Tamata Estate House: Waitomo Farm Stay & Wood-Fired Spa

Escape to the beautiful Waitomo countryside, where rolling green hills, spectacular natural attractions and peaceful farm life create the setting for a memorable getaway.

Welcome to Tamata Estate House, a spacious country retreat on a working New Zealand farm, located right beside the spectacular Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

With accommodation for up to 12 guests, a wood-fired outdoor spa, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ area and scenic farm trails, it's a wonderful place for families and friends to relax, explore and spend time together.

Whether you're visiting to explore Waitomo's famous glowworm caves, discover stunning waterfalls, enjoy outdoor adventures or simply escape the everyday, Tamata Estate offers a lovely balance of adventure and relaxation.

Tamata Estate House has three bedrooms and sleeping arrangements for up to 12 guests.

Bedroom 1: One king-sized bed, sleeping two guests.

Bedroom 2: One king-sized bed, sleeping two guests.

Bedroom 3: Six king-single beds arranged in bunks, sleeping six guests. This is a shared bedroom, with beds positioned above and below one another.

Additional sleeping: Two fold-out single beds are available for two additional guests.

The maximum occupancy is 12 guests, including children.

Cook, Gather and Enjoy Time Together:

The house has a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to prepare meals for your group. Whether you're cooking a big breakfast before heading out to explore Waitomo, preparing a picnic lunch or making dinner together, you can enjoy the flexibility of self-catering.

Outside, the BBQ area offers another option for relaxed meals and outdoor gatherings.

One of the pleasures of a country getaway is having time to slow down. Enjoy a morning coffee, spend the afternoon exploring and return to share good food and conversation with your favourite people.

Relax Under the Stars in Our Wood-Fired Spa:

One of the highlights of staying at Tamata Estate is our outdoor wood-fired spa.

Imagine returning after a day exploring caves, waterfalls and walking tracks, then settling into warm water surrounded by the peaceful countryside. As evening falls, enjoy the fresh country air, the sounds of nature and, on a clear night, the stars overhead (with no light pollution!)

How the wood-fired spa works:

Our outdoor spa is heated by a wood fire, so it requires a little preparation and time to warm up. Wood and instructions are provided, and we recommend planning ahead for an evening soak. Once it's ready, sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside beneath the stars.

Explore Tamata Estate — A Working Farm:

Tamata Estate is more than just a place to stay. It's an opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquillity of rural New Zealand. Surrounded by rolling farmland and the winding Marokopa River, the property offers beautiful scenery and plenty of fresh country air.

Guests who enjoy the outdoors can explore the farm by walking or enjoying a run along the tracks, discovering the landscape at their own pace. The farm has a scenic loop that takes you through farmland, with rolling terrain and beautiful rural views. As the property is an active farm, guests will see livestock during your stay.

Discover Waitomo — Natural Wonders on Your Doorstep:

One of the things that makes Tamata Estate special is its location. Situated on Te Anga Road, the property is surrounded by some of Waitomo's most beautiful natural attractions, including limestone caves, waterfalls, native forest and the rugged west coast.

While many visitors come to Waitomo for its famous glowworm caves, there's so much more to discover. Staying at Tamata Estate gives you the opportunity to explore the region at your own pace.

Mangapohue Natural Bridge — Right Next Door!

Mangapohue Natural Bridge is our neighbour, just 30 seconds from Tamata Estate. A short walking track winds through a beautiful limestone gorge to a spectacular 17-metre-high natural rock arch, surrounded by native bush and towering limestone walls. Being so close means you can easily return after dark to see the glowworms lighting up the gorge — a special experience right on our doorstep!

Marokopa Falls — Just a Short Drive Away:

Just a short drive from Tamata Estate, Marokopa Falls is a spectacular 35-metre waterfall surrounded by native forest. A short walking track leads to a viewing platform, where you can enjoy the impressive falls, particularly after rainfall.

Piripiri Cave — Explore an Underground World:

Nearby Piripiri Cave offers a chance to explore Waitomo's underground limestone formations without a guided tour. A short walk and steps lead into the cave. Bring a torch and sturdy footwear, as it is unlit and can be slippery.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves:

Discover Waitomo's famous glowworm caves on a guided tour through impressive limestone formations, finishing with a peaceful boat ride beneath thousands of tiny glowworms. Their soft blue-green light creates the appearance of a star-filled sky underground. This is one of New Zealand's most memorable natural attractions, and advance booking is recommended.

Ruakuri Cave and Black Water Rafting:

Explore Waitomo's underground world with a guided tour of Ruakuri Cave, featuring beautiful limestone formations and glowworms. For something more adventurous, try black water rafting, where you'll float through underground streams on inflatable tubes beneath glowworm-lit ceilings. Other guided adventures include caving and abseiling, with options for different ages and fitness levels.

Ruakuri Bush Walk:

The Ruakuri Bush Walk is a scenic 45-minute loop through native bush, past limestone formations, natural tunnels and waterways. It's a beautiful walk during the day, but particularly special after dark when glowworms can be seen along parts of the track.

Discover the Wild West Coast:

Head west towards Marokopa to discover the rugged coastline, dramatic scenery and quiet beaches of the King Country. Explore nearby Kiritehere Beach, where ancient marine fossils can be found in the coastal rocks, or venture further to Kāwhia's Ocean Beach, where you can dig your own natural hot-water pool in the sand at low tide. Pack a picnic and enjoy exploring this beautiful, less-travelled part of New Zealand.

A Few Things to Know Before Your Stay:

Rural setting: The surrounding roads are scenic, narrow and winding in places. Please allow time for rural driving conditions.

Groceries: We recommend bringing food, drinks and other essentials, as shops and restaurants are not immediately nearby.

Working farm: Livestock, fences and normal farming activities are part of the property. Please follow farm access instructions and supervise children outdoors.

Walking and running: Farm routes include uneven ground, hills and a river crossing. Suitable outdoor footwear is recommended.

Wood-fired spa: The spa requires time to heat, please plan accordingly.

Local attractions: Walking tracks and guided tours may be affected by weather or maintenance. We recommend checking access and booking requirements before visiting.

At Tamata Estate House, we love sharing this beautiful part of New Zealand with our guests. Whether you're visiting to experience Waitomo's famous caves, explore the beautiful countryside or enjoy a peaceful break with family and friends, you'll find plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.