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Back country retreat

Family-friendly holiday home in Waverley

Photo gallery for Back country retreat

The house
Welcome to our slice of paradise!!
Kitchen/living
Kitchen
lounge fire - very cosy in winter!

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Castlecliff Beach
  • Place, Mowhanau Beach
  • Place, Waverley Beach
  • Airport, Whanganui (WAG)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom three

1 Double Bed and 1 Child Bed

main bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Crib

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Back country retreat

Nukuhau is situated half an hour over scenic roads from the main highway, on a high plateau overlooking our carbon farm and QEII reserve. The final 11km of your journey is spectacular as you travel into the hills over winding unsealed roads. Drive carefully and take time to enjoy the amazing views!

Don't expect 4 star accommodation but we can offer you million dollar views! The large house is basically but comfortably furnished with all you need for a retreat or holiday. In addition to the beds we also have foam mattresses which can be used marae style on the living room floor. There are plenty of spare blankets and duvets.
A wood fired stove in the kitchen and an enclosed woodburner in the lounge make the living areas cosy in cold weather, but you might want to bring a hotwater bottle for winter nights!

The 500 acre farm consists of steep hills and valleys but is tracked and suitable for exploring on foot. At the bottom of the farm there is a small river. This property is the ideal place for a quiet retreat or as a base for outdoor activities. The views of Mt Taranaki and of the bush clad hill country are spectacular, and sunsets and night skies well worth the journey.

It is situated adjacent to two DOC reserves which can be accessed for tramping or hunting. Nearby are historic sites, viewpoints with commanding views from Mt Taranaki to Mt Ruapehu.
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For wet weather we have games, books, DVDs, and a piano.
Special conditions:
Smoking outside only
Pets by prior arrangement
Absolutely no shooting on property

NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to:
Clean the house and wash the dishes before you leave;
Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/pillowcases)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 10:00 AM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Waverley

Located in Waverley, this holiday home is in a rural area. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Tawhiti Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Waverley Beach and Rotokare Scenic Reserve. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking and hunting.
View more Holiday homes in WaverleyOpens in a new window
Map
Waverley Beach, Waverley

What's nearby

  • Waverley Beach - 60 min drive - 34.5 km

Getting around

  • Whanganui (WAG) - 86 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Back country retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Back country retreat?

As of 16 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Back country retreat on 30 Nov 2025 start from AU$139.92, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Back country retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Back country retreat?

Check-in begins at 10:00 AM.

What time is check-out at Back country retreat?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Back country retreat located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is 19.8 mi (31.8 km) from Waverley Beach.

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 50 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jack P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a lovely place to gettaway. Beautiful views, privacy, and character. A great place to disconnect.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick T.

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

Great stay

Great stay surrounded by amazing scenery
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Helen D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fire wood was wet and awkward to access with no hatchet to split it. Minimal kindling and matches. Given the remote exposed location provision of better wood and kindling for lighting fires is necessary.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larissa R.

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

Hiden piece of paradise

What a hiden gem of a spot. Gravel road wouldnt be great for a sports car but our Rav handled it well. We went in winter so was nice to arrive to kindling and wood to light both fires at each end of the house. We took our dogs and they were in heaven so much space to run. We took some walks around the property and STUNNING, the views are amazing the bush area is simply beautiful. Definitely have decent boots if your doing walks in the winter.Definitely the perfect spot to get away from the hussle and bussle of life. We didnt even hear another vehicle while there. The house has everything you need, fully equipped kitchen, board games, puzzles, there is something for everyone.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Nell G.

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

Nell

The place is just as described, very isolated, beautiful surroundings but very basic.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan N.

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

Getaway

Was a great getaway from the city would 100% recommend with great farm views and a lot of space will definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack P.

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

Wonderful time

This is my second time to the retreat, it's such a wonderful place to spend quality time with friends surrounded by beautiful hills and forest. We had a great time disconnecting from everything. Look forward to coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sue L.

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

Quiet Weekend

What a fantastic place to hide away for a weekend and just relax. Spectacular views with Taranaki, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe showing themselves. Very peaceful, went for a couple of good walks and the house was very toasty and comfortable with the fires creating that chill out mood where time does not matter. I am sure we will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

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

Great farm stay

We absolutely loved our stay here. Leave the technology at home and enjoy the fire places and slower pace.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne-Marie C.

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

Wonderful

Homely old school batch. Loved the walk, the sunset, the sun rise, the vista, priva, clean air and wood fires. A perfect family retreat.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

matt l.

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

Awesome !!

Our family loved the views of mount Egmont and Ruapehu a feeling of surrounded in Nature,the walk to the wallnut tree was fun,we even saw a deer grazing on the house section, the house was cozy and peaceful, we love this Spot!! 10/10 thanks so much
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick T.

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

A+

Great place to stay for family and friends,
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

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

Great

Great for a quiet get away with the family.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Lisa R.

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

Nukuhau

Awesome location, amazing views. Loved being off grid. The birds, sunsets and starry sky were a highlight.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eve M.

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

worth the drive

We were just staying for one night, but if we went back we would book a longer stint. Views are incredible. Tricky drive to get there though, definitely do drive in day light.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Steven B.

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

Great to get away.

Great place to get away from the city, weather just wasn't the best, but overall a great place to go visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Joe R.

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

Wilderness getaway

Comfortable, no frills, home away from home. If you like the outdoors e.g. hiking, bush walks - this is for you. It's remote, peaceful and tranquil. If you're lucky enough you might hear the call of the kiwis at night like we did.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Petrus R.

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

Great outdoors

Was a great get away weekend from the city life, lovely big farm house anda bonus is all the deer that comes grazing on the lawn.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Michelle O.

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

Time to get a away

Enjoyed staying at the property and having family time. Thanks Helen for all your help.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

rahu k.

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

The location was so beautiful 😍 and well maintained proper nice and clean

Was a great experience
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tara P.

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

Amazing views

Although it didn't stop raining until we left the property was perfect to hunker down and cosy up in. We managed to go for a walk around the property and views are outstanding. Looking forward to further exploration in the sun shine next time
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Romy H.

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

Lovely stay

Fantastic views and was great for a weekend break.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Laura R.

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

Retreat and restful holidays

If you would like to be far from the busy life, cut out of Internet and restore your connection to nature, this is the best spot. It is amazing to hear the silence and the elements of nature. However you need to be well equipped with groceries and food and any entertainment that you would like to take with you. When you are there, you forget the time, and the most important thing is that you recharge your energy and you are ready to start the new year. It is an amazing place in which the majestic maunga can be seen on a clear day!!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Ranga K.

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

Amazing countryside location

Ideal place for anyone who loves countryside and mountains. Helen was very nice to us since before we even booked the Bach, always happy to answer our questions and give us tips to make our stay as good as possible. Make sure you go there with all the required items for your stay and I would n't suggest to drive back to Waverley or Hawera. As mentioned on the description final 11km of the journey is a gravel road and its very dusty when the road is dry. Other house is very basic and equipped with all necessities.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle T.

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

Great place to unwind

Fantastic location with a lovely property containing everything you need and nothing you don't. Loved the board games and there's plenty of room for everyone and two bathrooms. Helen is wonderful to deal with. Will be back for sure
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

About the host

Hosted by Nellieray

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Abundant bird life

Languages:

English
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