Private Farm Walks
Explore 3,000 acres of private hill country, native bush, limestone formations and spectacular Hawke's Bay scenery.
Located just 25km from Havelock North and 45 minutes from Hawke's Bay Airport, Te Aratipi offers exclusive access to a landscape few visitors ever get to experience.
Choose from two self-guided catered walking experiences designed to help you slow down, disconnect and discover a genuine slice of rural New Zealand. Wander through working farmland, ancient bush, rocky limestone outcrops and panoramic viewpoints stretching from the Pacific Ocean to Te Mata Peak, Mt Kahuranaki, the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges.
Whether you're joining us for the day or staying a little longer, every walk includes generous farm-style hospitality, spectacular scenery and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
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The Day Walk
Spend a day exploring one of Te Aratipi's two private walking trails.
Choose either the Te Aratipi Walk (12 km) or the Mangatawa Walk (8km) and enjoy a remarkable journey through rolling farmland, protected native bush, limestone outcrops and spectacular coastal and mountain views. Along the way you'll discover a side of Hawke's Bay few visitors ever get to experience.
We'll take care of the details, including a generous farm-style picnic lunch and refreshments, leaving you free to slow down, explore and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Experience Highlights
Choice of either the Te Aratipi Walk or Mangatawa Walk
Access to 3,000 acres of private farmland
Native bush, limestone formations and spectacular viewpoints
Generous farm-style picnic lunch and refreshments
Maps and detailed track information via the Great Hikes App
Toilet facilities at the beginning and midway point of the walk
Safe private parking
Native tree planted from your visit
Bookings essential and subject to availability.
Pricing -
$95 per person (incl GST) for groups of 4 or more
$125 per person (incl GST) for groups of fewer than 4
Includes -
Generous farm-style picnic lunch and refreshments.
Welcome briefing and leisurely 10.00am start.
Available between Labour Weekend and the end of June. Outside of this period, by request.
One native tree planted at Matariki for every guest, supporting our ongoing regeneration projects.
Hosted lunch experiences and guided walk upgrades available.
Location - Te Aratipi Station is located in Maraetōtara, Hawke's Bay:
25 minutes from Havelock North
35 minutes from Hastings
45 minutes from Napier and Hawke's Bay Airport
10 minutes from Waimārama Beach
Private transfers may be arranged by request.
See payment details + T's and C's here.
For further information and what to bring see here.
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THE WALK & STAY EXPERIENCE
Experience Te Aratipi at a slower pace with two days of walking and a two-or three-night stay at the historic Rabbiter's Cottage.
Explore both of our private farm walks, then return each evening to the comfort of your own cottage. Enjoy hot showers, quality linen, nourishing country-style meals and the simple pleasures of life on a working sheep and beef station.
With spectacular scenery, authentic rural hospitality and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this is the ultimate way to experience Te Aratipi.
Experience Highlights
Two nights exclusive use of the historic Rabbiter's Cottage
Access to both the Te Aratipi Walk and Mangatawa Walk
Two days of self-guided walking across 3,000 acres of private farmland
Native bush, limestone formations and spectacular coastal and mountain views
Generous farm-style meals, provisions, baking and refreshments throughout your stay
Quality linen and towels provided
Full kitchen, living and dining facilities
Private garden and outdoor spaces
Native tree planted from your visit
Bookings essential and subject to availability.
Pricing -
$3,000 (incl GST)
Up to 4 guests
Includes -
Two-night stay at the Rabbiter's Cottage.
Exclusive use of the cottage throughout your stay.
Access to both private farm walks.
All catering, including generous farm-style provisions, meals, baking and refreshments.
Maps and detailed track information via the Great Hikes App.
Welcome briefing on arrival.
Safe private parking.
Available by arrangement between Labour Weekend and the end of June. Outside of this period, by request.
A third night may be added for $800 total (incl GST), including additional catering.
A native tree will be planted at Matariki for every guest, supporting our ongoing regeneration projects.
Location - Te Aratipi Station is located in Maraetōtara, Hawke's Bay:
25 minutes from Havelock North
35 minutes from Hastings
45 minutes from Napier and Hawke's Bay Airport
10 minutes from Waimārama Beach
Private transfers may be arranged by request.
See payment details + T's and C's here.
For further information and what to bring see here.
hosted WALK experience…
For those seeking a more personal and immersive experience, join Ro Palmer for a fully hosted walk through Te Aratipi Station.
Your host for the day, Ro will guide you through landscapes few visitors ever get to experience, sharing stories of the farm, its history, native bush regeneration projects and life on a fourth-generation sheep and beef station.
Along the way, enjoy genuine Hawke's Bay hospitality, including a relaxed farm-style picnic and refreshments. There is no need to follow maps or markers, simply slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy the experience.
Whether you're travelling from overseas, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a deeper connection to the land and people behind Te Aratipi, a guided walk offers a unique and memorable way to experience the farm.
Experience Highlights
Fully hosted by Ro Palmer
Exclusive access to private farmland and native bush
Stories of farming, conservation and local histor
Farm-style picnic lunch and refreshments
Flexible pace tailored to your group
Opportunity to ask questions and learn about life on a working sheep and beef station
Available on both the Te Aratipi Walk and Mangatawa Walk
Pricing available on request.
Bookings essential and subject to availability.
hosted long lunches…
For those wanting to elevate their day, our Hosted Long Lunches offer the opportunity to slow down, linger a little longer and enjoy genuine Te Aratipi hospitality.
Rather than a picnic on the track, guests are welcomed to a beautifully prepared table where lunch is served using proper crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen napkins. It's a chance to relax, connect and enjoy the simple pleasure of a long lunch in an unforgettable setting.
Choose from a long lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Te Aratipi Cabins, a relaxed lunch out on the farm surrounded by rolling hill country, or a hosted gathering at the Palmer family homestead.
Menus celebrate seasonal Hawke's Bay produce, locally farm-raised meats and generous country hospitality. Whether you're marking a special occasion, hosting clients, celebrating with friends or simply wanting to make more of your day, a Hosted Long Lunch adds an extra layer of comfort, connection and enjoyment to the experience.
Experience Highlights
Hosted by Ro Palmer
Beautifully presented seated lunch experience
Proper crockery, cutlery, glassware and linen napkins
Seasonal Hawke's Bay produce and locally farm-raised meats
Choice of location depending on your group and experience. Te Aratipi Cabins, the farm or the Palmer family homestead
Relaxed pace with time to enjoy the surroundings
Perfect for celebrations, clubs, corporate groups and special occasions
Available for groups of six or more.
Pricing available on request.
Bookings essential and subject to availability.
Te Aratipi Walk
Degree of difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 12km or 4-6hrs (with breaks).
Highlights:
Reaching the summit and the views from the top
Te Aratipi Waterfall
QEII native forest covenant
Striking limestone outcrops
Start your adventure at Te Aratipi Homestead and continue up the limestone farm track. Wander through lanes with stunning views of mountain ranges, native bush, and distant farms. Cross streams, pass contented livestock, and ascend to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and stunning Hawke's Bay.
Explore our QEII reserve, stroll through native plantings, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at Te Aratipi Cabins—your halfway point.
Descend through rock formations, admire coastal views, and visit Te Aratipi Waterfall for a refreshing break.
Conquer one more hill climb up to the golf course before finishing your journey and returning through Willow Lane and the limestone laneway back to the Homestead.
This walk does require a certain level of fitness! Please note, there are only rescue missions on offer for emergencies!
Mangatawa walk
Degree of difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 8km or 2-3hrs (with breaks).
Highlights:
Views of Te Mata Peak
QEII native forest covenant
Flat Fergie photo opportunity
Striking limestone outcrops
Begin your adventure at Te Aratipi Homestead back through the woodland, past the woolshed and yards and across the road to the native bush. Spot hidden metal birds along 'The Old Pump Shed Bush Walk,' then continue into a rock valley.
Pass Hobbit Rock, through a valley and climb a hill to enjoy ocean views. Follow the sheep tracks, snap a photo under our frame with the Te Mata Peak and the Bay in the background. Descend down to stunning a stunning limestone rocky outcrop, enjoy the beauty of Kahuranaki. Shelter or break here if needed and have a toilet stop. Elbow sweep back towards the Mangatawa yards, past Flat Fergie and into another rocky outcrop ‘Kingdom Come’ before exploring our newly covenanted Eastern Bush.
Skip across the road, up another farm valley and up to enjoy some final views before finishing the walk off and exploring more bush back down towards the homestead.
walk Reviews
“This walk was amazing! Was very worried about the 3 steep hills, but they were absolutely fine. Such a great day out and a fun thing to do. Beautiful scenery and Ro was such a great host. Would highly recommend. I have already recommended it to a few people heading to Hawke’s bay.”
Victoria
“Thank you Ro and Ed for sharing your beautiful, historical farm with us. You made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. Fabulous food, gorgeous views from the top during our walks and a lovely cottage to come back to at the end to have a drink and platter around the outdoor fire. Very peaceful and relaxing thank you.”
Billie and Mark
“Ro and Ed made us feel very welcome and relaxed. Ro was very informative and generous with her time. The Rabbitors accommodation was a gorgeous old world style and very comfortable. Our food was delicious, even having our dinners served! The walks were challenging enough, varied and quite steep in places. We loved walking up to the cabin to the amazing views and going down to the waterfall.’’
Lynley and Brett
