Tiniroto, Gisborne

Mahaanui Farmstay Experience

Private totara-glade river cabin and farm stays in Tiniroto hill country

TinirotoGisborneNew Zealand farm stayoff grid cabinriver retreatslow travel

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Our read

The landscape does the work, and it stays small enough to feel like a house rather than a hotel.

Come here for

Being told what happens next, instead of planning it
Staying somewhere that takes its land seriously
Small groups and solo travellers who dislike crowds
Wildlife and landscape first, comfort second

Skip it if

You want resort scale, with several restaurants and a crowd to disappear into
You want to arrive on a whim — reaching it takes planning
You would rather improvise your days than follow a timetable

We would rather lose the booking than send you somewhere that does not suit you.

01 - Arrive

The place itself

Mahaanui Farmstay Experience is an owner-run hill-country farm stay in Tiniroto, Gisborne, New Zealand. Simon and Sally Bennett host three private accommodation options on 1856 Ruakaka Road: the Boutique River Cabin, a secluded off-grid retreat for two in an old totara tree glade beside the Hangaroa River; the Mahaanui Cottage for families and groups up to eight; and the Mahaanui Quarters for solo travellers or groups up to ten. The River Cabin is built from recycled and sustainable materials, completely off-grid, and designed for guests who want to unwind away from everyday busyness. Private river access supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing. An outdoor wood-burning hot tub, double hammock, daybed, solar-powered lights, gas hot water, and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast supplies create casual luxury without Wi-Fi distraction. Beyond the cabin, guests explore life on a traditional hill-country farm with guided tours, bush trails, pet animals, and incredible East Coast sunsets and night skies. Mahaanui means lots of joy or happiness in te reo Maori. Book direct at mahaanui.co.nz.

04 - Stay

Ways to stay

Boutique River Cabin

See mahaanui.co.nz

Secluded totara-glade cabin for two with hot tub and river access.

Book this package

More of the place

05 - Know

Before you go

1856 Ruakaka Road, Tiniroto, Gisborne 4078. Download directions from mahaanui.co.nz and share your ETA with Simon and Sally for River Cabin arrivals.

Stay for

Confirm with hosts when booking

If plans change

Confirm on mahaanui.co.nz when booking

Where is Mahaanui Farmstay Experience?

1856 Ruakaka Road, Tiniroto, Gisborne 4078, New Zealand. Roughly 1.5 hours from Gisborne and about one hour from Wairoa. Driving directions are on mahaanui.co.nz.

What is the Boutique River Cabin?

A private off-grid retreat for two in a totara glade next to the Hangaroa River with hot tub, queen bed, solar fridge with breakfast supplies, gas kitchen, private river access, and kayak. No Wi-Fi.

Will I be disturbed at the River Cabin?

The cabin is completely private. Guests are undisturbed unless they have arranged a meal-pack drop-off or requested host contact.

What farm activities are available?

When time allows, Simon and Sally offer farm tours with working dogs, mustering, and sheep shearing, plus bush trails, marked walks, and river paddling.

How do I book?

Book or enquire at mahaanui.co.nz, email mahaanui@gisborne.net.nz, or call +64 27 497 7163.

Ask Serena