Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.

Photo gallery for Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.

A house with a visible balcony and a large tree in front.
A wooden deck with a bed and a large arched window overlooking a forested area.
A view through a wooden-framed window with a yellow arch, overlooking a grassy field with trees and a fence.
A wooden cabin with a kitchen area, a dining table, and a window with a view of trees.
A wooden fence with a view of a green field and trees in the background.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue
  • Breakfast for a fee
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Mangaweka, Rangitikei
  • Place, Rangatira Golf Club
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Taihape Town Hall
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Taihape Gumboot
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Attic Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Double Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Queen Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Family

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Exterior
Colonial Villa on working farm in the northern Manawatu hill country
Rangiwahia
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
Colonial Villa on working farm in the northern Manawatu hill country

About the area

Rangiwahia

Located in Rangiwahia, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Rangatira Golf Club and Mt Stewart Reserve are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mangaweka Adventure Co - and Whitecliffs Boulders. Discover the area's water adventures with canoeing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
View more Cottages in RangiwahiaOpens in a new window
Map
Mangaweka, Rangitikei

What's nearby

  • Mangaweka Adventure Co - - 24 min drive - 31.0 km
  • Rangatira Golf Club - 27 min drive - 36.7 km
  • Taihape Town Hall - 29 min drive - 40.7 km
  • Taihape Gumboot - 31 min drive - 42.8 km
  • Whitecliffs Boulders - 37 min drive - 39.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Mangaweka International Airport (The Hub Cafe) - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Dukes Roadhouse - ‬12 min drive
  • Annabelle's Cafe

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Retreat on scenic hill country farm. located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is within 20 miles (32 km) of Mangaweka Adventure Co -, Rangatira Golf Club and Taihape Town Hall. Whitecliffs Boulders and Mt Stewart Reserve are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 75 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely location, great for stargazing!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
A fairy tale property! We loved everything about it. We will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing host

Lovely host lovely spot
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2025
It was so good to have correspondence with Carol and such a pity that we weren't able to meet. Maybe another time! But I am disappointed that even though I explained to VRBO that the booking had to be cancelled at the last minute because of a death in the guest's family and agreed to refund the whole amount VRBO decided that my listing " has been temporarily suspended due to an avoidable cancellation.". Such a lack of empathy!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful and eccentric house. Had an electric beater, everything we needed in the kitchen, a BBQ, and it has a cool spiral staircase. We ate dinner on the balcony. Lovely hosts! Thank you for having us.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Feb 2026
It was a pleasure to have you stay. How great to be able to eat dinner on the balcony! Did you watch the sun go down? Best wishes Team Mairenui
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and quiet and clean

Quiet and clean with plenty of room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

mangaweka

Great place really interesting and one of the best holiday homes ever
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Stay

We had a wonderful few days here. Was a very quirky place filled to the brim with character. Had everything we needed and beautiful surrounding scenery. Would definitely recommend to those wanting to get away for the busy hustle and bustle and to just relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful seclusion

A gorgeous and relaxing spot away from stress and hassles. An amazing starry sky experience with nearby bush walks and birdsong. Lovely friendly and generous hosts. A great place to set away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rest and Tranquility

Lovely location. Great place to base for exploring the area. Peaceful and tranquil. Great that the place is pet friendly. Our dog loved the location, the sells, the river and the wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous

Gorgeous little getaway, beautiful location, absolute peace and quiet! Just what we needed :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet getaway

Awesome place, such a quirky little retreat. Loved the spiral staircase with all the wood and brick contrast. Spending evenings by the fire was a real treat. Was a pleasure to be able to bring our dog with us too!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Qwerky but cute

Great weekend getaway.. lovely and warm clean and dry! Thanks Retreat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Away from the maddening crowds

Quaint architecture. Beautiful remote location - ideal for 'taking it easy'. Scenery around the area is stunning. Take a ride up to some of the higher points to view the central plateau volcanoes!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable

Very cute cottage in the country! The photos don’t really do it justice, and it was a lot bigger than we expected. Perfect for a weekend away :)
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful historic farmhouse

We both loved the house. Especially because it has the old, historic characteristics with the modern bathroom. We were very cosy and warm in the kitchen with the wood fireplace. The property around is well groomed. Srunning scenic views.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dave

Great time
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great property but check the pricing for additional people

Brilliant property and lovely location Needs to be really clear in the advertising that every extra person over 2 people is an extra $70 pp per night as this can change the cost significantly - it almost doubles the price for a weekend if you increase from 2-4 people.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2024
Hello Claire I'm sorry you were confused about the pricing, but when you book you are required to state the number of people who wish to stay. As you only requested for 2 people you were charged the basic rate. If you had requested accommodation for 4 people the rate would have doubled. This is how most places charge. With some places you would be charged a house rate but it would be quite a lot more than the basic amount. I hope this clarifies the charging for anyone else who wishes to book!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A&K

The building is quite unique. Reminds me of 1980's stye architectural design. I would love to know the history of the building and maybe some photos of it being built? Would stay again without a doubt.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The River Valley Retreat

The photos do not do this property justice! The house has a unique layout and charm of its own - the house itself was a highlight of our stay. The location is beautiful - a good base to explore the local area. It is easy to self cater, the house has everything you need. The hosts are warm and welcoming. We recommend and hope to return soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rodger Walker Eat Your Heart Out

Lovely location. Was a quick stop over enroute to our destination. Really enjoyed our short stay. Dogs loved the space to roam. House is very reminiscent of Rodger Walker style. Love its character. Thanks David and Sue
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil, Rustic, peaceful

We loved our stay at the secluded retreat, our hosts were very good at communicating throughout the booking and during our stay. Marienui is an ideal place to explore the Manawatū cycle way. So many interesting places to explore along the way. The description of the place was accurate, bed very comfortable. A hands on country experience, wood chopping, fire lighting great for us city folks.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky

Excellent. Unusual building. Very functional. Nice people. You wont forget your time at the Retreat.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Silence of the Lambs!

Quirky, layered & private accommodation on the Mairenui Retreat farm. If you're looking for something different and a place to get away from it all, this is a great spot. Nature on your doorstep, and peace & coziness inside. Loved it!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location for those appreciating Rustic

Really loved the location and the hosts are most friendly. Its not a luxury experience, so be prepared for some wild /old farm coarseness. As long as spider webs, a few leaks and mystery creatures living in the walls don't spook you, you'll have a great time. It's away from noice and hustle. mornings are so peaceful with beautiful views. So grateful for an opportunity to bring our doggo with us also! ❤️ We arrived on a frosty evening and the fireplace was going creating a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure you read welcoming instructions! Those were super helpful in figuring this unique house out =)
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique but has some flaws

This is a charming and very unique country house. If that’s your primary interest and you are very outdoorsy you will be satisfied. But there are flaws. The furniture in the living room is very old and starting to fall apart and not very comfortable. The heating in the winter is not really adequate. There is only one working space heater and a wood burning stove. And I know you’re not here to watch tv but there should be a working tv made in this century to watch a movie around the fire at night.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
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