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River Run

Wellington-Wairarapa


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

River Run is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner gas cooktop, oven and Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need. A wood-fired pizza oven is available on the front lawn.

For those seeking a dining experience, the local Gladdy Pub (Gladstone Inn) is only a 10-minute drive away. Alternatively, if you have your own jet boat, it's a quick 7-minute trip upstream, and you can tie up directly at the pub.

Urlar Vineyard has an amazing cellar door with seasonal fare, open Friday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. And the Main Street Deli in Greytown is the perfect spot for brunch and a 10/10 coffee.

If you're looking for more options, the Wairarapa region offers a plethora of culinary delights. Martinborough is renowned for its fantastic vineyards and eateries, while Greytown, Masterton, and Carterton also present a variety of excellent dining and takeaway options.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is New World in Carterton, 10 minutes away.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

River Run is nestled in its own enchanting native bush next to the beautiful Ruamahunga River, so you won't be disappointed with the views.

Prefer staying in and love board games? The hosts have a selection in your cosy cabin, as well as cards and Kubb (a lawn game).

Being located right on the banks of the River comes with fantastic perks. You can enjoy a lovely riverside picnic, soaking in the serene surroundings, or take a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day. It’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and connect with nature.

Trout fishing and eeling are available for all guests (the river is well known for it's trout fishing!). You can find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

Beyond the wonderful property, the Wairarapa region beckons you to try out what it has to offer. From rolling hills and stunning coastlines to charming vineyards and bustling towns like Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough, and Masterton, you'll find an array of activities to suit your interests. Head out to the boutique shops, indulge in delicious cuisine at local restaurants and cafes, or try a bushwalk at the nearbyFensham Reserve or Carter Scenic Reserve.

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at River Run are James and Annie Cates.

James, a true Wairarapa local, is a seasoned sheep and beef farmer who’s happiest in the great outdoors, especially when it involves fly fishing, hunting, or jetboating. If you’re up for an adventure, he’ll be the perfect guide. Annie, originally from Edinburgh, has called New Zealand home for 16 years. She balances her career with****a software company, running the business side of the farm and overseeing River Run, ensuring your stay goes smoothly.

Friends and family treasure their time at Tiffin Hill and at the river. The property offers uninterrupted 360-degree views from the hilltop, while the riverside cabin is surrounded by native bush under the Wairarapa’s dark skies. After dreaming of a cabin by the river, they brought it to life in early 2022 and now enjoy sharing their special place, River Run, with others.

The name 'River Run' comes from the way the Ruamahunga River carves its path through the landscape.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Our stay at River Run was exactly what we needed. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The setting was beautiful – we just loved it! ”

Ali Sinclair- 2025-04-02

20 / 20

“ Incredible spot to enjoy a wholesome trip away. We absolutely loved the peaceful surrounds, cosy cabin, access to the river and wood fire pizza oven. Thank you to the lovely hosts. Would definitely stay again! ”

Georgina Pattullo- 2026-03-06

1 / 20

“ Annie was a very welcoming and kind host! It was a beautiful spot to enjoy a night away. My husband went fishing and I read my book! ”

Genevieve Steven- 2026-03-04

2 / 20

“ Beautiful, relaxing. Ten out of ten for everything. ”

Gena Boult- 2026-02-11

3 / 20

“ A nice touch to have the yoga mats available and the bunch of fresh herbs to use on the bench. A very peaceful few days immersed in nature! ”

Paul and Lisa Roache- 2026-02-08

4 / 20

“ We felt genuinely refreshed and revitalised after our stay. The atmosphere was peaceful. ”

Peter Martin- 2026-02-04

5 / 20

“ Thank you for such a magical stay, beautiful private hideaway, incredible outdoor deck area and excellent hosts. Looking forward to coming back! ”

Allie Poland- 2026-01-04

6 / 20

“ Delightful, secluded location with everything laid on for comfort and convenience. ”

Chris Bryan- 2025-12-11

7 / 20

“ Beautiful location next to the river. We loved our two nights there. Would recommend to anyone wanting to get away from it all. ”

John Hambidge John Hambidge- 2025-12-02

8 / 20

“ Great property on the river with wonderful facilities for a beautiful quiet stay. ”

Richard Petersen- 2025-11-27

9 / 20

“ Fabulous location. It was lovely to lie back in front of the brazier and take in that big starry sky! A wonderful relaxing stay and the river was lovely to swim in. ”

Geoff Burch- 2025-11-17

10 / 20

“ What a perfect place to unwind and relax. We loved our stay. The bird life and setting of the cabin is amazing. Annie and James were great hosts and we are looking forward to our next stay. Perfect location for watching the stars! ”

Caroline Ritson- 2025-10-29

11 / 20

“ River Run was absolutely stunning. Hidden away and very private. The trees block any wind, and the river is a great spot for a swim. I would love to go back. ”

Brandon Miller- 2025-10-15

12 / 20

“ The cabin was so beautiful, and you could tell that every little detail had been thoughtfully considered. It was spotless, comfortable, and had everything we could possibly need! Annie was so lovely and friendly, and made us feel incredibly welcome and went out of her way to make sure we had a great stay! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and are already planning our next trip! ”

Melanie Quigg- 2025-10-12

13 / 20

“ We had an absolutely amazing stay! The setting is incredible and the cabin is super cosy and had everything we needed. We even had some deer come to visit. Would love to go back! ”

Rebecca Ewart- 2025-09-29

14 / 20

“ Lovely stay, amazing hosts and a real treat to have the use of a pizza oven and brazier, plus great star watching and a cosy cabin. ”

Kate Dickenson- 2025-09-22

15 / 20

“ Wonderful stay. Great setting and a cosy little cabin. Annie and James were great hosts. ”

Jeremy Todd- 2025-07-21

16 / 20

“ ”

Megan Whelan- 2025-07-15

17 / 20

“ James and Annie were friendly and so welcoming and accommodating that we felt like we’d known them for years. The cabin was so quiet and peaceful, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially curled up by the fire all toasty and warm with a good book and cup of tea, and curling up on the deck watching sunrise and sunset during a beautiful Wairarapa winter. Perfect little escape. Our only concern initially was the farm track (being from the city we were both thinking if our car would cope) but we drove to the car park with no issue at all. ”

Caitlin Austin- 2025-06-16

18 / 20

“ My partner and I had a wonderful time at River Run this weekend. It was peaceful and had awesome amenities to enjoy a quick get away from the city. ”

Avi Jayasekara- 2025-05-19

19 / 20

“ Our stay at River Run was exactly what we needed. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The setting was beautiful – we just loved it! ”

Ali Sinclair- 2025-04-02

20 / 20

“ Incredible spot to enjoy a wholesome trip away. We absolutely loved the peaceful surrounds, cosy cabin, access to the river and wood fire pizza oven. Thank you to the lovely hosts. Would definitely stay again! ”

Georgina Pattullo- 2026-03-06

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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