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The Woodshed

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The Woodshed

Rangiwahia, Manawatū-Whanganui


The Woodshed is just under three hours from Wellington and a 50-minute drive from Feilding in the Manawatū District of the North Island.

Perched 700m above sea level on a hilltop in Rangiwahia on an expansive family farm, this cosy escape offers something truly beautiful — breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe to the north, and the Ruahine Ranges to the east.

The cabin features a king-sized bed that sits in the perfect spot, framing the landscape through the windows as if it were a living picture. You will also find an equipped kitchen, a lounging area and a modern-style bathroom. Every element has been carefully considered, from the locally milled totara and macrocarpa timbers to the handmade walnut bedside tables and custom furniture.

Step outside onto the spacious deck, where a wood-fired hot tub invites slow evenings under the sky, and wander a few steps down to a sheltered brazier nook, made for cosy nights by the fire.

As golden hour transforms the ranges into stunning shades of purple, soft light washes over the valley below. The name Rangiwahia translates to "opening in the heavens" — you'll understand why as the sun sets and you feel completely on top of the world. When night falls, zero light pollution reveals some of the most spectacular stargazing you'll ever experience.

The Woodshed is your place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the quiet magic of rural Aotearoa.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Woodshed is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the two induction cooktops, a Fisher and Paykel oven and a gas BBQ provided.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Taihape (40-minute drive) or Feilding (50-minute drive).

Don't feel like cooking? Apiti Tavern & Eatery (15 minutes) serves classic pub food, Hansen's Cafe in Kimbolton (25 minutes) offers gourmet pizzas and pies, and The Dukes Roadhouse in Mangaweka (20 minutes) delivers excellent coffee and delicious homemade meals. Your hosts also highly recommend Awastone for its great food and atmosphere.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Soak in the wood-fired hot tub under the stars, gather around the outdoor brazier, browse the curated book collection, play cards while taking in the views from the spacious deck, or watch Netflix on TV. There are so many ways to relax at The Woodshed.

Feel like stretching your legs? Wander the farm at your leisure and discover the Ian McKean Pinetum, a woodland sanctuary right on the property.

Beyond the farm gate, adventure beckons with spectacular walking tracks through native bush and tussock-covered ridgelines. The renowned Rangiwahia Hut Track offers a 2-3 hour climb through beech forest to panoramic views over Mount Ruapehu and Taranaki. The nearby Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve is also worth exploring. Keep your eyes peeled for deer spotting opportunities along the way.

During the day, cool off at swimming holes along the Ruahine Dress Circle Reserve and Rangitīkei River, or arrange thrilling white-water rafting expeditions at Awastone with trips suited to all experience levels. After dark, head to the Limestone Creek Reserve Caves to witness the magical glow worms.

For those seeking to explore further afield, Feilding offers excellent dining options and a Friday farmers' market brimming with local produce.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Woodshed are Alexander and Jemma.

Alexander and Jemma have called the farm home for three years, and the property is owned by Alexander’s parents. What makes it extra special is that their children, Isabella, Mila and Riley, are the fifth generation to call Rangiwahia home.

The couple began leasing the farm when Isabella was born, while they were living in the nearby town of Kimbolton. Balancing town work with farming soon became a challenge, so moving to the farm felt like the natural next step, especially when they found out twins were on the way!

Life beneath the Ruahine Ranges brings sweeping views and paddocks filled with sheep, lambs, cows, chickens and ducks. The children love picking strawberries, capsicum and cucumbers from the greenhouse, enjoying the kind of rural childhood many dream about. The warm community in Rangiwahia has also given them wonderful friendships through playgroup gatherings and local events.

Alexander works as a photographer, videographer and farmer, while Jemma works in communications. Together, they also run The Last Church, another accommodation in Apiti.

The Woodshed reflects years of dreaming about sharing the beauty of their family farm. From the Ian McKean Pinetum, the largest conifer collection in the Southern Hemisphere, to the Maungawharariki river, where wild deer wander. It's a truly beautiful area that they are excited to share with others.

TESTIMONIALS

“ This place is the next level of luxury! Extremely well thought out when they built, all the little extras you needed were provided. ”

Joanne Pittman- 2026-01-17

20 / 20

“ The Woodshed is paradise with a hot tub and an amazing view. The cabin is so beautifully designed. ”

Danielle Dun- 2026-05-25

1 / 20

“ The Woodshed is a very special place. Amazing views, great facilities and so well thought through. Our hosts have really created a place to remember, thank you! ”

Paula Oliver- 2026-05-22

2 / 20

“ Pure bliss. If you need to trade city noise for serene views and impeccable design, look no further. This is the ultimate retreat. ”

Rahul Joseph- 2026-05-09

3 / 20

“ If I could, I’d live here! We loved The Woodshed, the atmosphere, and connection to the beauty of our country is stunning! Thank you so much. ”

Andy Carnegie- 2026-05-04

4 / 20

“ Very amazing getaway, just to sit there on the deck in silence and do some art or read and take in the view and very homely and beautiful interior of The Woodshed. ”

matt rowe- 2026-05-01

5 / 20

“ Beautiful location! Love how remote we were! Loved the spa! ”

Max Havaux- 2026-04-30

6 / 20

“ Loved our getaway. The Woodshed had everything we needed for a relaxing break. ”

Danielle Brown- 2026-04-18

7 / 20

“ Amazing place for some much needed RnR. ”

Robyn Baker- 2026-04-06

8 / 20

“ The Woodshed was such a beautiful place. Very well designed and built. Such a quiet and scenic location also. ”

Brendon Walker- 2026-03-30

9 / 20

“ The Woodshed is simply spectacular. We had a fantastic time, and the hosts, Jemma and Alexander, are just wonderful. ”

Gil Disatnik- 2026-03-23

10 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, great outlook, well designed and built cabin. The balance of charm and comfort is done very well. Excellent friendly hosts. ”

Luke van Soest- 2026-03-10

11 / 20

“ Awesome stay, lovely facilities and the hosts were great! ”

Daniel McAlister- 2026-03-06

12 / 20

“ We had the most incredible stay at The Woodshed. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning views and the peaceful, grounding atmosphere. The homestead strikes that perfect balance — simple yet beautifully luxurious — with everything we could possibly need thoughtfully provided. We spent two magical nights soaking under the stars in the wood-fired tub, completely unwinding and reconnecting. Our days were filled with scenic hikes, slow mornings, and relaxing afternoons, and our evenings were spent cooking beautiful meals in a space that truly felt like a home away from home. Every detail has been so carefully considered. The hosts were absolutely wonderful — warm, welcoming, and fantastic with communication from start to finish. Everything about our stay felt seamless and special. It was pure bliss from beginning to end, and we cannot wait to return. Highly, highly recommend. ”

Kim Brausch- 2026-03-04

13 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at The Woodshed ! Stunning location and a stunning build. We will be back for sure! ”

Meredith Carpenter- 2026-02-27

14 / 20

“ Location was beautiful, even on a bad day it made you smile. The owners are very accommodating and helpful. Enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend. ”

Lisa-marie Spooner- 2026-02-20

15 / 20

“ We had the most amazing stay at The Woodshed — the views were absolutely unreal! Such a stunning place. We even got engaged while we were there, making it truly unforgettable! ”

Niko Jugum- 2026-02-15

16 / 20

“ Loved this place. The setting, the view, everything was perfect. Enjoyed every bit of our stay. ”

Manpreet Singh Sidhu- 2026-02-13

17 / 20

“ Absolutely stunning views, the perfect private spot to disconnect and watch the world go by without sacrificing your home comforts. Beautiful linens and well thought out products and spaces. Highly recommend. ”

Alice Hyland- 2026-02-08

18 / 20

“ An amazing stay and location. Secluded and relaxing stay, we will definitely be back. ”

Sam Matthews- 2026-01-27

19 / 20

“ This place is the next level of luxury! Extremely well thought out when they built, all the little extras you needed were provided. ”

Joanne Pittman- 2026-01-17

20 / 20

“ The Woodshed is paradise with a hot tub and an amazing view. The cabin is so beautifully designed. ”

Danielle Dun- 2026-05-25

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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