Skip to main content
Escape gallery image 1

The Acres

undefined badge

The Acres

Retaruke. Manawatū-Whanganui


The Acres is located an hour from Ohakune in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, approximately 2 hours from Taupō and 2.5 hours from Whanganui.

Tucked deep into the farmland, The Acres is a retreat where the only sounds competing with the Retaruke River are birdsong and the crackle of a brazier.

The two cabins sit side by side, connected by a covered deck - one a sleeping space with an ensuite, the other a full kitchen, dining area, and cosy lounge nook. Together they offer everything you need, and nothing you don't.

From the deck, Mount Ruapehu can be seen on the horizon on a clear day, native bush frames the edges, and on still mornings you can just catch a glimpse of the river threading through the valley below. To truly relax, soak in the wood-fired hot tub, pull out the board games and let the stillness do its thing. Four-legged guests are welcome too.

Escape gallery image 19 Escape gallery image 2 Escape gallery image 3 Escape gallery image 4 Escape gallery image 5 Escape gallery image 6 Escape gallery image 7 Escape gallery image 8 Escape gallery image 9 Escape gallery image 10 Escape gallery image 11 Escape gallery image 12 Escape gallery image 13 Escape gallery image 14 Escape gallery image 15 Escape gallery image 16 Escape gallery image 17 Escape gallery image 18 Escape gallery image 19 Escape gallery image 2
Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

The Acres is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the full-size electric oven, gas cooktop, and Weber Baby Q provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

For a meal out, Blue Hill Cafe in Ōwhango is a family-owned favourite known for homemade food and great coffee. In Waimarino, there are two great options — The Station Cafe for a treat and Schnapps Bar & Restaurant for classic pub food. All around 25 minutes away.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Taumarunui, 40 minutes (45km) away.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

The Retaruke River is just a short walk or drive from the cabins — perfect for a swim, a spot of fishing, or hopping on a canoe. Note that the main swimming hole is occasionally visited by locals, though there are quieter, more private stretches along the property to discover.

Back at the cabin, slow things down with a soak in the wood-fired hot tub, a game or two from the board game collection, or an evening around the brazier.

The wider region is quietly one of New Zealand's most adventure-rich corners. In winter, hit the slopes at Mount Ruapehu; in summer, ride the Whakapapa Skyline gondola to dine with views at the top. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is within reach for those after a legendary day walk, as are Taranaki Falls Track and the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve for something a little more leisurely. Keen cyclists can take on the Fishers Track, and the Whanganui River is nearby for jet boating adventures.

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Acres are Carly and Ryan

Having farmed the Retaruke region for over 30 years, Carly and Ryan always had their eye on this 28-hectare block — so when it came up for sale in 2019, they didn't think twice.

With a deep love for the land, the native bush and the sounds of the Retaruke River, they wanted to share this peaceful corner of New Zealand in a way that felt natural and unhurried. Glamping felt like the perfect fit: minimal footprint, maximum magic. And the name? A bit of an inside joke — "The Acres" started as a tongue-in-cheek nickname for the block (small by farming standards), but it just stuck!

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

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

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape