The Love Boat

The Love Boat

Wairarapa

The Love Boat is set 20 minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa, approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Wellington.

Tucked away in its own private nook, this unique renovated boat accommodation has stunning views of the Tararua Ranges.

Whimsical interiors with nautical touches welcome you aboard, offering everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay. As night falls, drift off to sleep under the skylight, enjoying a unique stargazing experience beneath Wairarapa's Dark Sky Reserve.

Venture outside onto the spacious deck, where the gentle sounds of native trees rustle and birdsong fill the air. Indulge in a relaxing soak in the outdoor bath, fire up the Weber BBQ for a delicious meal, or lounge on the expansive lawn.

A two-minute stroll away, Waingawa River and a lovely public swimming hole await. Take a refreshing dip or picnic on its banks on a beautiful summer's day. For those seeking an outing, the Wairarapa region boasts many scenic nature walks and charming restaurants to explore.

FROM $295 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
address
 

174 Blakes Road, Mount Holdsworth 5791

location
 

The Love Boat is set 20 minutes from Carterton in the Wairarapa, approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Wellington.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

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].

The Love Boat

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  • eating and drinking

    The Love Boat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner cooktop, oven and Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you're staying on the weekend, you must try the pizzas at The Watermill Bakery!

    How to find it: Located at the start of Blakes Road, just a 2-minute drive from The Love Boat at the end of the road. It's a magical spot with a cosy log cabin by a stream.

    Opening Hours: Only Fridays 5–8 PM. However, it is closed for a few months in winter (seasonal hours).

    How It Works: Call 06 370 1129 early in the week to book your pizza bases. On Friday night, pizzas are cooked between 5–8 PM. You can choose your toppings when you arrive.

    The Wairarapa has a plethora of fantastic dining options to choose so here are just a few recommended to you by your hosts. For a quick bite to eat, check out Clareville Bakery in Carterton. Balter Bar is a fantastic dinner spot in Carterton, or you can head 22 minutes over to Masterton to Koi, modern Indian-Malaysian cuisine, or The Screening Room, a unique cinema and eatery. In the heart of Greytown, 30 minutes in the other direction, is the iconic White Swan, which offers outdoor seating, a fireplace, and great cocktails and meals. Also in Greytown is Aperitif, a wine bar and eatery. If you're a wine fanatic, Martinborough (45-minute drive) is renowned for its excellent vineyards.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is New World in Carterton, 20 minutes away.

  • things to do

    There’s a unique magic in staying still, nestled in a quiet spot with your loved one, while the world outside fades away.

    At The Love Boat, play a round of pétanque, cards, or croquet, letting time slip by effortlessly.  Finish the day with a soak in the outdoor bath, the perfect touch of relaxation.

    In the summer, a quick two-minute walk takes you to a beautiful river (fishing is available with a license). Opposite the river is a public swimming hole with both deep and shallow waters. Please note that public access to the swimming hole so visitors will not pass directly by The Love Boat. However, on hot summer days, you may hear or see others enjoying the area, including families, dogs, and occasionally some music! While your hosts don’t have control over the swimming hole or its use, we believe its natural beauty and charm enhance the experience of staying in this lovely area.

    If you want to explore, the region offers plenty of nature walks and mountain bike trails. Just six minutes away is Mt Holdsworth, granting access to a range of beautiful walks in the Tararua Ranges.

    The Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a must-visit to see the endangered brown kiwi. Greytown, just 30 minutes away, is perfect for a day of boutique shopping, while Martinborough, a 40-minute drive, is ideal for wine tasting. Further afield, enjoy the sandy shores of Castlepoint and Riversdale beaches, where you can also try your hand at fishing.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at The Love Boat are Danny, Sally and Miss Kitty.

    Danny and Sally have owned the property since 2020, having relocated from the city to embrace a more tranquil rural lifestyle. With their children and grandchildren still living in Wellington, the Wairarapa was an ideal choice being a mere 1.5-hour drive away. Upon discovering the property, they immediately recognised it as an extraordinary find, captivated by the river, native trees and birds, as well as the privacy offered at the end of their road.

    Having previously worked in the film industry, Danny enjoys creating unique spaces. When he came across the boat, he decided to transform it into exceptional accommodation, now known as "The Love Boat."

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