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Fossil Hill

Wellington-Wairarapa


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Fossil Hill is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-element induction cooktop and microwave oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you're looking to take a break from cooking, you'll find yourself ideally situated to explore the local dining scene, just a 12-minute drive away. The Screening Room Cinema Eatery offers everything from coffee and cake to brunch, lunch, dinner, shared tapas, and drinks – all alongside movie entertainment. Tripoli Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has pizza, pasta, tapas and desserts. Lastly, Run Holder (45 minutes away) in Martinborough comes highly recommended by your hosts, with amazing food and service.

During the day, head to Le Grá Vineyard and Winery in Ōpaki for wine tasting and gourmet platters, or go for a casual bite to eat at either Entice Café or Trocadero Coffee Bar.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

Make yourself at home with our outdoor bath, sun loungers, collection of board games and books. When the mood strikes, fill the space with your favourite music through the integrated sound system, which extends to the outdoor area, or simply unwind to the gentle trickle of the waterfall.

Take a leisurely 20-minute loop walk through the regenerated native bush right on the property. In summer, a public swimming hole at the river awaits just 500 metres up the driveway (if driving, you can park by the steel bar off the road and make your way down to the water).

Book a magical private stargazing session with Under the Stars where an astronomer will visit with all equipment during your stay. You can find more info under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

Take a scenic drive to some of the region's highlights. Visit the iconic Castle Point lighthouse and enjoy fresh fish from the local store (one hour away), spot Kiwi and Tuatara at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre (30 minutes away), or explore the boutique shops and cafes in Greytown (30 minutes away).

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Fossil Hill are Clint and Loren.

Since 2017, this special piece of the Wairarapa has been their family home where they live with their three children - Max, Jack & Lana, and their pet dog Tess.

Clint is a qualified builder who crafted the cabin himself, and Loren is a photographer and artist. The property, perched atop a hill formed of 2-million-year-old marine sedimentary rock, got its name from the children's exciting discoveries of shark teeth, ancient sea creature fossils and crystallised shells.

With stunning views over farmland and mountains, abundant birdlife and the river just across the road, they recognised Fossil Hill was too special to keep to themselves and created this retreat where others could come to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Everything was just as advertised on the website. Beautiful views, comfortable and relaxing. We’d love to stay again. ”

Heidi Shields- 2025-11-23

20 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Fossil Hill. Outstanding setting over the valley, where you could watch the weather roll in, and the house was beautifully set out and presented. The fact there is no TV is a bonus, and having speakers in the ceiling, inside and out, is a lovely touch. Highly recommend Fossil Hill to anyone for a getaway. ”

Kris Dando- 2026-03-31

1 / 20

“ We have stayed at a lot of Canopy Camping places and we love them but Fossil Hill is next level!! From the moment you drive up the drive and enter the house it is breathtaking. Everything is perfectly thought out and you literally feel like you are on top of the world. ”

Kylie Dwight- 2026-03-16

2 / 20

“ Our stay at Fossil Hill truly exceeded our expectations. We were extremely lucky to have been able to experience the place in different weather conditions, rain and cloudy, golden hour, starry skies, it made the stay so colourful. The place has everything you will ever need, and all you need to prepare is a great menu to cook, we dined in the whole time, and a camera to capture it all. Lastly, thank you to Loren for taking great care of us! ”

Celine Dabuet- 2026-03-13

3 / 20

“ We had the most amazing stay at Fossil Hill! The view is absolutely stunning, and the facilities are excellent. Everything was spotless, beautifully set up, and incredibly comfortable. The communication from the hosts was awesome as well, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. The location is perfect: just a short hop to Masterton and the Martinborough wineries and an easy, lovely drive out to Castlepoint. It’s the ideal base for exploring the region. Fossil Hill is truly a must‑do place to stay. We loved every moment and can’t recommend it highly enough! ”

Nikki Fyall- 2026-03-09

4 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay, beautiful surroundings and plenty to do close by. ”

Ben Cathro- 2026-03-04

5 / 20

“ It's amazing to be able to pull up to a place that is actually like the pictures and what’s advertised. Beautiful. ”

Toni Lawrence- 2026-02-28

6 / 20

“ From the moment we arrived we were taken back with the design and view of the surroundings. Everything about this stay was WOW!! ”

Jo Dewar- 2026-02-22

7 / 20

“ What a lovely place for a few days of peace and quiet. Very serene and private. The covered deck with the outdoor tub and deck chairs is awesome, even when its raining. And the view is absolutely gorgeous. ”

Peter klok- 2026-02-09

8 / 20

“ Perfection! Perfection! Perfection! Every aspect of the guest experience has been thought out. The hosts have clearly put a lot of time effort and heart into Fossil Hill. From the moment you drive up the hill to the moment you depart, you will be at peace. If you are considering booking this, just do it!!! It is perfection. We will most definitely be returning. ”

Logan Gallagher- 2026-01-24

9 / 20

“ Thank you for a wonderful stay. Amazing views, a well-equipped kitchen and lots of little touches like cake forks and bath salts made for a restful break. ”

Zoe Mounsey- 2026-01-20

10 / 20

“ The cabin is amazing, romantic and beautiful. The hill is beautiful and a magic place to have a cabin. Loved it from A to Z. ”

Manuela Russi- 2026-01-19

11 / 20

“ Fantastic location and fantastic facilities, excellently thought out. I never give 10 out of 10, but this completely deserves it! ”

Charles Tolman- 2026-01-15

12 / 20

“ If you want to experience feeling completely removed from reality, this is the place to be. Absolutely stunning views in an incredible and thoughtful space. ”

Stephanie Kavanagh- 2026-01-10

13 / 20

“ This is truly a spectacular spot. It’s beautiful, the house and the area. Close to everything, just a beautiful home and people. Would totally go back and recommend it to anyone, especially for a completely romantic time out. It was so relaxing and one of the best places we have stayed. Thank you. ”

Liz Crowley- 2026-01-07

14 / 20

“ We loved our three night stay at Fossil Hill. The views are absolutely stunning and the setting feels peaceful and secluded while still being easy to reach. The cabin was beautifully designed, warm, and very comfortable, with everything we needed. Soaking in the outdoor bath under the stars was a real highlight. A perfect place to relax and switch off. We’d highly recommend it. ”

Robyn Smith- 2026-01-05

15 / 20

“ The perfect place to escape to when you need to slow down for a few days. A beautiful cabin in a beautiful location. ”

Andrea Hall- 2025-12-17

16 / 20

“ A beautiful and romantic place for our honeymoon. We felt relaxed, comfortable, and deeply enjoyed every moment. Highly recommended. ”

Marevic Elambayo- 2025-12-14

17 / 20

“ We had a wonderful two-night stay at Fossil Hill. Loren messaged a couple of days before and also shared local recommendations. The Screening Room breakfast was a hit. The property is beautiful with stunning views. The bed is super comfortable. We had everything we needed. Watching the sunset from the deck loungers was a highlight. Great sound system and the bath is huge. Don’t miss it. Lots to do nearby. We’d love to come back. ”

Cheryl Mitchell- 2025-11-27

18 / 20

“ Stunning setting and perfect escape! Outdoor bath on perfect star filled night was a real highlight. Would totally recommend to family and friends. ”

Audra Voyle- 2025-11-24

19 / 20

“ Everything was just as advertised on the website. Beautiful views, comfortable and relaxing. We’d love to stay again. ”

Heidi Shields- 2025-11-23

20 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Fossil Hill. Outstanding setting over the valley, where you could watch the weather roll in, and the house was beautifully set out and presented. The fact there is no TV is a bonus, and having speakers in the ceiling, inside and out, is a lovely touch. Highly recommend Fossil Hill to anyone for a getaway. ”

Kris Dando- 2026-03-31

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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Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

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