Drovers Lookout

Drovers Lookout

Hawke's Bay

Drovers Lookout is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier. The lovely Musterer's Rest also shares the same property.

Drovers Lookout is nestled on beautiful farmland, with stunning views that extend over rolling pastures, the Tukituki River and the Ruahine Ranges. The serene location is home to tui, wood pigeon, and morepork... Nature's melodies, right at your doorstep.

The hut features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a queen bed and mezzanine-style single bunk bed. It's perfect for a family, a group of friends, or two couples. All rooms open onto the main deck, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The open-plan living and kitchen area is perfect for getting cosy next to the indoor fire, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views. 

In a separate room, a deep bath indoor/outdoor bath has a large opening out to the fresh air - offering a framed view while you soak. Directly outside is a campfire area, inviting you to gather around for s'mores and hot chocolate.

As dusk falls, retreat to your cosy quarters. Watch the sunset paint the sky with fiery hues and stars begin to twinkle overhead.

FROM $300 p/n

  • Sleeps 5
  • 
            Children welcome
      Children welcome
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
ADDRESS
 

613 Blackburn Road, Ongaonga 4278

LOCATION
 

Drovers Lookout is set in the Central Hawke's Bay, 1 hour from Napier, 1.5 hours from Palmerston North and just over 3 hours from Wellington.

To get there, follow the Google Maps directions to 613 Blackburn Road. You'll turn a hard left-hand turn into the farm drive - which is signposted "Totara Valley Park". 

You will receive a pre-arrival email with more detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days before your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Drovers Lookout

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Minimum stay periods

Rates

gift vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

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14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    Drovers Lookout is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and four-burner gas cooktop provided in the kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, your host, Dan, recommends Saffron Indian Restaurant in Waipukurau (20 minutes away) and Skinny Mulligans in Waipawa (25 minutes away).

    The nearest places to go for supplies are the Countdown and New World supermarkets in Waipukurau, the 4-Square in Waipawa or the General Store in Onga Onga (10 minutes away). 

  • things to do

    You'll find plenty to do at the hut, with petanque, croquet, badminton and boardgames all supplied. Soak in the large indoor bath or toast marshmallows around the firepit. You can also head to the river on a hot day for a dip!

    If you like to get out and about check out the popular day walk to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine National Park or bring your mountain bikes and hit one of the many trails in the region. If you're feeling especially adventurous - give water skiing a try! Backpaddock Lakes Water Skiing Park is about 20 minutes away from the Drovers Lookout.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at the Drovers Lookout are Dan, Kylie, daughter Cleo and dogs Chips and Delta. Dan is a farmer and horse trainer, and Kylie runs a horse massage business.

    Ten years ago, Dan and his brother, Nick bought their property to set up a polo pony breeding and training facility.

    Over the years, visitors to the farm have made many comments complimenting the stunning location. The old established native trees and the vast views of the Tukituki river and Ruahine ranges are just a few of the popular features.

    Their first glamping accommodation, Musterer's Rest, was once an old musterer's hut that has been beautifully renovated. The hosts created Drovers Lookout to share their beautiful property for more people to enjoy.

Testimonials

  • "

    Super cosy and well-supplied with all the essentials. The ever-changing view was amazing, and the hosts were communicative and friendly throughout our stay. Looking forward to returning sometime.

    "

    Richard Hopkins - 30 Jan 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Thank you for the beautiful stay! We really enjoyed it. Very peaceful and tidy.

    "

    Randima Rathnayaka - 20 Jan 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Great place, great views, relaxing and the best place for a getaway. Wish we stayed longer.

    "

    Bhavini Dayal - 16 Jan 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Lovely and comfortable accommodation set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. The hosts are lovely and have created such a wonderful retreat that really takes in the beauty of the area.

    "

    Nicola Dyer - 13 Jan 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Had a great stay at Drovers Lookout. Amazing views and it was great that we could bring our dog with us.

    "

    Vicki Campion - 11 Jan 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Our family really enjoyed our stay. Such a beautiful and relaxing place.

    "

    Misty Timoti - 29 Nov 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful place to unwind for the weekend. We enjoyed everything about the retreat.

    "

    Wayne Muuren - 07 Nov 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    We loved our family stay at Drovers Lookout. It was the perfect way to end the school holidays and switch off from everything with our boys. The house has everything you need, and the space is very relaxing.

    "

    Nicola Rodgers - 01 Nov 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Such a serene, relaxing, and beautiful atmosphere. Watching the horses galloping around and having a visit from the local sheep was wonderful. It was a well-needed break from city life, and I would highly recommend it.

    "

    Shirley Turnbull - 29 Oct 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Such a beautiful stay! Breathtaking views, will definitely be back.

    "

    Lea Baker - 27 Oct 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    We loved our weekend away! Beautiful spot, lots of space, perfect for kids with the lawn, outside bath, fire pit for marshmallows, and nearby river. Comfortable bedrooms with toasty warm fires. Loved our stay!

    "

    Tessa Whitehouse - 23 Oct 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Everything we experienced was fantastic thanks to the owner.

    "

    Kenichi Hirano - 13 Oct 2024

    12 / 12

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