River Run

River Run

Wairarapa

River Run is just 25 minutes from Masterton in the Wairarapa and 1.5 hours from Wellington City.

Nestled along the banks of the Ruamahunga River in Gladstone, this charming rustic off-grid cabin offers a lovely retreat for two people.

Inside, the self-contained cabin features a compact yet cosy space with a queen bed, comfortable seating, a kitchen, and a snug wood burner to keep you warm – everything you need for a restful stay. Step out onto the spacious covered deck, which includes a BBQ, dining area, and relaxed lounge space, ideal for enjoying riverside views and alfresco dining.

The lovely lawn area is designed to keep you entertained for hours. Here, you’ll find a rustic wood-fired pizza oven for crafting delicious homemade pizzas and a cosy campfire for soaking up the Wairarapa Dark Sky reserve! You can also relax in the hammock while taking in the beautiful riverside views, letting the soothing sounds of the water create the perfect backdrop.

This intimate setting invites you to unwind, reconnect, and savour every peaceful moment in the Wairarapa scenery.

FROM $340 p/n

Includes 4WD Transfers

  • Sleeps 2
address
 

Gladstone, Wairarapa 5792

location
 

River Run is just 25 minutes from Masterton in the Wairarapa and 1.5 hours from Wellington City.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

Your host will meet you at the designated car park, located 2 minutes down the well-maintained farm track driveway. Please ensure you arrive before 7 pm, or let your host know if you’ll be later. From there, you’ll be driven in a 4WD vehicle down the bush track to the cabin—a quick 5-minute ride. You will also be collected from the cabin on your departure day. If you’d like to access your car during your stay to explore Wairarapa, it’s about a 15-minute walk each way. If you’re confident with off-road driving and have a 4WD, you’re welcome to drive directly to the cabin; just let your host know in advance.

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].

River Run

What time is check-in and check-out?

Can I bring my own jet boat?

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?

Can children stay at River Run?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is River Run?

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

Extras

Gift Vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

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10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    River Run is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner gas cooktop, oven and Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need. A wood-fired pizza oven is available on the front lawn.

    For those seeking a dining experience, the local Gladdy Pub (Gladstone Inn) is only a 10-minute drive away. Alternatively, if you have your own jet boat, it's a quick 7-minute trip upstream, and you can tie up directly at the pub. 

    Urlar Vineyard has an amazing cellar door with seasonal fare, open Friday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. And the Main Street Deli in Greytown is the perfect spot for brunch and a 10/10 coffee.

    If you're looking for more options, the Wairarapa region offers a plethora of culinary delights. Martinborough is renowned for its fantastic vineyards and eateries, while Greytown, Masterton, and Carterton also present a variety of excellent dining and takeaway options.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is New World in Carterton, 10 minutes away.

  • things to do

    River Run is nestled in its own enchanting native bush next to the beautiful Ruamahunga River, so you won't be disappointed with the views.

    Prefer staying in and love board games? The hosts have a selection in your cosy cabin, as well as cards and Kubb (a lawn game).

    Being located right on the banks of the River comes with fantastic perks. You can enjoy a lovely riverside picnic, soaking in the serene surroundings, or take a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day. It’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and connect with nature.

    Trout fishing and eeling are available for all guests (the river is well known for it's trout fishing!) You can find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

    Beyond the wonderful property, the Wairarapa region beckons you to try out what it has to offer. From rolling hills and stunning coastlines to charming vineyards and bustling towns like Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough, and Masterton, you'll find an array of activities to suit your interests. Head out to the boutique shops, indulge in delicious cuisine at local restaurants and cafes, or try a bushwalk at the nearby Fensham Reserve or Carter Scenic Reserve.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at River Run are James and Annie Cates.

    James, a true Wairarapa local, is a seasoned sheep and beef farmer who’s happiest in the great outdoors, especially when it involves fly fishing, hunting, or jetboating. If you’re up for an adventure, he’ll be the perfect guide. Annie, originally from Edinburgh, has called New Zealand home for 16 years. She balances her career with a software company, running the business side of the farm and overseeing River Run, ensuring your stay goes smoothly. 

    Friends and family treasure their time at Tiffin Hill and at the river. The property offers uninterrupted 360-degree views from the hilltop, while the riverside cabin is surrounded by native bush under the Wairarapa’s dark skies. After dreaming of a cabin by the river, they brought it to life in early 2022 and now enjoy sharing their special place, River Run, with others.

    The name 'River Run' comes from the way the Ruamahunga River carves its path through the landscape.

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