Fossil Hill

Fossil Hill

Masterton, Wellington-Wairarapa

Fossil Hill is just 10 minutes from Masterton in the Wairarapa and 1 hour 40 minutes from Wellington city.

Perched atop marine sedimentary rock dating back two million years, this remarkable escape reveals its ancient origins through discoveries of crystallised shells, shark teeth, and sea creatures preserved in the earth below.

From this elevated spot, take in breathtaking 360-degree views over the Wairarapa landscape, where the Ruamahanga River winds below the Tararua Ranges, and Mt Rangitūmau and Mt Bruce rise among rolling farmland and regenerating native bush.

The cabin itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Reclaimed timber adds character throughout the open-plan space, where living, cooking, and sleeping areas flow together. Let your favourite music fill the space through the integrated Bose sound system, with speakers that extend from the living area to the outdoor bath - or simply listen to the gentle sounds of the waterfall cascading into the pond below.

Beneath the outdoor skylights, soak in the deep stone bathtub while gazing at the stars above. As dusk falls, watch as the pond reflects the fading light and sheep graze peacefully in the meadow. For a more adventurous activity, about 500m up the driveway is a public swimming hole where you can cool off in summer.

Here, high above the world, time seems to slow - allowing you to truly unwind and reconnect with both nature and each other.

FROM
NZ$
480
/pn

  • Sleeps 2
address
 

240 Black Rock Road, Te Ore Ore, Masterton

location
 

Fossil Hill is just 10 minutes from Masterton township in the Wairarapa and 1 hour 40 minutes from Wellington city.

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].

Fossil Hill

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 or WiFi?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Can children stay at Fossil Hill?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Fossil Hill?

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

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Activities

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

    Fossil Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-element induction cooktop and microwave oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you're looking to take a break from cooking, you'll find yourself ideally situated to explore the local dining scene, just a 12-minute drive away. The Screening Room Cinema Eatery offers everything from coffee and cake to brunch, lunch, dinner, shared tapas, and drinks – all alongside movie entertainment. Tripoli Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has pizza, pasta, tapas and desserts. Lastly, Run Holder (45 minutes away) in Martinborough comes highly recommended by your hosts, with amazing food and service.

    During the day, head to Le Grá Vineyard and Winery in Ōpaki for wine tasting and gourmet platters, or go for a casual bite to eat at either Entice Café or Trocadero Coffee Bar.

  • things to do

    Make yourself at home with our outdoor bath, sun loungers, and collection of board games.

    Take a leisurely 20-minute loop walk through our regenerated native bush right on the property.

    For a refreshing dip, head 500 meters up from the bottom of the driveway where you'll find public access to a swimming hole at the river. Simply park by the steel bar just off the road and make your way to the free-flowing water for a swim.

    Book a magical private stargazing session with Under the Stars where an astronomer will visit with all equipment during your stay. You can find more info under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

    Take a scenic drive to some of the region's highlights. Visit the iconic Castle Point lighthouse and enjoy fresh fish from the local store (one hour away), spot Kiwi and Tuatara at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre (30 minutes away), or explore the boutique shops and cafes in Greytown (30 minutes away).

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Fossil Hill are Clint and Loren.

    For seven years, this special piece of Wairarapa has been their home, where they live with their three children - Max, Jack & Lana - and their pet dog Tess.

    Clint is a qualified builder who crafted the cabin himself, and Loren is a photographer and artist. The property, perched atop a hill formed of 2-million-year-old marine sedimentary rock, got its name from the children's exciting discoveries of shark teeth, ancient sea creature fossils and crystallised shells.

    With stunning views over farmland and mountains, abundant birdlife and the river just across the road, they recognised Fossil Hill was too special to keep to themselves and created this retreat where others could come to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature.

Testimonials

  • "

    Thank you for a wonderful stay. Amazing views, a well-equipped kitchen and lots of little touches like cake forks and bath salts made for a restful break.

    "

    Zoe Mounsey - 20 Jan 2026

    1 / 12

  • "

    The cabin is amazing, romantic and beautiful. The hill is beautiful and a magic place to have a cabin. Loved it from A to Z.

    "

    Manuela Russi - 19 Jan 2026

    2 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic location and fantastic facilities, excellently thought out. I never give 10 out of 10, but this completely deserves it!

    "

    Charles Tolman - 15 Jan 2026

    3 / 12

  • "

    If you want to experience feeling completely removed from reality, this is the place to be. Absolutely stunning views in an incredible and thoughtful space.

    "

    Stephanie K - 10 Jan 2026

    4 / 12

  • "

    This is truly a spectacular spot. It’s beautiful, the house and the area. Close to everything, just a beautiful home and people. Would totally go back and recommend it to anyone, especially for a completely romantic time out. It was so relaxing and one of the best places we have stayed. Thank you.

    "

    Liz Crowley - 07 Jan 2026

    5 / 12

  • "

    We loved our three night stay at Fossil Hill. The views are absolutely stunning and the setting feels peaceful and secluded while still being easy to reach. The cabin was beautifully designed, warm, and very comfortable, with everything we needed. Soaking in the outdoor bath under the stars was a real highlight. A perfect place to relax and switch off. We’d highly recommend it.

    "

    Robyn & Grant - 05 Jan 2026

    6 / 12

  • "

    The perfect place to escape to when you need to slow down for a few days. A beautiful cabin in a beautiful location.

    "

    Andrea Hall - 17 Dec 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    A beautiful and romantic place for our honeymoon. We felt relaxed, comfortable, and deeply enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended.

    "

    Marevic Elambayo - 14 Dec 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful two-night stay at Fossil Hill. Loren messaged a couple of days before and also shared local recommendations. The Screening Room breakfast was a hit. The property is beautiful with stunning views. The bed is super comfortable. We had everything we needed. Watching the sunset from the deck loungers was a highlight. Great sound system and the bath is huge. Don’t miss it. Lots to do nearby. We’d love to come back.

    "

    Cheryl Mitchell - 27 Nov 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Stunning setting and perfect escape! Outdoor bath on perfect star filled night was a real highlight. Would totally recommend to family and friends.

    "

    Audra Voyle - 24 Nov 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Everything was just as advertised on the website. Beautiful views, comfortable and relaxing. We’d love to stay again.

    "

    Heidi Shields - 23 Nov 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Wow what a beautiful place!!! Perfect for a couples getaway.

    "

    Jess Malady - 19 Nov 2025

    12 / 12

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