The Musterer's Rest

The Musterer's Rest

Hawke's Bay

The Musterer's Rest is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier.

Starting life as an old Musterer's Hut, the hut has been gradually restored into a quaint and atmospheric glamping site, complete with outdoor kitchen and bathroom. It sits nestled into the ancient native trees which border the farm boundary.

The hut is simply but stylishly decorated. French doors open out onto a spacious deck with stunning views of the valley and up to the often snowcapped Ruahine Ranges. Outdoor beanbags are provided to sit and enjoy the sun and views. A twin-size hammock hangs under a nearby shady tree.

The Tuki Tuki River is just 50m from the hut and laden with trout for the avid fisherman. Or just enjoy a picnic and a paddle on a hot Summers day. There are numerous native bird species living in the surrounding trees to keep you company - including tui, morepork, kereru and quails, along with a few resident pheasants. 

In the valley around the hut are numerous paddocks which are home to polo ponies, and often sheep and cattle as well. A polo field is set 100m away from the hut and if you're lucky you'll be able to watch the ponies train during the week. 

The Musterer's Rest is just what it says on the box... a truly restful place. And you'll know it the first time you drive up the track to the hut. The views opening up before you are unexpected - a hidden treasure that forces you to take a deep breath and just... relax.

FROM $250

  • Sleeps 2

Directions

The Musterer's Rest

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?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT The Musterers Rest?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is The Musterers Rest?

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

What do I need to bring?

What are the safety considerations?

Can I stay for one night?

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. 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

    The Musterer's Rest is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut 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 outdoor bath amongst the trees and relax around the firepit at the end of the day for some stargazing and marshmallow toasting.

    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 Musterer's Rest.

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at the Musterer's Rest 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 - so when Dan and Nick discovered a run-down musterers hut, they knew exactly what to do.

    After relocating the hut to the perfect spot, putting in some hard renovation graft, and a fair amount of creativity - 'The Musterer's Rest' was born. 

Testimonials

  • "

    A beautiful retreat set in a picturesque farm. The perfect getaway to recharge and refresh.

    "

    Louise Te Hiko - 05 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Lovely place to spend time in the beautiful countryside with amazing views of the mountains and farm lands. We will definitely be back.

    "

    Karetai Williams Paul - 18 Apr 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful spot. Very relaxing and quiet.

    "

    Jane Jacobsen - 16 Mar 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Great stay for a bit of peace and quiet. Loved having a bath under the night sky. Perfect place for a weekend stay and some R&R.

    "

    Sarah McGregor - 25 Feb 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    We loved our stay at The Musterer's Rest and wish we had stayed longer. The outdoor bath was our favourite! You must stay here; it's an experience you will remember forever. It was like living off the land, it was awesome! Dan, the host, was great and replied in minutes. Will stay again for sure.

    "

    Jess Timms - 25 Nov 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Loved our stay. It was relaxing and the host was great.

    "

    Nicole Biggs - 05 Nov 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    A beautiful, quiet, and private escape with great facilities that made us feel very welcome. The location of the retreat next to the woods made the stay very special, being right amongst nature. We even had an owl visit us, hanging around as we relaxed with a glass of wine while warming ourselves around the outdoor firepit.

    "

    Richard Stone - 14 Oct 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    A beautiful location with amazing views and a wonderful setup. All you need for the perfect getaway!

    "

    Brendon Amundsen - 29 Sep 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    An incredibly unique experience, a world of its own.

    "

    DEBORAH SMITH - 19 Aug 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    We very much so enjoyed our stay. Would absolutely do it again.

    "

    Aaron Mehau - 07 Aug 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Loved it.

    "

    brooke kenny - 16 Jul 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    We really enjoyed our time at the Musterer's Rest, where we were able to get back to basic living and be off the grid. We went for a lovely walk through the Native Bush and just enjoyed the fantastic setting around the hut. Everything we needed for a great break was right there.

    "

    Justin Stevens - 14 May 2024

    12 / 12

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape