Escape to the countryside and experience Riverstone Acres accommodation, a working farm nestled at the foot and entry of the Kaimai-Mamaku forest park in Waikino, just off the Karangahake Gorge. Surrounded by native bush and the Waitawheta River, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and relax.
Unwind in a beautifully restored shearers’ quarters, offering rustic charm with modern comforts and ample private on-site parking.
Featuring two private, cosy bedrooms, a shared bathroom and a shared kitchen with a basic pantry stock, this accommodation provides a peaceful retreat with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Riverstone Acres offers two private and well appointed guest bedrooms each with quality French flax linen bedding, individually locking for privacy and security. Guests share a well-equipped communal space, creating a peaceful and welcoming retreat. If both rooms are booked together, you’ll have exclusive use of the entire accommodation.
Guests enjoy access to a shared facility featuring both heating and air conditioning, a fully outfitted kitchenette with a basic pantry stock, including our own Riverstone honey. A two-burner hot plate and Toast-R-Oven for easy meal prep and filtered drinking water. Just bring your preferred fruits and veggies. Ask about our additional pre-booking food service. Ready-to-heat main meals for two are available if you don’t want to cook after a full day of tramping or exploration.
The shared bathroom includes a shower, basin heated towel rail, terry towels and a hair dryer with a separate WC and basin for added convenience. Large terry beach towels provided for those river swims on the farm or up the DOC track.
The Angus Room features a comfortable double bed, while the Wiltshire Room includes two king single beds. Both enjoy screened windows, fan and space heater.
Our accommodation is for adults only (18+), though children 12+ are welcome when booking both rooms together as chaperoned family groups.
Formerly an Angus stud of 40 years, Riverstone Acres is currently a commercial grazing operation of cattle and sheep. The Angus cattle are rotationally grazed on a daily basis. This accustoms them to human contact and consequently we have the desired reputation of producing quiet, calm beasts. Our Wiltshire sheep, a breed chosen for their natural ability of fleece shedding, have permitted us to retire the traditional shearers’ quarters for your unique accommodation experience. The sheep play a key role in cleaning up the pasture after the cattle which contributes to the velvety looking profile and management of the landscape.
Our love of animals extends beyond our commercial livestock. We have retired horses, including former polo ponies, a racer, a jumper, and our station hack, Jack, who all contribute to the farm’s ecosystem. You may also meet our friendly working dog, Sue, and our labrador, BB. If you spot a little black cat, that’s Frances, our resident mouser.
We manage our pastures organically without nitrogen applications, instead using the earths reoccurring natural minerals as and when required. This maintains the rich diversity of grasses and clover on the property.
We provide DOC (Department of Conservation) access to the Forest park through our property. Don’t be surprised by their presence when maintenance work transpires or by the excitement of the seasonal helicopter landings and take-offs to deliver staff and supplies up to the cabins, an otherwise four-hour return walk.
Riverstone Acres offers a stunning country location for wedding photos, event photos, fashion photography and portrait sessions. Set on a working farm in Waikino, our property features native New Zealand bush, open paddocks, waterfalls, a private swimming hole, and historic farm buildings.
Whether you’re after golden-hour countryside views, rugged farm landscapes, or lush native New Zealand bush, our diverse scenery provides endless creative possibilities. The secluded setting ensures privacy and uninterrupted shooting, with flexible site access for crew and setup.
For booking enquiries and rates, get in touch.
For those keen to explore, the property is uniquely positioned with the Waitawheta Tramway Track running right through it. This historic trail follows an old tramline (1898–1928) along a relatively flat route through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge.
Nearby, the Dalys Clearing Loop takes you through lush native bush, with extensive groves of nīkau nestled beneath towering tawa, kohekohe, and pukatea trees, before looping back to the Waitawheta Valley Tramway.
With Riverstone as your base, discover the many nearby options in the area including but not limited to the Dean Track and Dickies Flat. Gold mining sites, and the Hauraki Rail Trail on foot or your bicycle, taking you in either direction of Paeroa or Waihi.
Experience the taste of nature with Riverstone Acres’ own raw honey, harvested straight from our farm’s beehives. Unprocessed and full of natural goodness, our honey is available for purchase during your stay.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure base, or a unique getaway, Riverstone Acres offers an unforgettable experience. Couples and solo travellers alike will find a place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Ideal for weekend escapes, special occasions, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Plan your escape to Riverstone Acres by contacting us using the details below. Bookings are by request and limited to availability. We look forward to welcoming you to share in our home’s natural beauty with your farm stay. For the safety of our animals and guests we do not permit outside dogs within the property.
Please note: Our accommodation is for adults only (18+), though children 12+ are welcome when booking both rooms together as chaperoned family groups.
There is no WiFi in the accommodation and limited mobile reception making it the perfect place to disconnect and relax. Be assured, WiFi, if urgently required is accessible on the farm at our homestead by arrangement and a mobile signal is obtainable through various areas on the property. The wool shed itself has a copper landline with direct calling access locally and you can reach us by the direct link party line to our home.
