The Whare Rural Retreat
82 Tollemache Road East The Berry Farm
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Why people book this hotel
“My hosts, Di and Matthew are warm and welcoming”
“Charming host Matthew who showed us around the facilities and his man cave”
“The beds warmed up nicely”
“Very comfortable beds, but the bathroom in the adjoining caravan was cramped”
“Comfortable, clean, private and homely”
“It was clean and tidy and our host, Matthew was delightful, he gave us freshly p…”
“Beautiful location”
“Very serene location which, with different personal circumstances, would have be…”
“Great Price and somewhere quite different to stay than a hotel”
“Didn’t know there was a breakfast”
Overview
Offering a garden and garden view, The Whare Rural Retreat is located in Hastings, 4.1 km from Splash Planet and 26 km from Pania of the Reef Statue. This property offers access to a patio and free private parking. The property is non-smoking and is set 25 km from McLean Park. With free WiFi, this guest house offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and toaster. Towels and bed linen are offered in the guest house. The property has an outdoor dining area. For guests with children, the guest house provides outdoor play equipment. A bicycle rental service is available at The Whare Rural Retreat. Bluff Hill Lookout is 29 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Hawke's Bay Airport, 26 km from The Whare Rural Retreat.
Traveller reviews
Marion
family_with_children
May 17, 2026
“It would be a lovely stay for the hot summer months!”
The beds warmed up nicely.
Jane
solo_traveller
April 15, 2026
“Very quiet , adequate ! Super friendly host”
Didn’t know there was a breakfast
Christine and Bryan
couple
February 22, 2026
“Fabulous Country Retreat”
A quaint, quirky little whare set amongst nature. Comfortable, clean, private and homely. Kitchen facilities are delightful. My hosts, Di and Matthew are warm and welcoming. Loved my overnight stay and will totally book again. 10/10✨️
Clark
couple
February 18, 2026
Delightfully quirky accommodation! Very comfortable beds, but the bathroom in the adjoining caravan was cramped. We had good weather, so had our meals on the deck area, otherwise I think the kitchen would have felt cramped for eating. Charming host Matthew who showed us around the facilities and his man cave! Would definitely stay again if we were in the area.
Ana
couple
January 7, 2026
The host was so lovely and friendly.
Kumara Perera
solo_traveller
November 26, 2025
“Super place to stay in Hastings....”
New experience, staying in a farm. Beautiful location. Historical buildings. Had a good morning walk.
Diane
couple
October 27, 2025
“Lovelly quiet quirky accommodation.”
Lovely quirky whare, just as pictured
Katie
solo_traveller
June 15, 2025
Unique accommodation and perfect for what I needed
Hindry
family_with_children
April 27, 2025
“Excellent”
Great Price and somewhere quite different to stay than a hotel. Lovely host.
Jane
couple
February 16, 2025
It was a unique experience, far more interesting than a standard motel. I felt very relaxed in the old Whare. It was clean and tidy and our host, Matthew was delightful, he gave us freshly pressed apple juice and as many apples as we wanted. I would definitely stay again.
Alan
couple
November 28, 2024
“A lovely place to stay”
Very friendly lady owner
Lilyana
couple
November 3, 2024
“Unique and lovely stay!”
We stayed in a unique traditional "whare" (house). We felt very comfortable, and Di and Matthew (the hosts) were lovely! The bathroom and kitchen were outside, but it was not a problem at all for us. The kitchen had all we needed to cook with, There is also the option to wash clothes if needed.
Ruth
extended_group
May 1, 2024
This is not what we had expected at all! The kitchen facilities and the toilet and shower facilities were in a trailer (caravan) outside of the bedroom area. Although there was a motion sensing light, it didn’t activate quickly and I felt unsafe - watching my step in the dark.
Leo
solo_traveller
April 22, 2024
“Thanks to you, I’m much obliged, such a pleasant stay.”
A peaceful, relaxed atmosphere with good support from the hosts and plenty of privacy. The cottage was small and perfectly formed. Unusual to have the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a caravan but they were clean and easy to use.
Andy
solo_traveller
March 28, 2024
“Very relaxing. Wonderful hosts”
Rural setting but close to town
Vicki
extended_group
March 8, 2024
“Fabulous”
Fabulous hosts, so easy to chat with. Definitely quirky but just relax and you'll love it. The Whare has great vibes and we had the best sleep, it's so peaceful. Highly recommended.
Paul
solo_traveller
March 3, 2024
“Lovely cosy country retreat”
Really grateful to Matthew and Diane for their hospitality. The Whare is quirky but very cosy. Very serene location which, with different personal circumstances, would have been very relaxing.
Angelika
couple
January 24, 2024
It was one of the best stay in NZL. Everything was so lovely and Matthew and Dianne have been so friendly. Thank u sooooo much, nice to meet you!!!!!
Sam
family_with_children
January 6, 2024
“Excellent hosts and accommodation - great experience”
Mohammed
couple
January 3, 2024
“Exceptional stay at The Whare Rural Retreat, Hastings! Incredibly kind staff and utmost comfort. Highly recommend!”
Very friendly staffs, very nice
Facilities
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays
Entertainment and family services
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Food & Drink
Breakfast options
General
Bicycle parking, WiFi available in all areas, Non-smoking throughout, Non-smoking rooms, Heating
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Outdoors
Garden, Terrace, Outdoor furniture
Parking
Parking, Free parking, Accessible parking, Parking on site, Private parking
Physical distancing
Physical distancing rules followed
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Smoke alarms, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available, Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available
Services
Luggage storage, Laundry
Large Twin Room
The twin room offers an electric kettle, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave in the kitchen. The twin room also comes with a barbecue. The twin room features a washing machine, a private entrance, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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