Heartwood Hollow

Heartwood Hollow

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

Heartwood Hollow is a 20-minute drive from Tauranga City and just 30 minutes from Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty.

As the name suggests, Heartwood Hollow is a magical earth house tucked into a beautiful hillside surrounded by mature trees and native bush. 

Your journey begins along a winding cobblestone path that leads to a curved timber entrance and a large, circular doorway. Step inside and you'll find a king-size bed dressed in luxurious linens, a handmade kitchen of recycled Totara, and a generous ensuite with artisan detailing throughout. Every element — from the carved beams to the gentle curves of the windows — speaks to the care and craftsmanship of a simpler, slower world.

Warmed by a crackling wood burner and filled with soft light and earthy textures, the hollow offers deep comfort in every corner. Outside, twin outdoor bathtubs await — perfect for stargazing and soaking beneath a velvet night sky.

This is a place to slow down, to disconnect, and to imagine yourself in a world where nature, magic, and craft converge. Heartwood Hollow is not just a stay — it’s a step into a story.

FROM $365

  • Sleeps 2
address
 

88C Pahoia Road, Whakamarama, 3172

directions
 

Heartwood Hollow is a 20-minute drive from Tauranga City and just 30 minutes from Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty. 

Please note that the Google Maps directions are not accurate so please follow the arrival instructions carefully.

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].

Heartwood Hollow

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?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have a campfire?

What is glamping like in winter?

Can children stay at Heartwood Hollow?

Can I bring my dog?

Will I come across any creatures or critters during my stay?

How private and remote is Heartwood Hollow?

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

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Is there anything else I need to know?

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

    Heartwood Hollow is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy a meal out, The Local Bar & Eatery in Omokoroa (9-minute drive), The White House or Nourish Cafe in Te Puna (10-minute drive) and Talisman Hotel in Katikati (20-minute drive) are a few fantastic options to consider.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Omokoroa, just a 9-minute drive.

  • things to do

    There are plenty of relaxing activities to keep you occupied at Heartwood Hollow. Soak in the twin outdoor bathtubs and enjoy the view of gorgeous greenery. Start that book you've been meaning to read - or challenge your significant other to a game of Gin Rummy! 

    If you're keen to get out and about, one on-theme activity would be to visit the set of 'Hobbiton' (as seen in films 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings') in Matamata, a pleasant 1-hour drive from Heartwood Hollow. Pahoia Beach is only 5-minutes away - a quiet and safe spot. Omokoroa Beach, a 10-minute drive, is another stunning beach with ice creams, coffees and a wharf for fishing. There are beautiful walks and cycling tracks in the area too.

    A short 15-minute drive to the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park provides multiple walking tracks with waterfalls and native bush.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Heartwood Hollow are Warren and Sally, and children Esther, Eli, and Grace.

    The family have lived on the property for three and a half years. They adore the outdoor lifestyle the Pahoia region offers, particularly the harbour, Kaimai forest - and the ice cream shops!

    Warren and Sally have been building and renovating together for 13 years. Heartwood Hollow is the realisation of their dream to create something beautiful and unique - that looked over 100 years old. Throughout their marriage, they have collected little treasures along the way, like bricks from the Christchurch earthquake where they first met, and Rimu from an old barn in Waikato (used to build the kitchen and window seat in the Hollow). Each piece of heartwood timber was carved by hand using an antique adze. They even learned how to make stain-glass windows to handmake the Hollow's windows themselves. It's evident just how much love and energy went into creating this beautiful earth house.

Testimonials

  • "

    Simply delightful stay. An escape we've experienced for our anniversary since its first year, and we are always looking forward to it. Thank you so much for the love you guys have put into it. See you next year.

    "

    Fantin Parpillat - 06 Sep 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Photos of Heartwood Hollow don’t do the place justice; it’s the perfect cottage in the perfect setting. We only stayed one night but we were sad to leave the next morning.

    "

    Iain Maloney - 30 Aug 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely gorgeous property with fabulous attention to detail. Loved it!

    "

    Sarah Athy-Knibbs - 26 Aug 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Heartwood Hollow is not merely accommodation, it is an enchanting experience. Especially the craftsmanship and creativity.

    "

    Clive Poultney - 21 Aug 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    It was a lovely stay. A perfectly relaxing little getaway for some fairly local people who are nine months pregnant and couldn't go too far. It was perfect timing with winter. A great opportunity to use the wood-burning fire and have a really nice cosy stay. It was just so damn lovely, such a beautiful little spot.

    "

    Alex Evans - 19 Aug 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    From the moment you arrive at Heartwood Hollow, you can't help but feel the magic in the air. The most beautiful, picturesque little hobbit hole, surrounded by native bush and birds, you can't help but feel right at home. We will definitely be back.

    "

    Courtenay Reid - 11 Aug 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Amazing stay, thank you!

    "

    Harry Rillstone - 13 Aug 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    A lovely retreat to get away and relax. Such a beautiful place with great craftsmanship.

    "

    Donna Stevens - 17 Jul 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Magical stay at Heartwood Hollow. The cottage was so warm and cosy. Loved the twin outdoor baths and being out amongst nature. Super cute stay, would totally recommend.

    "

    Chelsea Benton - 15 Jul 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Unforgettable experience at a beautifully crafted home!

    "

    Katie - 08 Jul 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely loved my stay. It was exactly what I needed.

    "

    Maree Loughery - 01 Jul 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    We had a magical winter escape at Heartwood Hollow. The cottage is an absolute gem – crafted with care, every detail considered, so comfortable, clean, cosy, and luxurious. We can't wait to go back.

    "

    Tami Harris - 03 Jul 2025

    12 / 12

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