The Love Boat

The Love Boat

Wairarapa

The Love Boat is set 20 minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa, approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Wellington.

Tucked away in its own private nook, this unique renovated boat accommodation has stunning views of the Tararua Ranges.

Whimsical interiors with nautical touches welcome you aboard, offering everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay. As night falls, drift off to sleep under the skylight, enjoying a unique stargazing experience beneath Wairarapa's Dark Sky Reserve.

Venture outside onto the spacious deck, where the gentle sounds of native trees rustle and birdsong fill the air. Indulge in a relaxing soak in the outdoor bath, fire up the Weber BBQ for a delicious meal, or lounge on the expansive lawn.

A two-minute stroll away, Waingawa River awaits, inviting you to take a refreshing dip or picnic on its banks. For those seeking an outing, the beautiful Wairarapa region boasts many scenic nature walks and charming restaurants to explore.

FROM $295 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
address
 

174 Blakes Road, Mount Holdsworth 5791

location
 

The Love Boat is set 20 minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa, approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Wellington.

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].

The Love Boat

What time is check-in and check-out?

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?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Can children stay at The Love Boat?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is The Love Boat?

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

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum stay periods

rates

Gift Vouchers

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

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    The Love Boat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner cooktop, oven and Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you're staying on the weekend, you must try the pizzas at The Watermill Bakery!

    How to find it: Located at the start of Blakes Road, just a 2-minute drive from The Love Boat at the end of the road. It's a magical spot with a cosy log cabin by a stream.

    Opening Hours: Only Fridays 5–8 PM. However, it is closed for a few months in winter (seasonal hours).

    How It Works: Call 06 370 1129 early in the week to book your pizza bases. On Friday night, pizzas are cooked between 5–8 PM. You can choose your toppings when you arrive.

    The Wairarapa has a plethora of fantastic dining options to choose so here are just a few recommended to you by your hosts. For a quick bite to eat, check out Clareville Bakery in Carterton. Balter Bar is a fantastic dinner spot in Carterton, or you can head 22 minutes over to Masterton to Koi, modern Indian-Malaysian cuisine, or The Screening Room, a unique cinema and eatery. In the heart of Greytown, 30 minutes in the other direction, is the iconic White Swan, which offers outdoor seating, a fireplace, and great cocktails and meals. Also in Greytown is Aperitif, a wine bar and eatery. If you're a wine fanatic, Martinborough (45-minute drive) is renowned for its excellent vineyards.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is New World in Carterton, 20 minutes away.

  • things to do

    There’s a unique magic in staying still, nestled in a quiet spot with your loved one, while the world outside fades away.

    At The Love Boat, play a round of pétanque, cards, or croquet, letting time slip by effortlessly. A lovely outdoor bath completes the scene, adding a perfect touch of warmth and romance. In the summer, a quick two-minute walk takes you to a lovely river. You're welcome to fish in the river if you have your own gear and license. 

    If you want to explore, the region offers plenty of nature walks and mountain bike trails. Just six minutes away is Mt Holdsworth, granting access to a range of beautiful walks in the Tararua Ranges.

    The Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a must-visit to see the endangered brown kiwi. Greytown, just 30 minutes away, is perfect for a day of boutique shopping, while Martinborough, a 40-minute drive, is ideal for wine tasting. Further afield, enjoy the sandy shores of Castlepoint and Riversdale beaches, where you can also try your hand at fishing.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at The Love Boat are Danny, Sally and Miss Kitty.

    Danny and Sally have owned the property since 2020, having relocated from the city to embrace a more tranquil rural lifestyle. With their children and grandchildren still living in Wellington, the Wairarapa was an ideal choice being a mere 1.5-hour drive away. Upon discovering the property, they immediately recognised it as an extraordinary find, captivated by the river, native trees and birds, as well as the privacy offered at the end of their road.

    Having previously worked in the film industry, Danny enjoys creating unique spaces. When he came across the boat, he decided to transform it into exceptional accommodation, now known as "The Love Boat."

Browse our Collection

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape. A family holiday.
Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape