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Drovers Lookout

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Drovers Lookout

Ongaonga, Hawke's Bay


Drovers Lookout is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier. The lovely Musterer's Rest also shares the same property.

Drovers Lookout is nestled on beautiful farmland, with stunning views that extend over rolling pastures, the Tukituki River and the Ruahine Ranges. The serene location is home to tui, wood pigeon, and morepork... Nature's melodies, right at your doorstep.

The hut features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a queen bed and mezzanine-style single bunk bed. It's perfect for a family, a group of friends, or two couples. All rooms open onto the main deck, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The open-plan living and kitchen area is perfect for getting cosy next to the indoor fire, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views.

In a separate room, a deep bath indoor/outdoor bath has a large opening out to the fresh air - offering a framed view while you soak. Directly outside is a campfire area, inviting you to gather around for s'mores and hot chocolate.

As dusk falls, retreat to your cosy quarters. Watch the sunset paint the sky with fiery hues and stars begin to twinkle overhead.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Drovers Lookout is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and four-burner gas cooktop provided in the kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, your host, Dan, recommends Saffron Indian Restaurant in Waipukurau (20 minutes away) and Skinny Mulligans in Waipawa (25 minutes away).

The nearest places to go for supplies are the Countdown and New World supermarkets in Waipukurau, the 4-Square in Waipawa or the General Store in Onga Onga (10 minutes away).

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

You'll find plenty to do at the hut, with petanque, croquet, badminton and boardgames all supplied. Soak in the large indoor bath or toast marshmallows around the firepit. You can also head to the river on a hot day for a dip!

If you like to get out and about check out the popular day walk to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine National Park or bring your mountain bikes and hit one of the many trails in the region. If you're feeling especially adventurous - give water skiing a try! Backpaddock Lakes Water Skiing Park is about 20 minutes away from the Drovers Lookout.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at the Drovers Lookout are Dan, Kylie, daughter Cleo and dogs Chips and Delta. Dan is a farmer and horse trainer, and Kylie runs a horse massage business.

Ten years ago, Dan and his brother, Nick bought their property to set up a polo pony breeding and training facility.

Over the years, visitors to the farm have made many comments complimenting the stunning location. The old established native trees and the vast views of the Tukituki river and Ruahine ranges are just a few of the popular features.

Their first glamping accommodation, Musterer's Rest, was once an old musterer's hut that has been beautifully renovated. The hosts created Drovers Lookout to share their beautiful property for more people to enjoy.

TESTIMONIALS

“ What a great space to enjoy some relaxing time with friends. ”

Henry Bunny- 2025-08-18

20 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, so quiet and serene. Amazing lookout. ”

Alexander Abbot- 2026-05-14

1 / 20

“ Drover's Lookout is stunning! If you're looking for an escape from a busy life, this is definitely a place to relax and appreciate our beautiful countryside. ”

Kim Turner- 2026-04-28

2 / 20

“ Beautiful location and stunning property. Amazing hosts too. Can’t wait to come back. ”

Sophie Jones- 2026-04-18

3 / 20

“ Lovely quiet spot to chillax. Great views of ranges. Loved the bath setup. ”

Sandra Blake- 2026-03-25

4 / 20

“ We have stayed before so this must say it all. Perfect getaway and really good hosts. We'll be back. ”

Louise Butler- 2026-03-20

5 / 20

“ Wonderful location and privacy. Kids loved playing badminton and corn hole on the lawn at night. We all enjoyed toasting marshmallows on the campfire and stargazing at night. ”

Andrea Keating- 2026-03-18

6 / 20

“ Peaceful paradise. In awe of the views from sunrise to sunset. Lovely rustic interior and well equipped with necessities and even games. Watched horses and farm animals as we had our cuppa in the morning. Everything was just lovely, highly recommend! ”

Charlaine Bito-On- 2026-02-26

7 / 20

“ Gorgeous property! We had such a lovely weekend. It had everything we needed for the weekend and still close enough to town to pop in for coffee and supplies. ”

Catherine Redman- 2026-02-16

8 / 20

“ Amazing location, beautiful spot to switch off. ”

Bridie Easton-Beard- 2026-01-21

9 / 20

“ The views were stunning, the house clean and comfortable. The bath was lovely. What made it so special was being to share it with our dog. Thank you ”

Charlene Logan- 2026-01-15

10 / 20

“ Dog-friendly accommodation. 100% would recommend as we always look for places that suit our two pups. We loved the fully fenced property so they could just go and explore when they wanted. There is also a river on the property we could take them to play in, which was a highlight as well. We will definitely be back again next summer! ”

Traven Wilson- 2026-01-04

11 / 20

“ We had a lovely time at Drovers Lookout. The setting was beautiful and the host was warm and helpful. Highly recommended for an off the grid getaway. ”

Anna Tabrum- 2025-12-01

12 / 20

“ Beautiful setting, great view and so peaceful. The only noise were the birds, even heard Tuis. The bed was so comfy I wanted to take it home with me. Everything was beautifully laid out, and just loved the rustic feel to the place. Will book again in the future, and thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us. ”

Debbie Barton- 2025-11-20

13 / 20

“ We loved the weekend. The setting is fantastic, the changing views, the cosiness. Just fantastic. ”

Rebecca Peterson- 2025-11-18

14 / 20

“ Awesome spot, awesome views, awesome hosts! ”

Hanna Stanford- 2025-11-10

15 / 20

“ Breathtaking views, warm and welcoming with complete privacy. Drover’s Lookout is the perfect romantic getaway. The hosts have taken care of every creature comfort and we will definitely be back. ”

Phillipa Lamb- 2025-11-04

16 / 20

“ Captivating views and the bath was a highlight. ”

Richelle Pirie- 2025-10-30

17 / 20

“ A fabulous place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Beautiful location, great views, and just a lovely spot overall to relax and unwind. This was our second visit, both times with our dog, and we’ll be back again. Highly recommend. ”

Jo Hogg- 2025-10-23

18 / 20

“ Beautiful accommodation. Lovely outlook, great hosts, and a perfectly relaxing place. Will definitely stay here again. ”

Mike Bilodeau- 2025-08-20

19 / 20

“ What a great space to enjoy some relaxing time with friends. ”

Henry Bunny- 2025-08-18

20 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, so quiet and serene. Amazing lookout. ”

Alexander Abbot- 2026-05-14

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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