30 minutes drive from Tauranga city, in a little pocket of green near a meandering river, sits the cutest glampsite - Wainui Riverstone.
Owners Katie and Fraser Hungerford bought the 2.6 hectare Aongetete block at the start of 2020. At the time, the property was set up (partially) with the glamping area, along with a 3 bedroom converted barn at the top of the drive. The Hungerfords are now renting out the barn separately and have added their personal style to the glampsite. They’ve created extra facilities, including a covered outdoor bathroom and are chipping away at landscaping and expansion plans.
To get to the secluded site, we followed a gravel driveway, past hedgerows and cattle stops, alongside rolling hills. As the gravel gave way to grass, we carefully drove through a farm gate to a little clearing, dotted with structures. Festoon lights were hung amongst the trees, guiding the way between the glampsite features. Our getaway had begun.
The Riverstone glampsite is set up with Alfresco living in mind. You can’t beat an open fire for atmosphere and the brazier quickly became the centrepiece of our stay. There’s something about stoking a fire, staring into flickering flames and roasting copious amounts of marsh mellows that enables you to contentedly while away the time. The covered kitchen area is well equiped for camping needs. We rustled up some burgers and enjoyed Katie’s beautifully supplied table linen and place settings for a little touch of luxe.
Sleeping quarters here are comprised of two separate zones - A cosy wooden cabin equiped with a canopy queen bed is nestled between rimu trees overlooking the outdoor dining area. A few steps further up the hill sits a lotus belle, canvas tent, housing two single beds, also tucked into the greenery.
Katie and Fraser have done an awesome job of creating and indoor/ outdoor bathroom experience. A clawfoot bath sits atop a riverstone floor. Tucked around the corner is a shower head connected to a gas califont for hot water. From the bath you can see out to the trees and peek through the clear-lite roof to the night sky.
The early years of my childhood were spent growing up in the wilderness. Our property in the Hokianga backed onto native bush and a rocky riverbed. I have great memories of making huts from stacked ponga fronds under the hanging boughs of rimu trees, and exploring the landscape with a backdrop of rushing water and the call of native birds. Our visit to Riverstone Glamping filled my nostalgia tank and reminded me how much I love these aspects of NZ’s beautiful countryside. I feel blessed to be able to share these experiences with my kids and encourage a love for the outdoors and unhurried simple moments (even if we can’t live like this full time).
Our time at Riverstone Glamping was spent on site besides a little paddle up river (There’s a kayak that comes with the stay). However, For those who would like to venture out a little further during a stay, there are some great waterfall walks and swimming holes near the Aongatete Forest Lodge on Wright Rd. Omokoroa is a 10 minute drive away and Katie tells me the Neighbourhood Pizzeria there is worth a visit. Also, just down the road is the Leveret Estate winery and cellar door so there are plenty of creature comforts close by.
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