The Musterer's Rest

Ongaonga, Hawke's Bay

The Musterer's Rest is located near Waipukurau in Hawke's Bay - just over three hours from Wellington and one hour from Napier.

Starting life as an old Musterer's Hut, the hut has been gradually restored into a quaint and atmospheric glamping site, complete with outdoor kitchen and bathroom. It sits nestled into the ancient native trees which border the farm boundary.

The hut is simply but stylishly decorated. French doors open out onto a spacious deck with stunning views of the valley and up to the often snowcapped Ruahine Ranges. Outdoor beanbags are provided to sit and enjoy the sun and views. A twin-size hammock hangs under a nearby shady tree.

The Tuki Tuki River is just 50m from the hut and laden with trout for the avid fisherman. Or just enjoy a picnic and a paddle on a hot Summers day. There are numerous native bird species living in the surrounding trees to keep you company - including tui, morepork, kereru and quails, along with a few resident pheasants.

In the valley around the hut are numerous paddocks which are home to polo ponies, and often sheep and cattle as well. A polo field is set 100m away from the hut and if you're lucky you'll be able to watch the ponies train during the week.

The Musterer's Rest is just what it says on the box... a truly restful place. And you'll know it the first time you drive up the track to the hut. The views opening up before you are unexpected - a hidden treasure that forces you to take a deep breath and just... relax.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

There is a covered lean-to style kitchen a few metres from the cabin, with a breakfast bar, stools and a large additional benchtop and sink. There is unlimited hot and cold tap water.

All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. A stovetop kettle and coffee plunger are supplied for tea and coffee.

A small Weber BBQ is supplied for cooking along with a gas ring for boiling water. When fire restrictions allow - the firepit can be lit to toast marshmallows.

A large insulated cool box, with a large frozen ice pack, is supplied to keep perishables cool.

Some pantry basics are supplied - salt and pepper, olive oil, tea bags, coffee, sugar and milk, and chilled water.

Set behind the cabin is an outdoor bathroom with a basin, mirror and outdoor shower. Timber grated flooring and walls provide privacy - with beautiful views onto native forest.

An outdoor, freestanding clawfoot bathtub is set a few metres back from the campsite, under a canopy of native trees - complimentary bubble bath is provided!

There is a pleasant-to-use composting toilet (bucket-style).

There is unlimited hot/cold running water (heated by a gas califont) and towels, facecloths and robes are supplied.

The Musterer's Rest is open for stays during winter, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

The hut has warm bedding and a wood burner, plus lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure and brush up on your fire-lighting skills.

**But do note,**that although well-sheltered and undercover, the kitchen is semi-outdoor and open to the elements.

The Musterer's Rest is not suitable for children and is a strictly adults-only site. The one exception to this rule is for non-mobile babies under 6 months with BYO bedding and portacot.

Note that temperatures can drop overnight, so we don't recommend bringing a baby if you book a stay over the winter or shoulder months.

If you're looking for a safe family-friendly glamping site, select the family icon in the search bar on our 'find your escape' page to easily find them.

The farm track from the road entrance to the Musterer's Rest is approximately 3kms of gravel road - suitable for all vehicles. This will take you directly to the campsite where a carpark is available adjacent to the kitchen. You're welcome to come and go as you please.

Your hosts will try to ensure all gates are open when you are staying, but the general rule of thumb is if you open a gate, it must also be closed behind you.

The Musterer's Rest is set on a farm, so for the safety of all concerned, it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Welcome Guide on site. These terms and guidelines include:

Visitors stay at their own risk, the property has hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
Leave gates as you find them.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Extreme caution driving in and out of the property
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter any buildings on the property.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

We've teamed up with Gift Box company 'XO' to bring you a 'special treat' gift box to celebrate those special occasions. The Unwind Gift Box features a bottle of Cloudy Bay Pelorus Brut sparkling wine, 'Bubbly Bears' deluxe sweets, a speciality chocolate bar from the House of Chocolate, and a jar of Light and Vessel bath salts - all beautifully presented in a black gift box with tissue paper and an optional handwritten note. Order your Celebration Gift Box now, and it will be waiting for you on arrival.

Please note: Gift Boxes are sent 15 days before your arrival date to ensure timely delivery. If you cancel your stay within this time frame, the cost of the Gift Box will not be refunded.

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**2.1** If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. **2.2** Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process. **2.3** If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment. **2.4** If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

**3.1** Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. **3.2** Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged. **3.3** Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. **3.4** Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: - **Road closure**. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by [Waka Kotahi](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. - **Metservice RED Weather Warning.** If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the [Metservice](https://www.metservice.com/) has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. - **Natural disasters in New Zealand.** Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

**4.1** Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as: (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest. (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property. (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. **4.2** Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.

**5.1** Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. **5.3** To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay.

**9.1** Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. **9.2** You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. **9.4** You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. **9.5** You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. **9.8**The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted. **9.9**You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.

If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.

To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes. If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking. Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.

EATING AND DRINKING

The Musterer's Rest is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut 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

You'll find plenty to do at the hut, with petanque, croquet, badminton and boardgames all supplied. Soak in the outdoor bath amongst the trees and relax around the firepit at the end of the day for some stargazing and marshmallow toasting.

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 Musterer's Rest.

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at the Musterer's Rest 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 - so when Dan and Nick discovered a run-down musterers hut, they knew exactly what to do.

After relocating the hut to the perfect spot, putting in some hard renovation graft, and a fair amount of creativity - 'The Musterer's Rest' was born.

TESTIMONIALS

“ An incredibly unique experience, a world of its own. ”

DEBORAH SMITH- 2024-08-19

20 / 20

“ The Musterer's Rest is a fantastic getaway from the usual hustle and bustle, and distractions. A very comfortable setting with a warm and welcoming fire. ”

Kyle Weir- 2026-05-22

1 / 20

“ It was the perfect night away. Such a stunning spot! Dan and Kylie have thought of everything, from complementary marshmallows to bubble bath, everything is there. Thank you so much! ”

Sarah Boyd- 2026-04-28

2 / 20

“ Hubby and I spent a night here on our first wedding anniversary. Enjoyed our night away. It was very different from our usual stays as there was no power, but the peace and quiet in the country was just so beautiful. The complimentary marshmallows topped it off to roast over the fire. It was an awesome experience. ”

Hope Bailey- 2026-03-29

3 / 20

“ Our stay was just the quick little break we needed. Loved it and would go again. ”

Clare Webber- 2026-01-09

4 / 20

“ Musterer’s Rest is a truly special place, with creative features such as the outdoor bath and shower overlooking the bush, outdoor kitchen and brazier to toast marshmallows. If you love camping, this is glamping and gorgeous. A memorable stay. ”

Sue Turnbull- 2025-12-10

5 / 20

“ Beautiful stay and restful environment, loved it so much. ”

Crystal Wilson- 2025-12-02

6 / 20

“ It's a lovely place to get away and enjoy nature, with comfortable beds. A great private setting looking out to the Ruahine Ranges. ”

Jane Wyllie- 2025-12-02

7 / 20

“ Unbelievably beautiful place with welcoming hosts. We didn’t want to leave. This place gives you such a relaxing vibe and atmosphere. Hearing horses galloping at night was an extra treat, along with the owl while taking a peaceful bath. The rainforest shower I could have stood in for ages. Nothing beats nature. ”

Vanessa Stroud- 2025-11-04

8 / 20

“ What a magical glamping experience and couple of days to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Well-equipped in a tranquil and private location. Highlight was soaking in the outdoor bath listening to the birds at dusk settling for the night - so peaceful. Highly recommended. ”

Paula JONES- 2025-10-14

9 / 20

“ The cutest little place to stay. Amazing facilities, very peaceful and calming environment. Highly recommend. ”

Tanya Robertson- 2025-06-19

10 / 20

“ Awesome spot and great hosts! ”

Jacob Duck- 2025-06-03

11 / 20

“ A beautiful retreat set in a picturesque farm. The perfect getaway to recharge and refresh. ”

Louise Te Hiko- 2025-05-05

12 / 20

“ Lovely place to spend time in the beautiful countryside with amazing views of the mountains and farm lands. We will definitely be back. ”

Karetai Williams Paul- 2025-04-17

13 / 20

“ Beautiful spot. Very relaxing and quiet. ”

Jane Jacobsen- 2025-03-15

14 / 20

“ Great stay for a bit of peace and quiet. Loved having a bath under the night sky. Perfect place for a weekend stay and some R&R. ”

Sarah McGregor- 2025-02-25

15 / 20

“ We loved our stay at The Musterer's Rest and wish we had stayed longer. The outdoor bath was our favourite! You must stay here; it's an experience you will remember forever. It was like living off the land, it was awesome! Dan, the host, was great and replied in minutes. Will stay again for sure. ”

Jess Timms- 2024-11-24

16 / 20

“ Loved our stay. It was relaxing and the host was great. ”

Nicole Biggs- 2024-11-04

17 / 20

“ A beautiful, quiet, and private escape with great facilities that made us feel very welcome. The location of the retreat next to the woods made the stay very special, being right amongst nature. We even had an owl visit us, hanging around as we relaxed with a glass of wine while warming ourselves around the outdoor firepit. ”

Richard Stone- 2024-10-14

18 / 20

“ A beautiful location with amazing views and a wonderful setup. All you need for the perfect getaway! ”

Brendon Amundsen- 2024-09-28

19 / 20

“ An incredibly unique experience, a world of its own. ”

DEBORAH SMITH- 2024-08-19

20 / 20

“ The Musterer's Rest is a fantastic getaway from the usual hustle and bustle, and distractions. A very comfortable setting with a warm and welcoming fire. ”

Kyle Weir- 2026-05-22

1 / 20

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