Mairenui Rural Retreat, Mangaweka
Mairenui Rural Retreat in Mangaweka is a three house farmstay complex nestled in the scenic hill country of the Rangitikei District, in the Central North Island of New Zealand.
Our location, seclusion, accommodation and experience also make Mairenui ideal for small team-building or business retreats.
Mairenui is a working sheep and beef farm, with deer and horses also, and has been in the Sweet Family for over 100 years.
Mairenui is committed to the environment, and offers you a chance to share that commitment by planting a native tree.
We offer three levels of farmstay accommodation - The Retreat, The Villa, and The Homestead. (Rates quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change).
Mairenui Homestead offers quality in-house accommodation for up to four people. One double room, with queen-size bed, small sitting area with a wide selection of books and magazines; and ensuite bathroom with sunken, tiled bath/shower, toiletries, and hairdryer. One twin/king room with handmade beds crafted from native totara timber milled on the farm, and an ensuite shower/toilet, tiled in Italian marble. Both rooms have electric heating, heated towel rails, bathrobes, and individual verandahs with tables and chairs - great for relaxing after a hard day's sightseeing, garden visiting or adventure. Two or three course meals are available, with a pre-dinner drink included in the price. A breakfast of your choice is provided, at a time which suits you, the guest! As a rule, room service breakfast is not available. Rates: B&B $140 double, $95 single.
The Retreat is an architect-designed, 3½ storey timber dwelling, set in a 700 year old stand of native trees. It has been described by guests as a 'hobbit house', as in 'Lord of the Rings'! We chose a John Comeskey design from the 1970's, which blends into the landscape. The structure is open plan, leading from the semi-circular living room with free-standing fireplace, up to the main dining, kitchen and utility area. The kitchen is paved with red bricks and is complete with electric oven, microwave and for the nostalgic, a wood-burning stove as well. Just off the kitchen, in the old conservatory, is the breakfast room, with a tiled floor, cane furniture and a Mediterranean feel. The grounds are private, with roses, rhododendrons and camellias, a gas barbecue and rustic table under the trees. The Homestead, where one can have all meals if desired, is only a short walk away, over a small bridge and past the ponds and croquet lawn.
Altogether a romantic retreat for honeymooners, special weekenders, or for two or three couples wanting to "get away from it all". Breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are available at an extra cost from The Homestead. Rates: $120 single/double, extra person $50 each, to house maximum of $300. One night only, minimum $150.
The Villa - Built in 1885, The Villa was restored in 1995. It has up to five bedrooms, and can sleep 10 people. There is a small separate building (Te Whare) which can sleep 2 extra people if necessary. There is also a cot & a crib. An ensuite bathroom has just been added, and a private entrance from the verandah to the bedroom.
We at Mairenui have tried to keep the Villa as close to the original as practicable - that means there is no TV or Music Stack, rather a small pool table, two open fires and a wood stove, a piano and lots of books, magazines & games. However, to make life easier for our guests, we have provided an electric stove, refrigerator, freezer, and some electric blankets and heaters! Verandahs on two sides of the house provide plenty of room for relaxing on the comfortable seats in the sun. Croquet on the large lawn, petanque, a gas barbecue, a view down the valley and up to the Ruahine Ranges - what more could one ask for?!! Breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are available at an extra cost from The Homestead. Rates: $100 single/double, extra person $40 each, to house maximum of $320.
Mangaweka Conferences - Mairenui offers a peaceful, secluded location for meetings, seminars and team-building retreats. In our three houses we can accommodate 11 singles, or up to 15 single and share twin. Breakfasts (cooked or continental) can be served in each house, with lunch/dinner served at The Homestead.
Our seminar room is a stand-alone turn-of-the-century building, renovated with this purpose in mind, and will seat up to 14. It is a rare surviving example of a pit-sawn totara dwelling and the native timber theme has been continued with the commission of two hand-crafted totara tables. A large whiteboard dominates one end wall, while at the other is a small but efficient wood-burning stove. The tables are well-illuminated by overhead bulbs, and the whiteboard is fluorescent-lit for presentations.
We can provide overhead and slide projector if necessary, as well as television and dvd/video. WIFI Internet available on-farm. Phone and fax facilities are available at The Homestead. The conference room is equipped with a combination kettle/coffee machine, as well as cups, plates etc. Morning and afternoon teas can also be arranged.
Please contact us for bookings or a quote.