Fossil Hill

Fossil Hill

Masterton, Wellington-Wairarapa

Fossil Hill is just 10 minutes from Masterton in the Wairarapa and 1 hour 40 minutes from Wellington city.

Perched atop marine sedimentary rock dating back two million years, this remarkable escape reveals its ancient origins through discoveries of crystallised shells, shark teeth, and sea creatures preserved in the earth below.

The architecturally designed secluded cabin is luxurious, spacious, and meticulously planned with guest experience at its heart. Every detail, from the seamless flow between living, cooking, and sleeping areas to the beautiful natural fibres and modern comforts throughout, has been carefully considered for your delight. From this elevated spot, you'll be able to take in breathtaking 360-degree views over the Wairarapa landscape, where the Ruamahanga River winds below the Tararua Ranges, and Mt Rangitūmau and Mt Bruce rise among rolling farmland and native bush. 

Outside, the cabin's canopy provides shade over the entire outdoor area, featuring large skylights designed for stargazing under the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. Beneath these skylights, soak in the deep stone bathtub and watch the night sky come alive. As dusk falls, the pond mirrors the fading light while sheep graze peacefully in the meadow. The sunsets here are nothing short of magical, and in winter, there's something truly special about curling up by the fire inside the cosy cabin and watching the storms roll in.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife - hawks often glide overhead, and deer occasionally wander the hills behind the cabin. There's also a leisurely 20-minute loop walk through the regenerated native bush starting right at the cabin's doorstep.

Here, high above the world, time seems to slow - allowing you to truly unwind and reconnect with both nature and each other.

FROM
NZ$
480
/pn

  • Sleeps 2
address
 

240 Black Rock Road, Te Ore Ore, Masterton

location
 

Fossil Hill is just 10 minutes from Masterton township in the Wairarapa and 1 hour 40 minutes from Wellington city.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to 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].

Fossil Hill

What is the minimum stay at this escape?

Can I stay for one night only?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception or WiFi?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Can children stay at Fossil Hill?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Fossil Hill?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Activities

gift vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    Fossil Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-element induction cooktop and microwave oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you're looking to take a break from cooking, you'll find yourself ideally situated to explore the local dining scene, just a 12-minute drive away. The Screening Room Cinema Eatery offers everything from coffee and cake to brunch, lunch, dinner, shared tapas, and drinks – all alongside movie entertainment. Tripoli Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has pizza, pasta, tapas and desserts. Lastly, Run Holder (45 minutes away) in Martinborough comes highly recommended by your hosts, with amazing food and service.

    During the day, head to Le Grá Vineyard and Winery in Ōpaki for wine tasting and gourmet platters, or go for a casual bite to eat at either Entice Café or Trocadero Coffee Bar.

  • things to do

    Make yourself at home with our outdoor bath, sun loungers, collection of board games and books. When the mood strikes, fill the space with your favourite music through the integrated sound system, which extends to the outdoor area, or simply unwind to the gentle trickle of the waterfall.

    Take a leisurely 20-minute loop walk through the regenerated native bush right on the property. In summer, a public swimming hole at the river awaits just 500 metres up the driveway (if driving, you can park by the steel bar off the road and make your way down to the water).

    Book a magical private stargazing session with Under the Stars where an astronomer will visit with all equipment during your stay. You can find more info under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

    Take a scenic drive to some of the region's highlights. Visit the iconic Castle Point lighthouse and enjoy fresh fish from the local store (one hour away), spot Kiwi and Tuatara at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre (30 minutes away), or explore the boutique shops and cafes in Greytown (30 minutes away).

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Fossil Hill are Clint and Loren.

    Since 2017, this special piece of the Wairarapa has been their family home where they live with their three children - Max, Jack & Lana, and their pet dog Tess.

    Clint is a qualified builder who crafted the cabin himself, and Loren is a photographer and artist. The property, perched atop a hill formed of 2-million-year-old marine sedimentary rock, got its name from the children's exciting discoveries of shark teeth, ancient sea creature fossils and crystallised shells.

    With stunning views over farmland and mountains, abundant birdlife and the river just across the road, they recognised Fossil Hill was too special to keep to themselves and created this retreat where others could come to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature.

Testimonials

  • "

    What a lovely place for a few days of peace and quiet. Very serene and private. The covered deck with the outdoor tub and deck chairs is awesome, even when its raining. And the view is absolutely gorgeous.

    "

    Peter klok - 09 Feb 2026

    1 / 12

  • "

    Perfection! Perfection! Perfection! Every aspect of the guest experience has been thought out. The hosts have clearly put a lot of time effort and heart into Fossil Hill. From the moment you drive up the hill to the moment you depart, you will be at peace. If you are considering booking this, just do it!!! It is perfection. We will most definitely be returning.

    "

    Logan Gallagher - 24 Jan 2026

    2 / 12

  • "

    Thank you for a wonderful stay. Amazing views, a well-equipped kitchen and lots of little touches like cake forks and bath salts made for a restful break.

    "

    Zoe Mounsey - 20 Jan 2026

    3 / 12

  • "

    The cabin is amazing, romantic and beautiful. The hill is beautiful and a magic place to have a cabin. Loved it from A to Z.

    "

    Manuela Russi - 19 Jan 2026

    4 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic location and fantastic facilities, excellently thought out. I never give 10 out of 10, but this completely deserves it!

    "

    Charles Tolman - 15 Jan 2026

    5 / 12

  • "

    If you want to experience feeling completely removed from reality, this is the place to be. Absolutely stunning views in an incredible and thoughtful space.

    "

    Stephanie K - 10 Jan 2026

    6 / 12

  • "

    This is truly a spectacular spot. It’s beautiful, the house and the area. Close to everything, just a beautiful home and people. Would totally go back and recommend it to anyone, especially for a completely romantic time out. It was so relaxing and one of the best places we have stayed. Thank you.

    "

    Liz Crowley - 07 Jan 2026

    7 / 12

  • "

    We loved our three night stay at Fossil Hill. The views are absolutely stunning and the setting feels peaceful and secluded while still being easy to reach. The cabin was beautifully designed, warm, and very comfortable, with everything we needed. Soaking in the outdoor bath under the stars was a real highlight. A perfect place to relax and switch off. We’d highly recommend it.

    "

    Robyn & Grant - 05 Jan 2026

    8 / 12

  • "

    The perfect place to escape to when you need to slow down for a few days. A beautiful cabin in a beautiful location.

    "

    Andrea Hall - 17 Dec 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    A beautiful and romantic place for our honeymoon. We felt relaxed, comfortable, and deeply enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended.

    "

    Marevic Elambayo - 14 Dec 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful two-night stay at Fossil Hill. Loren messaged a couple of days before and also shared local recommendations. The Screening Room breakfast was a hit. The property is beautiful with stunning views. The bed is super comfortable. We had everything we needed. Watching the sunset from the deck loungers was a highlight. Great sound system and the bath is huge. Don’t miss it. Lots to do nearby. We’d love to come back.

    "

    Cheryl Mitchell - 27 Nov 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Stunning setting and perfect escape! Outdoor bath on perfect star filled night was a real highlight. Would totally recommend to family and friends.

    "

    Audra Voyle - 24 Nov 2025

    12 / 12

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