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

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Heartwood Hollow

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  • 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

  • "

    So local but felt like a different time and place. Easy to find, easy communication and wonderful chippy fire. We look forward to sharing our experience and also coming again.

    "

    Karen Dovey - 07 Jun 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Such a unique location that has clearly been crafted with love and care. Heartwood Hollow was idyllic and the perfect accommodation for our honeymoon. Clean, cosy and a great information book with things to do. Thank you so much for the care you have put into such a magical place.

    "

    Emily Roberts - 31 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely gorgeous little place to escape the daily hustle and bustle. Ten stars!

    "

    Nadia Morten - 02 Jun 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Amazing location, with fantastic attention to detail! The host was fast to respond to all communication and really helpful.

    "

    Sophie Norris - 11 May 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Just a wonderful place that I wish I could transport to my own home. Or just move in. You will not regret staying here. Highly recommend. The hand craftsmanship is outstanding. The setting is picture perfect. And the rain all weekend made no difference to us or the place.

    "

    Luke Marygold - 03 May 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    The accommodation was wonderful! Just as charming as the pictures showed and so comfortable. I wish we could have stayed longer!

    "

    Freddie - 23 Apr 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Heartwood Hollow is unbelievably tranquil and beautiful. Everything has been carefully thought out, down to the finest detail. We absolutely loved our stay here!

    "

    Rachael Scott - 13 Apr 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    Heartwood Hollow is a place where memories are made. Whimsical, quiet, and beautifully crafted, we cannot wait to go back again.

    "

    Lionel - 04 Apr 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    My partner and I absolutely loved staying in this hobbit hole that felt cosy but still offered heaps of space. We had multiple luxurious soaks in the outside baths and spent our evenings by the wood burner, making it that much more of a romantic getaway. Every detail in this place made the stay feel magical, and our host was wonderfully helpful, popping in to say hello on arrival and communicating with us to refresh our linen throughout our stay. We’re looking forward to coming back again in the future!

    "

    Kara Fisher - 28 Mar 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting and amazing craftsmanship at Heartwood Hollow. It was really something special. Can't wait to visit again.

    "

    Stephanie Larcombe - 16 Mar 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    It was just such a unique place to stay, quiet and private with nature surrounding us. We felt very relaxed. The craftsmanship was beautiful.

    "

    Bronwyn Genefaas - 12 Mar 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    I absolutely loved it here. It was so safe, peaceful and private. A perfect place to get away for awhile.

    "

    Annabel Lawson - 12 Mar 2025

    12 / 12

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