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Waitī Cabin

Waitī Cabin

Levin, Manawatū-Whanganui


Waitī Cabin is just 15 minutes from Levin in Horowhenua, within the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

Set on a hill at the front of a 52 hectare rural property, the cabin looks out to the Tararua Range, where the view shifts from sunlit bush to mist and cloud drifting over the tops. Below, the clear-water Waitī Stream winds through the land, and kererū, tūī, korimako and kārearea, the native falcon, visit at different times of the year.

Built by your hosts, this 30-square-metre cabin has everything you need. The living spaces step gently between levels, from a cosy lounge up to the kitchen and dining area, with the wood burner warming it all. Above, the mezzanine bedroom holds the queen bed, made for unhurried mornings, and the lounge sofa folds out into a double bed for extra guests.

Out on the covered deck there’s a Weber BBQ with a view, while a brazier with bench seating sets the scene for evenings by the fire. Down a few flights of steps, an outdoor bath awaits for a well-deserved soak.

Waitī Cabin is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion is welcome to join you for a country getaway.

Last updated 13 Nov 2026

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Waitī Cabin is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the two-burner gas stove or the Weber BBQ. You’ll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans you’ll need.

If you feel like eating out, Levin has a range of cafes, including Firebird Cafe and Focal Point Cinema and Cafe.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Levin, 15 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

There’s plenty to keep you busy at Waitī Cabin. Play a game of kubb on the lawn, settle in with chess, draughts, backgammon, Bananagrams or a jigsaw puzzle, or gather around the brazier once the sun goes down. You’re welcome to explore the whole property, including the neighbouring forest park and the Waitī Stream, where you can cool off with a swim in its dipping holes.

Nearby, the Makahika Stream has more swimming holes, and the Ōhau River is popular. You can also walk sections of Te Araroa, or head up the No.1 Trig Loop Track via Ridge Road.

Further afield, swim at Waitārere Beach, stroll along Hōkio Beach or wander around Lake Papaitonga. From December, you can pick your own summer berries at the Ōhau Blueberries orchard.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Waitī Cabin are Forrest and Krista.

The couple have owned the property for more than 30 years. Since moving to Levin in 2019, they’ve been tackling the weeds, managing the stock and building the cabin. Krista works for a conservation contracting company, while Forrest is a prison chaplain.

The property has always been a favourite with their visitors. It has a winding, clear-water stream, open spaces, regenerating bush and something beautiful to see in every direction. Forrest and Krista felt that more people should have the chance to enjoy it.

Their four daughters are making their way in the world but come home to reconnect with the land and help out. Ollie the dog loves to lend a paw with possum control.

Waitī Cabin is named after the stream that flows through the property. The stream shares its name with Waitī, the star in the Matariki cluster that represents fresh water.

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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