Drovers Lookout

Drovers Lookout

Hawke's Bay

Drovers Lookout is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier. The lovely Musterer's Rest also shares the same property.

Drovers Lookout is nestled on beautiful farmland, with stunning views that extend over rolling pastures, the Tukituki River and the Ruahine Ranges. The serene location is home to tui, wood pigeon, and morepork... Nature's melodies, right at your doorstep.

The hut features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a queen bed and mezzanine-style single bunk bed. It's perfect for a family, a group of friends, or two couples. All rooms open onto the main deck, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The open-plan living and kitchen area is perfect for getting cosy next to the indoor fire, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views. 

In a separate room, a deep bath indoor/outdoor bath has a large opening out to the fresh air - offering a framed view while you soak. Directly outside is a campfire area, inviting you to gather around for s'mores and hot chocolate.

As dusk falls, retreat to your cosy quarters. Watch the sunset paint the sky with fiery hues and stars begin to twinkle overhead.

FROM $300

  • Sleeps 5
  • Children welcome
  • Dogs welcome
ADDRESS
 

613 Blackburn Road, Ongaonga 4278

LOCATION
 

Drovers Lookout is set in the Central Hawke's Bay, 1 hour from Napier, 1.5 hours from Palmerston North and just over 3 hours from Wellington.

To get there, follow the Google Maps directions to 613 Blackburn Road. You'll turn a hard left-hand turn into the farm drive - which is signposted "Totara Valley Park". 

You will receive a pre-arrival email with more detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days before 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].

Drovers Lookout

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

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Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception?

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Can children stay at Drovers Lookout?

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How private and remote is Drovers Lookout?

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

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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

    Drovers Lookout is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and four-burner gas cooktop provided in the 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 large indoor bath or toast marshmallows around the firepit. You can also head to the river on a hot day for a dip!

    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 Drovers Lookout.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at the Drovers Lookout 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. The old established native trees and the vast views of the Tukituki river and Ruahine ranges are just a few of the popular features.

    Their first glamping accommodation, Musterer's Rest, was once an old musterer's hut that has been beautifully renovated. The hosts created Drovers Lookout to share their beautiful property for more people to enjoy.

Testimonials

  • "

    Such a peaceful and chilled location. Awesome views and neat to have the horses adjacent!

    "

    Grant McLellan - 01 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful spot in the country with a great view. A great spot to go to if you want a break from the city.

    "

    Siem van den Oever - 30 Apr 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Great communication with the owner, beautiful setting and lovely facilities.

    "

    Jodie Nelson - 15 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Stunning accommodation in a beautiful setting. A lovely place to relax and recharge.

    "

    Julie Calder - 01 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic family get away!

    "

    Kylie - 27 Mar 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Superb. Everything was great.

    "

    Louise Butler - 05 Mar 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Stunning views in every direction. A unique place to stay with tons of rustic charm.

    "

    Nick Fulton - 01 Mar 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    What can one say – the setting is absolutely stunning, tranquil, with picturesque views! We could have happily stayed longer. As a family, it gave us much-needed family time reconnecting with each other, nature, and the outdoors without the distraction of devices and TV. We will definitely be back!

    "

    Frith Gray - 25 Feb 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Super cosy and well-supplied with all the essentials. The ever-changing view was amazing, and the hosts were communicative and friendly throughout our stay. Looking forward to returning sometime.

    "

    Richard Hopkins - 30 Jan 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Thank you for the beautiful stay! We really enjoyed it. Very peaceful and tidy.

    "

    Randima Rathnayaka - 20 Jan 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Lovely and comfortable accommodation set in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. The hosts are lovely and have created such a wonderful retreat that really takes in the beauty of the area.

    "

    Nicola - 13 Jan 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Great place, great views, relaxing and the best place for a getaway. Wish we stayed longer.

    "

    Bhavini Dayal - 16 Jan 2025

    12 / 12

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