Manutuke, Gisborne
Manutuke Eco Retreat is 15 minutes from Gisborne on the East Coast of the North Island.
The accommodation is situated on the edge of a wetland lake on the property and consists of a cosy sleeping cabin and a semi-outdoor bathroom. Interconnecting decks and boardwalks immerse you in the wetland surrounds and connect the different elements of the property. A long jetty out to a viewing platform on the lake is the perfect place to launch the paddleboards for a peaceful paddle around the lake.
A clawfoot bath is positioned at the base of the jetty - the perfect place to soak up the views across the lake.
Manutuke Eco Retreat is the ideal romantic glamping accommodation. Relax on the property using the outdoor chairs, spotting the birds flitting through the wetland plants. Or get out and about to enjoy the beaches and activities the Gisborne region offers by day and when night falls, gaze up at the star-studded night skies from your private jetty. Drift off to sleep in your beautiful cabin to the sounds of nature - and wake to the sunrise across the lake. Bliss.
Manutuke Eco Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your camp 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, Gisborne is just a 15-minute drive away and has plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.
At the property, there are 2 SUP boards and a 2-person kayak for exploring the lake on water. Yoga mats are provided for yoga devotees and binoculars are provided for spotting some of the incredible birdlife on the property.
There are great walking tracks across two different properties - one with amazing views and one for tree lovers with mature redwoods, eucalyptus, and cedar. The tracks cover over 10 km.
Bring your bikes, or hire bikes from local bike hire 'Bikeys' and you can ride the Kanuka track - an easy grade 2 free flowing track. There are also two new tracks built by Southstar, the eucalyptus track is a grade 2 and the Redwoods track is an intermediate grade 3. These tracks on the property, are available for guest use only and have good signage so that you can find where to go.
Other highlights in the local area include the spectacular Gisborne beaches, just minutes away.
“ Cannot overstate enough how amazing our stay was. Peaceful, amazing, everything we needed and more. ”
Peter Cleaver- 2025-02-06
20 / 20
“ Beautiful place. Perfect for some R&R. Loved the lake with the kayak and paddle boards. Lovely touch to offer equipment and ingredients for crepes if wanted. ”
Karen Sayer- 2026-06-23
1 / 20
“ Beautiful stay at Manutuke Eco Retreat. The perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature, along with the peace and quiet. The walking tracks were fantastic too — a wonderful escape to unwind and recharge. ”
Jennie Avery- 2026-05-12
2 / 20
“ A fantastic secluded retreat with an abundance of nature at your doorstep. Would definitely stay again if we're in the Gisborne region. ”
Simon McHardy- 2026-03-23
3 / 20
“ We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Manutuke Eco Retreat, it met and exceeded our expectations. ”
Cassie Morgan- 2026-03-02
4 / 20
“ Fantastic location and tranquil atmosphere. Great communication from the host. Well thought out space and facilities. Very clean and intuitive design. Loved it! ”
Jed Graham- 2026-02-03
5 / 20
“ Very helpful support by Richard, his answers came always very quickly snd he is very generous. Very romantic setting, everything worked perfectly, we loved it! ”
Kurt Brenner- 2026-01-25
6 / 20
“ We had the most wonderful time at the Manutuke Eco Retreat. It was truly beautiful and peaceful. They have created a little sanctuary which is private and so lovely to unplug and relax as a couple. I could not recommend this more. ”
Hannah Evett- 2026-01-09
7 / 20
“ Beautifully constructed, it felt like we were in our own world. A gorgeous location. ”
Zoe Cocks- 2025-11-05
8 / 20
“ From the moment we drove through the gate, we knew this place was special. Everything about our stay was perfect, from the communication before we arrived to the facilities and activities available to us, the wildlife on show, and the fact we could feel so cut off from the usual everyday noise while still being so close to town should we need anything. We will be sure to recommend Manutuke Eco Retreat to all our friends. ”
Kieran Lewis- 2025-10-07
9 / 20
“ An ideal space to pause and reflect away from busy life and living. ”
ihipera whakataka- 2025-10-03
10 / 20
“ Our stay was brilliant. Perfect weather and perfect spot to be. ”
Chris White- 2025-08-21
11 / 20
“ Beautiful, secluded location on the lake with fantastic local mountain biking and hiking. The cabin was very cosy and felt luxurious. Nothing to fault at all. Would love to come back. ”
Emma Gull- 2025-08-12
12 / 20
“ We really enjoyed our stay here, super clean, really helpful hosts, a beautiful spot that you could spend days at without leaving. The fire is so nice to sit by in the evening, keeps the whole place warm. ”
Bobbi Keen- 2025-07-26
13 / 20
“ Amazing place, throughly enjoyed. It's so quiet, relaxing and private. Recommend to everyone. ”
Rachellane Derrick- 2025-07-10
14 / 20
“ Lovely setting, waking up looking over the lake. It was warm and well laid out. The sounds of the birds and surrounding nature in the evening were relaxing. ”
Garry Jones- 2025-05-12
15 / 20
“ What an absolutely lovely place to stay. Beautiful surroundings. Only 20 minutes from town but felt like you were in your own secluded spot. Great activities to do – nature walks, kayaking, paddleboarding. Super comfortable bed. Great facilities with little added touches that just make it better. Highly recommend. ”
Jessie Duncan- 2025-05-01
16 / 20
“ A calm and relaxing location. ”
Cris Porter- 2025-04-14
17 / 20
“ Outstanding eco-friendly location to disconnect from our hectic lives, and reconnect with nature. A truly unforgettable experience! ”
Bryan Stuart- 2025-04-09
18 / 20
“ A peaceful and relaxing place. ”
Vicki Crosswell- 2025-02-25
19 / 20
“ Cannot overstate enough how amazing our stay was. Peaceful, amazing, everything we needed and more. ”
Peter Cleaver- 2025-02-06
20 / 20
“ Beautiful place. Perfect for some R&R. Loved the lake with the kayak and paddle boards. Lovely touch to offer equipment and ingredients for crepes if wanted. ”
Karen Sayer- 2026-06-23
1 / 20
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