Rimu Hut: Luxury Off-Grid Riverside Retreat, Waitomo

Escape to The Rimu Hut, a secluded riverside retreat nestled within our working farm in Te Anga, Waitomo. Surrounded by rolling farmland, native bush and views towards the Hereranga Range, it's a place to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the beauty of being somewhere truly peaceful.

Thoughtfully designed for a comfortable off-grid escape, The Rimu Hut brings together beautiful cotton linen, a well-equipped kitchen, a hot shower and the convenience of Starlink internet, all in a stunning rural setting. Outside, a private wood-fired bath invites you to soak beneath the stars, with little more than the sounds of the river and surrounding countryside.

Whether you're escaping for a romantic weekend, exploring Waitomo's natural wonders or sharing a countryside adventure with family, The Rimu Hut offers a memorable experience that feels a world away from everyday life.

A Riverside Retreat Designed for Comfort

The Rimu Hut is a cosy, thoughtfully furnished cabin accommodating up to four guests. The main sleeping area features a queen-sized bed, while a double bed sits in the mezzanine above. The mezzanine is an elevated, open sleeping space rather than a separate enclosed bedroom, making the layout ideal for couples or families who are comfortable sharing an open-plan cabin.

Both beds are dressed in beautiful 1000-thread-count cotton sheets, with feather pillows and extra blankets for cooler evenings. A cot can also be provided on request for guests travelling with an infant.

Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen for preparing meals and a bathroom with a flushing toilet and hot shower. Ashley & Co body wash, shampoo and conditioner are provided, adding a little indulgence to your everyday routine. There's also Starlink internet for those who want to stay connected, although we've deliberately left out the television. Instead, settle in with a book, enjoy good conversation or simply take in the peaceful surroundings.

Off-Grid Living, Without Roughing It

One of the things that makes The Rimu Hut special is the opportunity to experience life off-grid without giving up the everyday comforts that make a holiday enjoyable.

The hut is powered by solar energy, with battery storage providing electricity, and uses collected rainwater. You can enjoy a hot shower, prepare meals and stay connected while being surrounded by countryside rather than busy streets and neighbouring houses.

As with any off-grid property, we ask guests to be mindful of electricity and water use, particularly during extended periods of cloudy weather.

Step outside with your morning coffee, settle into the outdoor chairs on the deck and enjoy views across the Marokopa River and surrounding farmland. Watch the light change across the hills, listen to the sounds of the countryside and enjoy the simple pleasure of having nowhere you need to be.

Soak Beneath the Stars in Your Private Wood-Fired Bath

One of the highlights of The Rimu Hut is its private outdoor wood-fired bath, where you can unwind surrounded by the peaceful countryside.

Imagine returning after a day exploring Waitomo, preparing the bath and settling into warm water as the evening light fades. With very little artificial light around the hut, clear nights offer beautiful views of the stars overhead.

The bath is heated by a wood fire, so it requires a little preparation and time to warm up. Instructions are provided, and we recommend planning ahead for an evening soak. Once it's ready, there's nothing quite like sitting back and enjoying the quiet of the countryside.

Getting to The Rimu Hut — Part of the Adventure

The Rimu Hut is tucked away within Tamata Estate, approximately 5–10 minutes along an unsealed farm track from the main parking area. The drive takes you through rolling farmland before arriving at your secluded riverside retreat, making the journey part of the experience.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for accessing the hut. If you're travelling in a standard vehicle, you can park at the designated parking area and use the farm vehicle provided for guests, subject to our vehicle-use instructions. As this is an unsealed working farm track, please drive carefully and follow the access information provided before arrival.

Once you've arrived, unpack, settle in and enjoy the feeling of being tucked away in your own little corner of the countryside.

Explore the Farm and Discover Waitomo

The Rimu Hut sits within Tamata Estate, a working New Zealand farm surrounded by rolling hills, livestock, native bush and the winding Marokopa River. Staying here offers a chance to experience the quieter side of rural life, with beautiful scenery and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

As the property is an active farm, guests may see livestock and normal farming activities during their stay. Families are welcome, although children must be closely supervised, particularly near the river, slopes and farm animals.

One of the things that makes Tamata Estate particularly special is its location, with some of Waitomo's most beautiful natural attractions right on our doorstep.

Mangapohue Natural Bridge — Right Next Door

Mangapohue Natural Bridge is our neighbour, with the entrance just 30 seconds from Tamata Estate. A short walking track winds through a beautiful limestone gorge to a spectacular 17-metre-high natural rock arch, surrounded by native bush and towering limestone walls. Being so close means you can easily return after dark to see glowworms lighting up parts of the gorge — a special experience right on our doorstep! Bring a torch and take care on the steps.

Marokopa Falls — Just a Short Drive Away

Just a short drive from Tamata Estate, Marokopa Falls is a spectacular 35-metre waterfall surrounded by native forest. A short walking track leads to a viewing platform where you can enjoy the impressive falls, particularly after rainfall.

Piripiri Cave — Explore an Underground World

Nearby Piripiri Cave offers a chance to explore Waitomo's underground limestone formations without a guided tour. A short walk and steps lead into the cave. Bring a torch and sturdy footwear, as it is unlit and can be slippery.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Discover Waitomo's famous glowworm caves on a guided tour through impressive limestone formations, finishing with a peaceful boat ride beneath thousands of tiny glowworms. Their soft blue-green light creates the appearance of a star-filled sky underground. It's one of New Zealand's most memorable natural attractions, and advance booking is recommended.

Ruakuri Cave and Black Water Rafting

Explore Waitomo's underground world with a guided tour of Ruakuri Cave, featuring beautiful limestone formations and glowworms. For something more adventurous, try black water rafting, where you'll float through underground streams on inflatable tubes beneath glowworm-lit ceilings. Other guided adventures include caving and abseiling, with different age and fitness requirements.

Ruakuri Bush Walk

The Ruakuri Bush Walk is a scenic 45-minute loop through native bush, past limestone formations, natural tunnels and waterways. It's beautiful during the day, but particularly special after dark when glowworms may be visible along parts of the track.

Discover the Wild West Coast

Head west towards Marokopa to discover the rugged coastline, dramatic scenery and quiet beaches of the King Country. Explore nearby Kiritehere Beach, where ancient marine fossils can be found in the coastal rocks, or venture further to Kāwhia's Ocean Beach, where you can dig your own natural hot-water pool in the sand at low tide. Pack a picnic and enjoy exploring this beautiful, less-travelled part of New Zealand.

A Few Things to Know Before Your Stay

The Rimu Hut is located within Tamata Estate at 2494 Te Anga Road, Te Anga, Waitomo. We're in a peaceful rural location, reached by scenic, winding country roads, so we recommend bringing groceries, drinks and other essentials, as shops and restaurants are not immediately nearby.

The hut runs on solar power and collected rainwater, so please be considerate of electricity and water use. The outdoor bath requires preparation and time to heat, while access to the hut is via an unsealed farm track. As we're located on a working farm, please follow access instructions and supervise children around livestock, slopes and waterways. Local walking tracks and tours may be affected by weather or maintenance, so it's worth checking conditions before heading out.

Experience The Rimu Hut

There's something special about escaping the everyday and spending time somewhere peaceful. Whether you're exploring Waitomo's caves and waterfalls, enjoying a morning coffee overlooking the Marokopa River or soaking in the wood-fired bath beneath the stars, The Rimu Hut offers the freedom to slow down, explore and enjoy the simple pleasures of country life.

We love sharing this beautiful part of New Zealand with our guests and look forward to welcoming you to The Rimu Hut.