Fossil Hill

Fossil Hill

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. Outside, soak in the deep stone bathtub beneath starlit skies while the pond glows at dusk and sheep graze peacefully below.

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

FROM $480 p/n

  • 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

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  • eating and drinking

    Fossil Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-element induction cooktop 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.

    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.

    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.

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