Spa treatments here are the perfect way to wind down. Look forward to a massage after a fantastic farm-to-fork breakfast in the lodge dining area.
Stroll through the grounds, do a private farm tour and spend time in the fresh air. Hiwinui Tree Top apartments are a great choice for those seeking a private, romantic getaway in Manawatū. With help from the team at Hiwinui, your experience will be stress-free from the moment you enquire to book, and you’re guaranteed to leave this unique place feeling rejuvenated.
Whether you’re local to Palmerston North and looking for an escape from the city, or you’re travelling to Manawatū for some time away, Hiwinui Country Estate is the ideal place to stay all year round.
2. The Last Church in Āpiti
A renovated Sunday school makes the perfect unique accommodation in Āpiti in northern Manawatū. Enjoy two bedrooms, a cosy living area and an outdoor bath at The Last Church in Āpiti. Spend your days outside, reading in the art-filled lounge area, prepping food in the kitchen and setting the outdoor fire pit for the evening.
The small village of Āpiti is a must-visit when in Manawatū. Dive into local swimming holes and dabble in horse riding or nearby whitewater rafting. There are plenty of walking tracks through native bush and cycle trails that show off the rural area. Pop into the Āpiti Tavern for dinner before retiring to The Last Church in Āpiti and winding down in front of the wood burner fire.
The charming church at the front of the accommodation is a popular venue for weddings and music events, and completes the look of this boutique accommodation in Manawatū.
3. Rathmoy Estate
This incredible accommodation sits on the edge of the Rangitīkei River and looks out towards the large white papa cliffs. Rathmoy Estate near Hunterville offers exclusive use of the lodge, giving guests privacy for a relaxing hideaway. The lodge accommodates up to ten people and features a large open outdoor fire, a wood-fired hot tub and plenty of room to eat, drink and connect with each other.
Use it as a base for adventure-packed days in the region, or simply stay put and enjoy the lodge and its riverside location. Rathmoy Estate offer fantastic on-site experiences like archery and clay target shooting. For days with no plans, swap between backyard cricket, trout fishing and swimming in the Rangitīkei River as you please, or soak away in the wood-fired hot tub.
This special country estate is perfect for a long weekend getaway, perfectly located halfway between Hawkes Bay and Taupō.
4. Makoura Lodge
A mere one hour’s drive from Palmerston North is Makoura Lodge. The stunning location overlooking the majestic mountain range and warm macrocarpa features of this lodge draw you in straight away, setting the tone for a relaxing getaway in the countryside. There’s a nod to the lodge’s Scottish heritage with the onsite bar that stocks around 10 different whiskeys, and the option for a gourmet barbeque feast in the garden overlooking the ravine brings a great Kiwi flare to this experience. With fantastic dining options, activities to book and incredible hospitality, this is a special spot to spend some time in.
Makoura Lodge is also a great place for weddings, conferences and group retreats in Manawatū.
Just a 10-minute walk (or 5 minutes in a 4WD) from the Lodge is Makoura Lodge Riverside Retreat. Have this wholesome nature retreat all to yourself, with nature walks, an outdoor bath, stargazing and an outdoor fire pit to keep you busy during your stay. This is the ultimate unique stay to enjoy the flowing river and sound of native birds; a nature lovers paradise.
5. Ridge Top Farm
Boutique glamping on a special site in Manawatū is sure to be the memory making holiday you’re after. Ridge Top Farm is a slice of paradise in Waituna West, just north of Feilding, owned and managed by local family Sarah and Angus and their three kids.
Set on a 1500 acre sheep and beef farm, it’s the perfect place to venture on a farm walk, with a package including glamping accommodation and a guided farm tour. Discover the perks of off-the-grid glamping in the luxury safari tent, complete with a wood burner fire and comfy bedding. Rustic cast-iron outdoor baths provide the perfect perch for soaking up the views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki.
A night under the stars and farmland, regenerating native bush and a spectacular outlook towards the west coast, Ridge Top Farm is a fantastic stay in mighty Manawatū.
6. Rangitikei Farmstay
Enjoy one of the top places to stay in Manawatū and an agricultural experience all in one at Rangitikei Farmstay. Much more than just unique accommodation, this experience includes a stay on a working farm in a charming, quaint cottage. The sundrenched porch and character-filled rooms ooze country charm and the acres of green grass and established trees make this a unique slice of paradise. E-bikes are on hand for exploring the neighbourhood, and an outdoor bath is the place to be for stargazing at night. Book in for a garden tour and meet the resident pets. If you’re staying with a group, the owners host a barbeque lunch and garden tour, featuring some farm animals to meet.
With a number of unique experiences to enjoy during your stay, it’s a one-stop shop for adventure and relaxation.
Accommodating up to eight people at a time, this is a boutique stay for quiet getaways in a rural setting. Escape the city at this top spot in Manawatū, less than 2.5 hours from Wellington and under three hours from Taupō.
7. Coastal Retreat
One of the best parts about Manawatū is the variety. Start your day in the city, climb bush-clad mountains by day before making it to the beach for sunset. Himatangi Beach on the west coast of the North Island is an ideal place for a getaway. Coastal Retreat’s yurts in Himatangi Beach are impeccably designed and crafted from locally sourced materials, making for a unique experience that looks the part but is comfortable too. The yurts offer an open, quirky sleeping space with curved walls and a high ceiling. Wooden floors and a cosy lounge set up make the yurts feel warm and inviting. A full kitchen and bathroom are attached, and insulation, air conditioning and windows mean you’ll be toasty warm in winter and cool in summer.
Horse riding on the beach is a must-do here, and Coastal Retreat can even accommodate your horses on your holiday. These yurts are the perfect setting for a romantic couple’s getaway, a fishing trip or a special occasion like an elopement or honeymoon! Escape to the coast in Manawatū for a unique stay that you won’t forget.
Cover Image: Makoura Lodge
This article was created in paid partnership with Manawatū NZ.
