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The Woodshed

The Woodshed

Rangiwahia, Manawatū-Whanganui


The Woodshed is just under three hours from Wellington and a 50-minute drive from Feilding in the Manawatū District of the North Island.

Perched 700m above sea level on a hilltop in Rangiwahia on an expansive family farm, this cosy escape offers something truly beautiful — breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe to the north, and the Ruahine Ranges to the east.

The cabin features a king-sized bed that sits in the perfect spot, framing the landscape through the windows as if it were a living picture. You will also find an equipped kitchen, a lounging area and a modern-style bathroom. Every element has been carefully considered, from the locally milled totara and macrocarpa timbers to the handmade walnut bedside tables and custom furniture.

Step outside onto the spacious deck, where a wood-fired hot tub invites slow evenings under the sky, and wander a few steps down to a sheltered brazier nook, made for cosy nights by the fire.

As golden hour transforms the ranges into stunning shades of purple, soft light washes over the valley below. The name Rangiwahia translates to "opening in the heavens" — you'll understand why as the sun sets and you feel completely on top of the world. When night falls, zero light pollution reveals some of the most spectacular stargazing you'll ever experience.

The Woodshed is your place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the quiet magic of rural Aotearoa.

Last updated 24 Jun 2026

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Woodshed is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the two induction cooktops, a Fisher and Paykel oven and a gas BBQ provided.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Taihape (40-minute drive) or Feilding (50-minute drive).

Don't feel like cooking? Apiti Tavern & Eatery (15 minutes) serves classic pub food, Hansen's Cafe in Kimbolton (25 minutes) offers gourmet pizzas and pies, and The Dukes Roadhouse in Mangaweka (20 minutes) delivers excellent coffee and delicious homemade meals. Your hosts also highly recommend Awastone for its great food and atmosphere.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Soak in the wood-fired hot tub under the stars, gather around the outdoor brazier, browse the curated book collection, play cards while taking in the views from the spacious deck, or watch Netflix on TV. There are so many ways to relax at The Woodshed.

Feel like stretching your legs? Wander the farm at your leisure and discover the Ian McKean Pinetum, a woodland sanctuary right on the property.

Beyond the farm gate, adventure beckons with spectacular walking tracks through native bush and tussock-covered ridgelines. The renowned Rangiwahia Hut Track offers a 2-3 hour climb through beech forest to panoramic views over Mount Ruapehu and Taranaki. The nearby Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve is also worth exploring. Keep your eyes peeled for deer spotting opportunities along the way.

During the day, cool off at swimming holes along the Ruahine Dress Circle Reserve and Rangitīkei River, or arrange thrilling white-water rafting expeditions at Awastone with trips suited to all experience levels. After dark, head to the Limestone Creek Reserve Caves to witness the magical glow worms.

For those seeking to explore further afield, Feilding offers excellent dining options and a Friday farmers' market brimming with local produce.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Woodshed are Alexander and Jemma.

Alexander and Jemma have called the farm home for three years, and the property is owned by Alexander’s parents. What makes it extra special is that their children, Isabella, Mila and Riley, are the fifth generation to call Rangiwahia home.

The couple began leasing the farm when Isabella was born, while they were living in the nearby town of Kimbolton. Balancing town work with farming soon became a challenge, so moving to the farm felt like the natural next step, especially when they found out twins were on the way!

Life beneath the Ruahine Ranges brings sweeping views and paddocks filled with sheep, lambs, cows, chickens and ducks. The children love picking strawberries, capsicum and cucumbers from the greenhouse, enjoying the kind of rural childhood many dream about. The warm community in Rangiwahia has also given them wonderful friendships through playgroup gatherings and local events.

Alexander works as a photographer, videographer and farmer, while Jemma works in communications. Together, they also run The Last Church, another accommodation in Apiti.

The Woodshed reflects years of dreaming about sharing the beauty of their family farm. From the Ian McKean Pinetum, the largest conifer collection in the Southern Hemisphere, to the Maungawharariki river, where wild deer wander. It's a truly beautiful area that they are excited to share with others.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Beautiful spot, great outlook, well designed and built cabin. The balance of charm and comfort is done very well. Excellent friendly hosts. ”

Luke van Soest- 2026-03-10

20 / 20

“ Stunning spot! All the well thought out details of the house (and exterior) were immaculate. Loved waking up to the views of the rolling hills from bed. ”

Joanna Rowe- 2026-09-14

1 / 20

“ Honestly, such a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend to anyone who is travelling over that way. It was such a lovely weekend away for my partner‘s birthday. We will definitely be back. My favourite Canopy Camping escapes I’ve been to so far, probably up there on top five places to stay in New Zealand. ”

Chloe McKenzie- 2026-09-10

2 / 20

“ The Woodshed was undoubtedly a top shelf stay. Every single thing was first class, from the toiletries, linen, sheets, condiments, to the hot tub, brazier, oodles of wood and the scenery was unbelievable. Our Host Jemma was on board with the one query we had, and was super friendly. We will return and can't recommend it highly enough. ”

Di and Steve Brady- 2026-09-04

3 / 20

“ Beautiful space with absolutely spectacular views. I highly recommend staying here for a short break if you’re looking for complete relaxation and a peaceful escape. ”

Steph Courtney- 2026-08-10

4 / 20

“ Our stay was perfect and so easy. The cabin had everything we needed. It stayed super warm and cosy despite the cold weather outside, and the views were incredible. We especially loved the shower with a view, the coffee table books, and the comfy bed looking out towards Ruapehu! ”

Harriet Shelton- 2026-07-22

5 / 20

“ The cabin had the most glorious outlook. The large expansive windows looking out over the everychanging landscape made us feel as if we the only people on the planet. The attention to detail inside the cabin was next level. ”

Clive C- 2026-07-07

6 / 20

“ This is a magnificent place to stay regardless of the weather. Cosy accommodation and lovely hot tub during freezing sideways rain, and simply the best views, sunrises and sunsets when the clouds clear. Lovely bathroom, great shower, cool kitchen, near new Barbecue, comfy bed and couch. Smart TV and cell phone tower 100 metres away for full internet. Fascinating history of the area and well presented stories everywhere you go. And the scenery, topography and empty roads are such a treat. The hardest part is trying to tear yourself away when your stay is over. ”

Paul and Leyette Callister- 2026-07-03

7 / 20

“ Amazing getaway with great hosts and great facilities. ”

Prerna Patel- 2026-06-27

8 / 20

“ Beautiful location and the cabin design was wonderful. ”

Kate Figgins- 2026-06-09

9 / 20

“ The Woodshed is paradise with a hot tub and an amazing view. The cabin is so beautifully designed. ”

Danielle Dun- 2026-05-25

10 / 20

“ The Woodshed is a very special place. Amazing views, great facilities and so well thought through. Our hosts have really created a place to remember, thank you! ”

Paula Oliver- 2026-05-22

11 / 20

“ Pure bliss. If you need to trade city noise for serene views and impeccable design, look no further. This is the ultimate retreat. ”

Rahul Joseph- 2026-05-09

12 / 20

“ If I could, I’d live here! We loved The Woodshed, the atmosphere, and connection to the beauty of our country is stunning! Thank you so much. ”

Andy Carnegie- 2026-05-04

13 / 20

“ Very amazing getaway, just to sit there on the deck in silence and do some art or read and take in the view and very homely and beautiful interior of The Woodshed. ”

matt rowe- 2026-05-01

14 / 20

“ Beautiful location! Love how remote we were! Loved the spa! ”

Max Havaux- 2026-04-30

15 / 20

“ Loved our getaway. The Woodshed had everything we needed for a relaxing break. ”

Danielle Brown- 2026-04-18

16 / 20

“ Amazing place for some much needed RnR. ”

Robyn Baker- 2026-04-06

17 / 20

“ The Woodshed was such a beautiful place. Very well designed and built. Such a quiet and scenic location also. ”

Brendon Walker- 2026-03-30

18 / 20

“ The Woodshed is simply spectacular. We had a fantastic time, and the hosts, Jemma and Alexander, are just wonderful. ”

Gil Disatnik- 2026-03-23

19 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, great outlook, well designed and built cabin. The balance of charm and comfort is done very well. Excellent friendly hosts. ”

Luke van Soest- 2026-03-10

20 / 20

“ Stunning spot! All the well thought out details of the house (and exterior) were immaculate. Loved waking up to the views of the rolling hills from bed. ”

Joanna Rowe- 2026-09-14

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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