Other Attractions

Glow worms - Alongside one of the larger waterfalls on the boundary of Willowford Cottage glow worms can be found at night time. If you are interested in seeing these fascinating creatures, we can take on you a night adventure to do so.

Waiwhare Community Centre – A local bar as well as swimming pool and tennis court is just a 5 minute drive up the road from Willowford Cottage. Previously the local school, it was set up as a Community Centre so that the Waiwhare District still had a focal point and is very popular with locals and outsiders. The bar is open on Friday nights and the tennis court can be used any time. The pool is open over the summer season.

Hunting – The Kaweka Forest and DOC land is practically on the back door step of Willowford Cottage, with plenty of deer, pigs and rabbits to tempt any hunter. Permits can be obtained from the Forestry headquarters.

Fishing – As the district of Waiwhare is situated between the Ngaruraro and the Tutaekuri Rivers, there is plenty of opportunity to try your hand at fishing these beautiful rivers.

Tramping – Popular tramping destinations such as Blowhard Bush are a 10 minute drive from WIllowford Cottage. There are caves to explore and lakes to see as well as the awesome sounds of native wildlife to listen to.

We can provide transport to and from any of these places if necessary.

De La Terre Winery

Guests can expect an intimate experience in a unique winery. De La Terre Winery offers full and informative tastings and guests are often invited to step through into their production area to learn about their winemaking techniques and philosophy which may include a tasting of unfinished wines from tanks or barrels.

Food platters are available for guests to enjoy with wine in their garden area or cellar door. Casual tasting at their tasting bay is provided as well as structured tastings with accompanying tasting notes.

In addition to wine, De La Terre Winery sells a range of their hand-crafted products at the cellar door. These include stained glass works, furniture, trout flies and sculpted textiles.

Distance from Willowford Cottage– 15 minutes drive - http://delaterre.co.nz/

Touchwood Books

Touchwood Books is a mail-order business specialising in books about gardening and farming - in fact, about anything that grows. It is a family-run business started by Diane and Peter Arthur in 1987.  

It is probably the most remote bookshop in New Zealand, located on Peter and Diane's family farm, 45 km west of Hastings, on the Taihape Rd.

Though the business is essentially mail-order, guests are welcome to visit the shop itself where they will find over 10,000 new and second-hand titles.

Distance from Willowford Cottage – 5 minutes drive - http://www.touchwoodbooks.co.nz

Local Gardens

There are a number of beautiful local gardens that can be viewed by appointment for those with a touch of the green fingers.  Please ask us about these if you are interested.

Distance from Willowford Cottage – varies but most within 25 minutes drive.

For the kids and thrill seekers:

On Track Adventures

On Track Adventures Hawke's Bay is a New Zealand-based adventure company offering fully guided quad bike tours, archery, claybird shooting and fun golf .

Their awesome tracks are spread out over a 2000-acre working Hawke's Bay farm located on the edge of the Ngaruroro River.

Distance from cottage – 25 minutes drive - http://www.ontrackadventures.co.nz/

Gravity Canyon

Gravity Canyon is New Zealand's biggest adventure playground, located alongside the Rangitikei River deep within the Mokai Canyon. You can choose to face your fears by bungy jumping 80 metres off New Zealand's highest bridge bungy, freefalling 50 metres into the Mokai Canyon on the giant swing above the mighty Rangitikei River or ride the world's most amazing flying fox at 1.1km long, reaching speeds of up to 160kph. For the kids or those who are not into extreme things, you can ride our unique water powered chairlift, dine at our 'High Times Cafe' or use our free internet connections. We are a scenic 15km drive from State Highway 1, 5 minutes south of Taihape and are open 364 days a year from 10am to 4pm Autumn/Winter, 10am to 5pm Spring/Summer.

Distance from cottage – Approx 2½ hrs over the scenic Taihape/Gentle Annie Rd - http://www.gravitycanyon.co.nz/