the rabbiter’s cottage
Nestled beside the historic Te Aratipi Homestead, The Rabbiter's Cottage is a charming farm stay on our fourth-generation sheep and beef station in the heart of Hawke's Bay.
Originally built to house rabbiters working on the station (hence the name), the cottage was relocated in the late 1980s to accommodate visiting friends and family. Over the years it has been thoughtfully restored, retaining much of its original character while offering all the comforts needed for a relaxed countryside escape.
Sleeping up to five guests across two bedrooms, The Rabbiter's Cottage is ideal for couples, families, walkers and those looking to experience a genuine slice of rural New Zealand life. Guests can enjoy a private garden and outdoor fire pit, wander through the orchard and woodland, play tennis, croquet or kubb, and meet some of the friendly farm animals that call Te Aratipi home.
Perfectly positioned for exploring Hawke's Bay, the cottage is just minutes from Waimārama Beach, Mohi Bush and Maraetōtara Falls, while the wineries, restaurants and boutiques of Havelock North are within easy reach.
For those wanting to experience more of Te Aratipi, a range of optional experiences are available, including self-guided farm walks, guided farm tours and our unique nine-hole farm golf course.
Whether you're seeking a family getaway, a base for exploring Hawke's Bay or simply a few days to slow down and reconnect, The Rabbiter's Cottage offers a warm welcome and an authentic stay on one of Hawke's Bay's oldest family farms.
Details and Rates
From $375 per night (incl gst).
Your stay includes:
Accommodation for up to 4 adults, or 5 guests including children.
Two-night minimum stay, Monday-Sunday.
Three nights minimum stay - school holidays & long weekends.
Check in from 3:00pm. Check out by 10:00am.
A complimentary welcome hamper featuring a bottle of Hawke's Bay wine, fresh local coffee and seasonal treats.
One native tree is planted for every stay as part of our ongoing regeneration programme.
See payment details + t’s and c’s here.
The space
Rabbiter's Cottage sits beside the historic Te Aratipi Homestead on our fourth-generation sheep and beef station in the heart of Hawke's Bay. While the driveway is shared with our family, the cottage enjoys its own private garden, outdoor fire pit and peaceful rural setting.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the orchard, surrounding woodland and a private bush walk located just across the road from the cottage. Challenge family and friends to a game of croquet, kubb or tennis during the summer months, relax beneath the trees in the hammock, or simply slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet of country life.
Perfectly positioned for exploring Hawke's Bay, Waimārama Beach is just 12 minutes away, Mohi Bush is a short 5-minute drive, and the beautiful Maraetōtara Falls can be reached in around 20 minutes. The wineries, restaurants and boutiques of Havelock North are also within easy reach.
During your stay, you may meet some of our friendly farm characters including Tag the Labrador, Tex the pet lamb, Daisy the calf, Aly the horse, our Indian runner ducks and the chickens who provide the eggs.
For those wanting to experience more of Te Aratipi, we offer a range of optional experiences including self-guided farm walks, guided farm tours, our unique nine-hole farm golf course and seasonal events throughout the year.
AMENITIES
2-bedroom, 1-bathroom charming cottage.
Master bedroom featuring a king-sized bed (can split into twin share). Second bedroom with queen-sized bed and single bed.
Bathroom includes basin, toilet, claw footed bathtub and shower.
Kitchen includes oven and hobs, small fridge, kettle, toaster, Nespresso coffee machine (and plunger). Please note, we have no microwave.
Wood-burning fireplace. We supply wood and fire starters in the cooler months from April till October.
Gas BBQ on request.
Outdoor fire pit and private seated area.
UE Boom bluetooth speaker.
Books, magazines, boardgames.
Linen, bath towels, blankets.
Hand wash, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner.
Our pantry is stocked with olive oil, salt, pepper, local fresh ground coffee, a selection of teas, sugar, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Laundry facilities available by arrangement.
Farmhouse Breakfast Basket
Start your day the Te Aratipi way with a generous Farmhouse Breakfast Basket, thoughtfully prepared using a combination of homemade, homegrown and locally sourced produce.
Your breakfast basket includes:
Fresh eggs from our happy free-range hens
Local Holly bacon
Seasonal tomatoes
Homemade natural yoghurt
Homemade granola
Freshly baked sourdough bread
Butter
Homemade preserves and Local Hawke's Bay honey
Seasonal fresh fruit
Homemade stewed fruit
Milk
Fruit juice
Tea and local plunger coffee
Everything is provided for you to prepare breakfast at your own pace and enjoy a slow farm morning overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside.
Please note that seasonal produce may vary throughout the year depending on availability.
$35 per person, per day
Other things to note
The Rabbiter's Cottage is located on a working sheep and beef station beside our family homestead. From time to time you may hear the sounds of farm life, including farm vehicles, working dogs and day-to-day farming activities. For many guests, this is all part of the authentic Te Aratipi experience.
Mobile reception can be limited in the valley. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cottage, and we recommend downloading maps or directions before travelling to the property.
Families are very welcome. As parents ourselves, we can provide a portacot, high chair, baby bath and a selection of toys by prior arrangement. Please let us know what you may need before your arrival.
During your stay, you may meet some of our friendly farm characters, including Tag the Labrador, Tex the pet lamb, Daisy the calf, Aly the horse, our Indian runner ducks and the chickens who provide the eggs.
We love dogs, but to protect our farm animals, wildlife and the experience we offer our guests, we are unable to accommodate guest pets.
Please note that some optional experiences are seasonal and subject to availability.
Thank you for helping us care for this special place and enjoy it responsibly.
Slow Down. Stay Longer. Experience Life on Te Aratipi.…
Experience life on a fourth-generation Hawke's Bay sheep and beef station with a fully hosted farm stay designed for those seeking a deeper connection to the land, the people and the rhythms of rural New Zealand.
Stay in the comfort of Rabbiter's Cottage while enjoying exclusive access to the farm, hosted experiences, home-cooked meals and time spent with your hosts, Ed and Ro Palmer.
From exploring native bush and rolling hill country to sharing stories around the dinner table, this is an authentic New Zealand farm stay experience rarely available to visitors.
$750 per person, per night (incl. GST)
Your stay includes:
Exclusive use of Rabbiter's Cottage for the duration of your stay.
Hosted farm experiences including farm walks, farm tours and farm golf.
Opportunities to experience aspects of daily farm life alongside your hosts.
Afternoon tea and dinner on arrival day.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on full days of your stay.
Breakfast provisions and lunch on your departure day.
Selected local wine and beer served with meals.
Non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay.
One native tree planted as part of our ongoing regeneration programme.
A Te Aratipi cap for each guest to take home.
Minimum two-night stay.
Minimum two guests, maximum four guests.
