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Drawknife Lodge

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Drawknife Lodge

Ohakune, Manawatū-Whanganui


Drawknife Lodge is located near Ohakune in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, approximately 3.5 hours from Wellington.

Set on peaceful farmland and backing onto a stream and native forest reserve, the handcrafted log cabin offers breathtaking views of Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside.

The cabin interior is warm, welcoming and beautifully in tune with its handcrafted log design. The ground floor features a queen bedroom, cosy lounge with a fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen, and a modern bathroom. The open mezzanine holds a second queen bed, perfect for two couples or a family.

Daily visits from kererū and the occasional sighting of whio in the stream are gentle reminders of the natural beauty that surrounds you. And with virtually no light pollution, the night sky comes alive with stars.

To add an extra touch of magic, wander the tranquil bush walks just across the road, cool off in the nearby swimming hole, or take a scenic 25-minute drive to the Turoa ski field on Mt Ruapehu.

Children aged 7+ only

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Drawknife Lodge is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the electric oven and gas hobs provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

For a quick bite, there are several great options nearby. Powderkeg Restaurant and Bar is a cosy pub with delicious food and locally crafted beers. The Cyprus Tree Restaurant & Bar offers warm indoor fires and stunning views of Mount Ruapehu. It's also a great choice for families. Osteria Italian Restaurant is perfect for pizza, pasta and wine lovers. All three are less than a 10-minute drive from the log cabin.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Ohakune, 7 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Stoke the crackling fire and enjoy its warmth as you lose yourself in a good book or play one of the board games available at the log cabin. If it's a warm day, try your hand at petanque on the lawn.

Venture just across the road where a peaceful 150m bush walk leads you to a secluded swimming hole and picnic table. Enjoy a picnic by the water in tranquil surroundings, listening to native birdsong and the gentle flow of the water.

Are you a keen skier or snowboarder? Hit the slopes at Mount Ruapehu's ski field in winter (Turoa is less than half an hour's drive!) Mountain bike along the historic Old Coach Road or traverse the Mountain to Sea trails when seeking an adrenaline rush. Hike the many routes around majestic Mt Ruapehu, including the world-renowned Tongariro Crossing for breathtaking volcanic landscapes and alpine views.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Drawknife Lodge are Peter and Leah.

Along with their children, Sidney and Finley, and furry friend Max, this family's journey with the property began in 2019 when they purchased what was then simply a bare section of land with an abandoned pool.

For a few years, Peter and Leah camped on the property, gradually clearing and restoring it. The turning point came in 2022 when, inspired by a log building course, they embarked on a project to build the log cabin by hand.

Surrounded by mountain views, a peaceful beech forest, and clear night skies, Drawknife Lodge was originally built as a personal retreat. Now, Peter and Leah are thrilled to share their handcrafted haven with others.

Named after the tool used to hand-peel the 52 Douglas fir logs that form its structure, Drawknife Lodge showcases the unique character of each carefully selected tree.

TESTIMONIALS

“ An absolutely beautiful stay. The house is so incredibly warm even on cold winter nights. The view is amazing and it’s got everything you need for a luxurious stay. Thank you. ”

Hannah McKeown- 2025-06-21

13 / 13

“ Fantastic accommodation in a beautiful, quiet setting. Very impressed with the triple glazing, which kept the cabin nice and warm despite the colder temperatures outside at night at the end of April. We didn't need to start the fire. ”

John Pickering- 2026-05-04

1 / 13

“ We loved our stay at Drawknife Lodge. Serene location, amazing lodge which was so well constructed, laid out and decorated, awesome vibe and atmosphere. Definitely recommend a visit. ”

Jackie Satherley- 2026-04-22

2 / 13

“ Beautiful and relaxing setting, great facilities, everything you need, and a wonderful story of the history and building of the cabin. We’ll definitely be back. ”

Jo Hogg- 2026-04-13

3 / 13

“ Drawknife Lodge was one of our favourite stays during our three weeks in New Zealand. We loved the beautiful setting and the cosy but elevated interior of the cabin. The fireplace was wonderful. You could truly feel the love and intentionality behind the build and the host family. We feel lucky we got to experience such a beautiful place! ”

Valorie Sierens- 2026-04-13

4 / 13

“ Absolutely awesome place to decompress and chill. The quiet and outlook are brilliant. ”

Deb Siddins- 2026-02-07

5 / 13

“ Drawknife Lodge was absolutely stunning! Beautifully built and styled, with so many sweet touches to enhance our comfort, enjoyment and stay. The view of the mountain was incredible - we had a lovely time. Thank you! ”

Jess Flinn- 2026-02-02

6 / 13

“ Drawknife Lodge is exceptional. Lovingly built and brilliantly equipped, it is a haven of peace with magnificent views. The property is outstanding and unique, and we were delighted to stay there. Plus, wonderful trips. We mountain biked the Old Coach Trail, and it was a wonderful trip. This is an outstanding property, and the night sky was awesome. ”

Michael West- 2025-12-15

7 / 13

“ Excellent facility in a lovely location. Clean and tidy on arrival. Easy instructions. Warm and well supplied. We very much enjoyed reading the book about how the cabin was made. The shower was amazing. We loved that some of the history was kept in the place, such as the ladder with the light. Very clever design. Easy access to surrounding areas. ”

Alana Wilson- 2025-10-23

8 / 13

“ A privilege staying in your beautiful lodge. First time we have stayed in a log cabin and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Amazing craftsmanship and skill on display everywhere you look. Awesome stay. Thank you. ”

Paul Dickson- 2025-10-11

9 / 13

“ Such a cute log cabin situated in a peaceful location. Very clean and tidy. The excellent wood burner kept us warm and cosy. A short distance to the town centre. Highly recommend. ”

Tracey Smith- 2025-09-29

10 / 13

“ Beautiful cabin with all the modern amenities needed to feel comfortable. I loved the fully stocked kitchen, which made cooking easy. Super family and dog friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to be back when the weather is nicer. ”

Janika Prajapati- 2025-09-18

11 / 13

“ Drawknife Lodge is an absolutely stunning venue in the most beautiful location. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. ”

Angela Kendall- 2025-07-10

12 / 13

“ An absolutely beautiful stay. The house is so incredibly warm even on cold winter nights. The view is amazing and it’s got everything you need for a luxurious stay. Thank you. ”

Hannah McKeown- 2025-06-21

13 / 13

“ Fantastic accommodation in a beautiful, quiet setting. Very impressed with the triple glazing, which kept the cabin nice and warm despite the colder temperatures outside at night at the end of April. We didn't need to start the fire. ”

John Pickering- 2026-05-04

1 / 13

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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