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Te Whenua Hideaway

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Te Whenua Hideaway

Gibbston Valley, Otago


Te Whenua Hideaway is located in Gibbston Valley in Otago - just 30 minutes from Queenstown, 1 hour from Wānaka and 3.5 hours from Dunedin.

Situated in the heart of Gibbston and surrounded by mature native plantings, the hut presents beautiful vistas of the ruggedly beautiful surrounding mountains, including The Remarkables, Mt Rosa and Coronet Peak. Gibbston is renowned for producing world-class pinot noir, and the activities of viticulture and other homesteads are dotted through the valley. Te Whenua Hideaway sits on the same property as Te Whenua Retreat - a peaceful and restorative retreat centre. The hut is approximately 40 metres from the retreat and looks out towards it.

The hut's small yet perfect design utilises Southland beech native timber. The interior features a mezzanine sleeping platform beneath a pitched roof with dormer windows. The lower level includes a leather sofa, a galley kitchen and a bathroom. A woodburner keeps you cosy and snug. Step onto the expansive north-facing deck to unwind in the lounge chairs with a drink of your choice in hand.

Stone steps guide you up to the Hideaway via a waterfall and small pond. Conveniently located, this is a great location for exploring the wineries and bike trails of Gibbston, as well as the historic charms of nearby Arrowtown.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Te Whenua Hideaway is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the 2-ring gas burner and gas BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you prefer to dine out or try some local cuisine, there are excellent options within a short walking distance. Your host recommends Kinross Bistro, The Gibbston Tavern and The Church Cellar Door & Cafe for lunch and dinner, just a few options within the Gibbston region.

The nearest store for stocking up on basics is in Arrowtown, 20 minutes away. Larger supermarkets can be found in Frankton, 25 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Te Whenua Hideaway is a place to recharge and relax, catch up on some reading and spend time with that special someone.

Stargazing is a must-do on a clear night. Gibbston is located within the Kawarau Dark Sky Park and treats observers to an amazing celestial spectacle at night.

If you're looking to get out and about, The Gibbston River Bike Trail, conveniently passes by the retreat, and beckons you to join the fun, also offering a shared path for walkers. Enjoy the valley views and local wineries along the way.

Embrace the tranquillity of the Kawarau River, accessible through a scenic 45-minute stroll down Rafters Road. For those seeking longer walks, the Peregrine Loop features mesmerising river views and bridges, while the Mt Rosa Track unveils a steep climb to the summit at 1322m. While you're there, you will also see Nevis Bluff, Kawarau Gorge, and the lower Wakatipu Basin.

Adventure seekers can revel in the adrenaline rush just 6km away at theAJ Hackett bungy site.

For something a bit different, stargazers can arrange a personal 90-minute tour of the southern night sky at the Antimony Observatory with astrophysicist Professor Brian Boyle.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your host at Te Whenua Hideaway is Jenny Lomas - and her dog, Pema.

Since August 2020, Jenny has made this land her home. She sees herself as a dedicated custodian and has hosted hundreds of guests through a variety of retreats on the property.

Jenny has designed the hut to blur the boundaries between the inside and outside, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the land. As you enter the driveway, the retreat unveils itself as a well-kept secret, a sanctuary within the rural valley.

The name Te Whenua, means 'the land' in Te Reo Maori, a special place where gold is found in the nearby rivers and quartz in the mountains.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Peaceful and relaxing setting nestled between the vineyards. ”

- 2024-01-28

12 / 12

“ Staying at Te Whenua Hideaway was amazing. Jenny, the host, was very kind and considerate and sent a text on the day to welcome me. The tiny home was fabulous and perfect in the cooler weather, with a tiny log burner... amazing! My dog loved it because he could run around the section, as it was fully fenced. Close enough but not too close to Arrowtown. Thanks, Jenny, I will spread the word how fabulous your place was. ”

Jacqui Van Dam- 2026-05-22

1 / 12

“ Loved our stay, it was so tranquil and restful. Our host Jenny was lovely and so welcoming and her darling wee dog was so cute. Thank you. ”

ANNE-MARIE KEVILLE- 2026-04-05

2 / 12

“ The location was very convenient, we had easy access to Queenstown while still being in nature. Jenny was also really helpful and welcoming. ”

Charlie Haley- 2026-03-09

3 / 12

“ Location was super convenient! Even though listed as a tiny home, there was more space than some of the Airbnb spaces we stayed in. The master carpenter was an expert in space utilisation! Very comfortable. Would stay again. ”

Gertjan van den Broek- 2026-02-23

4 / 12

“ My husband and I loved the peaceful setting and beautiful gardens. The host was very helpful and responsive as well. ”

Brian Klimaszewski- 2026-01-30

5 / 12

“ Wonderful, relaxing stay at Te Whenua Hideaway. Such a beautiful, peaceful spot, with the river trail and wineries nearby. The fireplace kept it lovely and cosy. ”

Jenna Brunton- 2025-06-23

6 / 12

“ Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, definitely warm and cosy. ”

Sharon Dunstan- 2025-05-05

7 / 12

“ Cute little house. Great little fireplace. Amazing surroundings and unforgettable night skies. Thanks, Jenny, for a great and memorable stay. ”

Richard O'Hanlon- 2025-04-14

8 / 12

“ I had a lovely time in this beautiful accommodation, it was amazing to be so close to Queenstown but feel so connected with the outdoors. The night sky was unbelievable. ”

Fiona Kinsella- 2025-03-02

9 / 12

“ Couldn't ask for a better way to unwind and chill out. Jenny was a helpful host who gave us the lay of the land and then left us to decompress and reconnect. A cosy, inviting cabin with gorgeous views. ”

Sarah Dymock- 2024-07-11

10 / 12

“ This is just so great to step out of the crazy. And just across the road to the vineyards. Perfect!!! We'll definitely go back. ”

- 2024-04-09

11 / 12

“ Peaceful and relaxing setting nestled between the vineyards. ”

- 2024-01-28

12 / 12

“ Staying at Te Whenua Hideaway was amazing. Jenny, the host, was very kind and considerate and sent a text on the day to welcome me. The tiny home was fabulous and perfect in the cooler weather, with a tiny log burner... amazing! My dog loved it because he could run around the section, as it was fully fenced. Close enough but not too close to Arrowtown. Thanks, Jenny, I will spread the word how fabulous your place was. ”

Jacqui Van Dam- 2026-05-22

1 / 12

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