Co-host
Sally Officer
Sally Officer co-hosts Mahaanui Farmstay Experience with Simon Bennett in Tiniroto.
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Mahaanui Farmstay Experience
Private totara-glade river cabin and farm stays in Tiniroto hill country
Tiniroto, Gisborne
Weekend river-cabin escape
Gallery
The setting
Spaces, views, and surroundings at Mahaanui Farmstay Experience.
Your hosts
Meet the people behind Mahaanui Farmstay Experience
Owner-run properties feel different when you know who welcomes your group on arrival.
Co-host
Simon Bennett
Simon Bennett co-hosts Mahaanui, leading farm tours and coordinating river-cabin arrivals.
About
About this getaway
Mahaanui Farmstay Experience is an owner-run hill-country farm stay in Tiniroto, Gisborne, New Zealand. Simon and Sally Bennett host three private accommodation options on 1856 Ruakaka Road: the Boutique River Cabin, a secluded off-grid retreat for two in an old totara tree glade beside the Hangaroa River; the Mahaanui Cottage for families and groups up to eight; and the Mahaanui Quarters for solo travellers or groups up to ten.
The River Cabin is built from recycled and sustainable materials, completely off-grid, and designed for guests who want to unwind away from everyday busyness. Private river access supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing. An outdoor wood-burning hot tub, double hammock, daybed, solar-powered lights, gas hot water, and a well-equipped kitchen with breakfast supplies create casual luxury without Wi-Fi distraction.
Beyond the cabin, guests explore life on a traditional hill-country farm with guided tours, bush trails, pet animals, and incredible East Coast sunsets and night skies. Mahaanui means lots of joy or happiness in te reo Maori. Book direct at mahaanui.co.nz.
Simon and Sally Bennett built Mahaanui Farmstay Experience for travellers who want real New Zealand farm hospitality without sacrificing comfort. Their Boutique River Cabin sits completely private in a glade of gorgeous old native trees adjacent to the Hangaroa River, exactly as Sally describes: guests are undisturbed unless they have arranged a meal-pack drop-off.
Packages & pricing
Rates and availability from the property's official booking page.
Featured program
Boutique River Cabin
Secluded totara-glade cabin for two with hot tub and river access.
Check dates & bookPlan your trip
Availability notes
- • Book direct at mahaanui.co.nz for current rates and availability.
Location & travel
- Getting there
- 1856 Ruakaka Road, Tiniroto, Gisborne 4078. Download directions from mahaanui.co.nz and share your ETA with Simon and Sally for River Cabin arrivals.
Policies
- Minimum stay
- Confirm with hosts when booking
- Cancellation
- Confirm on mahaanui.co.nz when booking
Contact & book
Reach the retreat directly or reserve online
FAQ
Good to know
Where is Mahaanui Farmstay Experience?
1856 Ruakaka Road, Tiniroto, Gisborne 4078, New Zealand. Roughly 1.5 hours from Gisborne and about one hour from Wairoa. Driving directions are on mahaanui.co.nz.
What is the Boutique River Cabin?
A private off-grid retreat for two in a totara glade next to the Hangaroa River with hot tub, queen bed, solar fridge with breakfast supplies, gas kitchen, private river access, and kayak. No Wi-Fi.
Will I be disturbed at the River Cabin?
The cabin is completely private. Guests are undisturbed unless they have arranged a meal-pack drop-off or requested host contact.
What farm activities are available?
When time allows, Simon and Sally offer farm tours with working dogs, mustering, and sheep shearing, plus bush trails, marked walks, and river paddling.
How do I book?
Book or enquire at mahaanui.co.nz, email mahaanui@gisborne.net.nz, or call +64 27 497 7163.
Location
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