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.
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Heated pool
Spa pool on site
Onsite parking available
Dogs and cats allowed
Kitchen
Washing machine
Explore the area
Papamoa Beach, Bay Of Plenty
Gordon Spratt Reserve
Place, Gordon Spratt Reserve
6 min drive
Papamoa Beach
Place, Papamoa Beach
7 min drive
Donovan Park
Place, Donovan Park
7 min drive
Tauranga (TRG)
Airport, Tauranga (TRG)
14 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
+1
1 Crib, 1 Queen Bed and 3 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals
Escape to our peaceful Papamoa Farmstay, set on 17 acres of countryside beside the beautiful Papamoa Hills.
Wake to the sounds of the countryside, collect fresh eggs from the chickens, hand-feed our friendly farm animals, explore the Papamoa Hills from your doorstep, spend the afternoon at the beach, then come home and relax in the spa under the stars.
It's a unique country escape for families, couples and friends – yet only minutes from Papamoa Beach, cafés, restaurants and shops.
A Little Piece of Country Paradise
Our private 60m² Farmstay apartment sits well back from the road, surrounded by farmland, regenerating native bush and plenty of open space.
The setting is wonderfully peaceful, but you're certainly not isolated. Papamoa's beautiful surf and swimming beaches are just a short drive away, with great cafés, restaurants and shopping around 10 minutes from the property.
It's the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe in the country air and enjoy doing as much – or as little – as you like.
Make a coffee and settle into the hammock with a book, watch the kids play outside, wander through the paddock, head into the hills for a walk, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
When evening arrives, pour a glass of wine, light the fire or sink into the spa and watch the stars appear overhead.
Meet Our Farm Family
For many guests – especially children – meeting our animals becomes the highlight of their stay.
Our much-loved farm family includes goats, sheep, cows, Flemish giant rabbits and free-range chickens.
Most have been hand-raised from babies and are incredibly friendly and comfortable around people. Our goats are particularly social and have been known to follow guests around the paddock just like dogs!
Let us know if you're staying with children and, whenever possible, we'll bring some of the animals down to meet them. We'll also provide food so the kids can experience hand-feeding them.
Near the citrus orchard you'll find our Flemish giant rabbits and friendly chickens. When the hens are laying, guests are welcome to collect fresh free-range eggs for breakfast.
And depending on the season, you may even be lucky enough to meet some new lambs.
Plenty of Space for the Kids
This is somewhere children can get outside and enjoy being children.
There's a huge grass football field directly in front of the accommodation, a netted trampoline, tree swings and plenty of room to run and explore.
While they're busy having adventures, you can find a quiet spot, relax in the hammock and enjoy the countryside.
Guests are welcome to explore the designated paddock areas. The fences are not electric; we simply ask that gates are always left as you find them.
Papamoa Hills at Your Doorstep
One of the most special things about staying here is having the Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park virtually in our backyard.
The park offers a network of beautiful walking and running trails through a culturally significant landscape containing historic Māori pā sites.
Walk straight from the property and explore the hills, or head up for sunrise or sunset when you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across Papamoa, Mount Maunganui and the Bay of Plenty.
Then wander home as the light fades and enjoy the stars and the distinctive call of the native morepork.
Your Home Away From Home
After a day exploring, the Farmstay is a comfortable and welcoming place to come home to.
The apartment works particularly well for a family of up to five (2 adults and 3 children) or 3–4 adults.
We've put a lot of thought into making it comfortable year-round, with quality beds, mattresses and pillows, blackout blinds, retractable insect screens, double glazing and full insulation.
In summer, air conditioning keeps things cool. During winter, there's nothing better than coming home to the warmth of the wood-burning fireplace, with a heat pump also provided.
Cook, Relax & Stay Awhile
The Farmstay has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can easily prepare anything from a quick breakfast to a family dinner.
You'll have a Smeg oven and hob, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher and Sunbeam coffee machine, along with cooking and baking essentials, spices and sauces.
We also provide tea, herbal teas, Allpress coffee beans and hot chocolate – plus fresh free-range eggs when our chickens are laying.
For nights in, there's a full-sized Smart TV with Netflix, a Bluetooth soundbar and fast Starlink internet.
A washing machine is also provided, making the apartment particularly convenient for families and longer stays.
Weekly and monthly rates are available.
Your Own Private Space
The entire Farmstay apartment is for your private use and has its own parking.
The apartment is attached to, but completely separated from, our small farm warehouse and office. Our business has only four staff who generally work normal weekday business hours from 8am–5pm.
Our family home is approximately 500 metres away, so we're nearby if you need us while still giving you plenty of privacy.
We're always happy to introduce you to the animals or help with anything that will make your stay more enjoyable.
Explore Papamoa & the Bay of Plenty
Although you'll feel a world away from town, you're actually very close to some of the best the Bay of Plenty has to offer.
Papamoa Beach is just minutes away, while cafés, restaurants and shops are approximately a 10-minute drive.
Bayfair Shopping Centre is around 10–15 minutes away, and Mount Maunganui – with its beaches, boutique shopping, cafés, restaurants and famous Mauao walks – is approximately 20 minutes away.
Other nearby adventures include Kaiate Falls, Mount Hot Pools and Welcome Bay Hot Pools.
And if you feel like a day trip, Rotorua is approximately 50 minutes away, offering geothermal attractions, Māori cultural experiences and plenty of adventure activities.
Bringing Your Dog?
We know pets are part of the family too, so dogs may be able to join you by prior arrangement.
An outdoor kennel and tether can be provided if required.
Please note that dogs aren't permitted within the Papamoa Hills park, but there are several dog-friendly walks and outdoor areas nearby, including parts of Papamoa Beach, Kaiate Falls, Waipuna Park and the Daisy Hardwick Walk.
Pets are by prior application only.
Getting Here & Around
Because we're a rural property, we strongly recommend having a car.
The nearest shops, cafés and restaurants are approximately 8–10 minutes away, with the beach even closer. Uber and taxis are also available.
Come & Experience Farmstay Life
This isn't just somewhere to sleep.
It's waking up to the countryside and collecting eggs for breakfast.
It's watching the kids discover how gentle a cow can be, hand-feeding a rabbit or having a goat decide to follow them around the paddock.
It's walking the Papamoa Hills, spending the afternoon at the beach and coming home to soak in the spa as the stars come out.
Most of all, it's a chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a little piece of country life – while still having Papamoa and Mount Maunganui right on your doorstep.
We'd love to welcome you to our Farmstay.
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The Catch on Commons - Spacious 3-Bedroom Townhouse Near Mount Maunganui Beach, Ocean-View Balcony with BBQ, Family-Friendly Layout Across Three Levels, and Convenient Central Location
Mount Maunganui
The Catch on Commons - Spacious 3-Bedroom Townhouse Near Mount Maunganui Beach, Ocean-View Balcony with BBQ, Family-Friendly Layout Across Three Levels, and Convenient Central Location
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 9085059
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Tauranga
Located in Papamoa, a neighbourhood in Tauranga, this apartment is in a rural area. Mount Maunganui Golf Club and Mount Hot Pools are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Kiwi360 and Baycourt Community & Arts Centre. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Mercury Baypark or Tauranga Domain. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as scuba diving.
Does Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals?
As of 28 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals on 11 Oct 2026 start from AU$320, 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.
Is Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Farmstay Escape: Enjoy open space, relaxing spa and friendly farm animals located?
Located in Papamoa, this apartment building is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Gordon Spratt Reserve and within 6 miles (10 km) of Simpson Reserve and Papamoa Beach. Donovan Park and Taylor Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a fantastic visit to Brightside Farmstay. The facility was incredibly well maintained, and the highlight was meeting Peter and going on a tour with him to see all of his farm animals. Our boys were thrilled. This is one of the best bnb's that we have been to. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.
We stayed with our kids for 2 nights and absolutely loved it! The animals, the outdoor place and all the games werde just amazing! Would strongly recommend this beautiful place!
Enjoyed our stay throughly, very cosy and comfortable place, good place to just relax and envy the nature, the owner was very prompt in getting back and very helpful
Great place, fantastic location and some very friendly farm animals for kids to interact with. Our second time here. Recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Feb 2024
Thanks so much for coming to stay again Ben & taking the time to review us a second time - much appreciated and hopefully we’ll see you back next summer!
We came up north for a concert in Auckland but decided to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle. The Farm Stay was the perfect choice and we even discovered it was next door to the Pāpāmoa Hills walk! Great location, lovely facilities, will definitely book again.
Great place to stay with everything we needed, couldnt fault it. Kids loved the animals which were super friendly. Amazing location and surroundings. Would highly recommend!
Great location close to beaches also shopping centre. Accomodation were very comfortable and modern! Friendly farm animals and big field for my dog to run around! We just loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2022
Thanks for your lovely review and we're glad you enjoyed yourselves and had a good time at our farmstay. You're welcome back anytime, Nina
Nice semi rural location only a few minutes drive from Papamoa. Kids loved being able to feed the 'bunnies', baa's and 'moo's'. We loved the fact we could sit and read a book whilst keeping an eye on the kids playing on the large lawn.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr 2023
Thanks for your review Aaron, I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay!
Perfect HQ for our family while we were visiting Friends and Fam and spending some time around Tauranga and surrounding areas.
The kids absolutely loved the animals and the property. Close to shops and beach and easy to access all the Bay of Plenty offers.
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and even better that it was dog friendly, my schnauzer was in heaven!
Host was great, place was clean, everything was driving distance.
Would definitely be a wonderful place to bring younger children!
Will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jan 2023
Thanks so much for your review Amy - so glad you enjoyed your stay!
Fantastic place to stay that’s close enough to everything but feels like you’re away from it all. Great for those with kids as there is heaps of room to run around, animals to see, trampoline and toys. Place was modern, clean and spacious with everything you need. Owners were super friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back.
Great property, so clean & everything you need in a holiday property. Plenty of room for our 3 boys to play football. They loved feeding the rabbits & chickens & collecting fresh eggs every day. Would highly recommend.
Easy find location. Kids loved the animals on the property. Lots of space for the kids to run around and play. The internet was fast and of good quality. The beds were comfortable and the rooms were warm. Papamoa hills reserve offer a great view of the greater Tauranga area and the location isn't too far from shops like New World / PaknSave. Highly recommend.
Perfect place for our holiday. Kids enjoyed meeting and feeding the animals. Helped ourselves to the mandarin/oranges that the host graciously offered. The unit is cosy and has everything we needed. The big lawn is perfect for our badminton games. Very happy with our stay. Thanks.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2024
Was lovely to meet you all. So glad you enjoyed your stay
We just want to say a huge thank you to Nina for accommodating us and making our stay an amazing one. The batch is warm and cosy, beautiful surroundings with peace and quiet. We loved spending time with the animals and the swing was a huge hit with the kids and big kids! Would highly recommend!
Had a great 3 night stay at this property. The property had everything we needed and more. It was very clean and well stocked with all the things needed to cook. The farm animals were a treat for the kids. We had an issue with the stove not turning on properly and the owner addressed it right away. Would highly recommend this property.
The most complicated part of this 3 day stay was the most complicated booking procedure! The property was all it promised to be and more, the dog had a ball and the property owner was friendly, helpful and unobtrusive. Great break.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2023
Yes I remember the vrbo site had some issues when you were trying to book, but they seem to have fixed it now! So glad you enjoyed your stay - it was lovely to meet you!
About the host
Hosted by Nina Smith
I am originally a Mount Maunganui local, who after a number of years travelling and living overseas, was lucky enough to come back home and settle down in this very unique piece of Papamoa Paradise, with my husband Pete and our two teenage boys. When our boys were young, we tried to find holiday stays like this, where our kids could interact with nature and animals.,, so it was only natural to create this rural escape and become a host!
Why they chose this property
We have always loved Papamoa and the Mount and when we first saw this bare piece land 10 years ago, we leapt at the chance to make it ours. I am a vet and so a 17 acre lifestyle block with lots of pet animals seemed perfect for us! There is so much to do in this area, with the worlds best beaches a 7 minute drive away, lots of beautiful walks out our back door, let alone great cafes, restaurants, shops and a short drive away, Lake Rotoiti and Rotorua with all they have to offer!
What makes this property unique
Our property is truly unique, given its location so close to town and beautiful beaches, but away from the busyness of those same places. It is right next door to beautiful walks in the papamoa hills, that lead to 360 degree views of coast and surrounds - truly incredible at sunset and sunrise and right on your doorstep! By day there are cicadas and birdsong to listen to and at night it is so quiet and peaceful … and the stars are something else, particularly for those used to the city! We have planted over 22000 natives and our own house is off the grid, although the accommodation is on a mixture of solar and mains power. We have done as much as we can to be environmentally friendly and sustainable, with a grey water system for waste etc.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests