Fernglen Retreat

Fernglen Retreat

Near Riversdale Beach, Wellington-Wairarapa

Fernglen is located near Riversdale Beach, just one hour from Masterton in the Wairarapa region and over two hours from Wellington.

Your journey starts with a drive through the scenic coastal farm.

Set deep into the property, on the wild Wairarapa coast, two small cabins face out to the stunning ocean view. The first cabin has been transformed into a comfortable and stylish wee ocean retreat perfect for couples. Eventually, the second cabin will join it - expanding Fernglen Retreat to accommodate larger groups and families. For now, it sits empty.

The renovated two-room cabin contains a pretty bedroom with sea views and a stylish and cosy lounge and kitchen prep area. Outdoor seating provides the perfect place to soak up the warm rays on the deck as the sun rises over the ocean. A separate toilet and shower facility are located outside, just steps away.

Guests have exclusive access to a private beach just a short stroll down a gentle slope from the cabin. With its secluded location, it's highly probable that you'll enjoy the pristine beachfront all to yourselves!

Staying here is like retreating to your own little isolated world. Breathe in the invigorating salty air, watch the seabirds soar and dive over the ocean and the technicolour skies as the sun goes down in the evening. At night, be lulled to a deep and restful sleep with the constant, rhythmic roar of the ocean waves.

FROM $280

  • Sleeps 2
DIRECTIONS
 

Fernglen is located near Riversdale Beach, just one hour from Masterton in the Wairarapa region and just over two hours from Wellington.

Please note a 4WD vehicle is recommended to reach the cabin via the farm track. If you only have a 2WD vehicle, you'll manage the track, as long as it is not lowered.

There is no physical address for the accommodation so you will need to follow the detailed arrival instructions (which include your host's contact details) in the pre-arrival email provided 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].

Fernglen Retreat

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?

How does the hot tub work?

What is glamping like in winter?

Can children stay at Fernglen Retreat?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Fernglen Retreat?

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

Premium Venison Meat Pack

Fernglen Polarbox Hamper - $80

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

    Fernglen Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the BBQ and single-ring gas cooker provided in your undercover outdoor kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you're wanting to get out and about, Homewood Storeroom is a delicious restaurant just down the road. For something to drink, Riversdale Beach Golf Club has a fully stocked bar open year-round on Tuesdays from 5pm and Friday - Sunday from 4pm. 

    The Riversdale Beach Store is a convenient 15-minute drive, perfect for takeaways or essentials. For more supply/meal options, stock up in Masterton (1 hour away) prior to your stay.

    Your welcome guidebook will include more information regarding directions, menus and opening days/times. 

  • things to do

    Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of ocean waves right at your doorstep...

    Guests have exclusive access to a private beach just a short stroll down a gentle slope from the cabin. With its secluded location, it's highly probable that you'll enjoy the pristine beachfront all to yourselves! Try your luck at fishing, riding the waves on a surfboard, or going diving - there's plenty to do! If you're in the mood for a change of scenery, try the bush walk on the property. Then head up atop the hill above the cabin for a picnic with breathtaking views. You'll also have a few games available, such as Kubb.

    For a refreshing summer day trip, Riversdale Beach is an ideal destination. Enjoy a cooling dip in the ocean and take advantage of the nearby golf course and tennis courts.

    Explore the region and head out to Castlepoint lighthouse to hike the iconic Castlepoint Rock with awe-inspiring panoramas at every turn (one hour away). The Anzac Crosswalk is another must-do as it stands as the world's first Anzac Memorial.

    If you're looking to try out the local restaurants or visit the shops, Masterton is a one-hour drive away with plenty to see.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Fernglen Retreat are Alice, Cameron and their dog, Nala. Cameron's parents, Shirley and Jeff, are also a part of Fernglen and live on the farm.

    Shirley and Jeff bought Fernglen Farm in 1995, only a few years before Cameron was born. For the past 25 years, Cameron has called it home, with Alice joining the family in 2020. 

    Cameron runs the family-run sheep milking business on Fernglen Farm. Alice is an environmental planning consultant, while also lending a helping hand on the farm whenever she can. They love the peacefulness, surrounding native bush, farmland, and ocean views on their land. The warmth and friendliness of the local community add an extra special touch.

    Alice and Cameron discovered glamping when they relocated two small baches from Camp Anderson in Riversdale in 2012. Eager to transform the baches into accommodation, they embarked on a renovation project to create a cosy and enjoyable space for friends, family, and guests to enjoy. 

Testimonials

  • "

    This is genuinely one of the most special places out there. Everything about it was perfect for a cosy winter weekend, and we will for sure be back in summer to experience it that way as well. The place itself was immaculately clean and beautifully decorated, with everything you could possibly need. You also just can’t beat the hot tub and its incredible view. Could not recommend staying here enough.

    "

    Kate - 20 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Peaceful and beautiful spot.

    "

    Shona Cole - 10 Apr 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Fabulous location by the ocean to get away from it all. The hot tub views were stunning. Rustic charm with all the amenities required.

    "

    Sharon Ingram - 25 Mar 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Great, clean, comfortable quality bedding in a remote, beautiful seaside location, yet still an off-the-grid camping experience, with the backup of caring hosts.

    "

    Andy - 03 Feb 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    It's like an exclusive, almost off-grid bach, just 50m away from the beach. We took all we’d need and just stayed there for the duration, although you could choose to go out to check food and drink places not too far away if you wanted.

    "

    Thornton Peck - 21 Jan 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Very nice and private place, we enjoyed it a lot. I was surprised at how warm the cabin was when we arrived, and it stayed warm for the duration. The hosts were very friendly and helpful, replying in a timely manner. We would stay again. The hot tub was great, and the views are picturesque.

    "

    Alex O'Rourke - 13 Jan 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Thank you, amazing spot and just what we needed. Thank you for sharing it with the world.

    "

    Will Wheeler - 30 Nov 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    This is a great location if you want some 'switched off' time and privacy. The scenery is beautiful, the hot tub is relaxing, and there is not a screen in sight. The café two minutes up the road was lovely for when we didn't fancy BBQing, but otherwise, we were self-sufficient.

    "

    James & Natalie Alabaster - 11 Nov 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely stunning!! Beautiful cabin and having the ocean view was just magical. Alice was a fantastic host too!

    "

    Kylie Dwight - 03 Oct 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful place, highly recommend.

    "

    Emily Terry - 25 Jul 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Awesome spot! It was very cute and cosy.

    "

    Hope - 16 Apr 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Enjoyed meeting our hosts, Alice and Cameron. Unplugging in a beautiful remote coastal wilderness in front of the ocean, and in complete isolation, was great for our wellbeing and for our personal celebration as a couple.

    "

    André & Michelle - 01 Apr 2024

    12 / 12

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