Summary:
Tucked into a farm setting, River Road Retreat is your tiny house NZ getaway surrounded by oak trees, with stunning views of Pareora Gorge. Wake to the sounds of livestock and local fauna, enjoy a coffee on the deck overlooking riverbeds, or venture out to explore Māori rock drawings and lush bush trails. Only a short drive from Lake Tekapo’s activities like skiing and hot pools, this retreat offers a blend of relaxation and adventure in New Zealand.

The Space:
River Road Retreat offers a distinctive getaway atop a hill. It’s a 50-minute drive from the town of Lake Tekapo, over a paddock with views of the Pareora River valley. It’s close to unique attractions like Tekapo Springs, the Dark Sky Project, Caroline Bay, Mt Dobson, and Lake Pukaki—ideal for visitors keen on experiencing the natural outdoors and stellar night skies.

A comfortable, 155-square-foot accommodation is set in one of the best tiny house rentals and serene locations with abundant natural bushland, easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities.

The bathroom, however, follows ecologically sustainable principles, including an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas heated for hot showers). It focuses on satisfying people's needs with natural resources and processes to save water by using eco-friendly toilets to save the environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please advise that we have a second tiny house called " River Road Retreat 2", it is 50 meters away from River Road Retreat 1. If you want to book in groups, please contact your land host 24 hrs in advance to make arrangements.

If you plan to spend your tiny house NZ getaways here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities such as food during your stay with us. Thank you!

Guest Access:
Guests can access the tiny house and the surrounding areas. The farm is restricted, but guests have access to a track connecting them to a wilderness area with plenty of bird life, the odd wallaby, and a few wild deer.

Please keep a safe distance from our farm animals and pets, as they can become easily agitated. We have three ultra-gorgeous, very friendly dogs who love meeting people. There won’t be any livestock nearby the tiny homes, so guests can enjoy a peaceful stay without interruptions. Additionally, we provide clean drinking water, so guests don’t need to worry about basic water needs.

The Neighborhood:
River Road Retreat, positioned within the engaging locality of Maungati, is reachable by a 50-minute drive from Lake Tekapo. This area is surrounded by river sounds and rich, and earthy scents of the untamed wilderness. It offers an authentic immersion in nature’s side. Here, the environment dictates the pace, inviting visitors to adapt to the slow, beat of New Zealand's great outdoors.

Our local recommendations:

- The Dark Sky Project takes pride in being the top stargazing and observatory venture in New Zealand, situated in one of the world's finest regions for observing the night sky.
- Caroline Bay is Timaru’s urban beach. It's a key attraction, especially on hot summer days. Just a stroll from the main street offers gardens, viewpoints, and a summer carnival.
- Mt Dobson allows you to experience the ultimate snow skiing adventure with all-day sunshine, spacious uncrowded slopes, and a welcoming Kiwi vibe.
- Tekapo Springs is the ultimate relaxation experience with breathtaking backdrops. Enjoy stunning views from their hot and cool pools as you soak in hot water amidst an alpine setting.
- Lake Pukaki is the region's largest lake. It proudly showcases New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, from numerous lookout points along its shores.

Getting Around:
By car:
- From Christchurch to Timaru, it is a 180-kilometer drive in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- From Tekapo, reach Timaru with a short 50-minute drive.
- From Oamaru to Timaru, it is an hour’s journey by car.
- Accessible with both 2WD and 4WD vehicles.

By public transport:

- Begin your journey from Christchurch by taking a direct bus or coach service to Timaru.
- From Tekapo and Oamaru, regional bus services are available.
- On arrival, local taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for convenient local transportation.

Other Things to Note:
- Wifi is not available
- Pets not allowed
- No BBQ Grill is available
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Smoking is allowed in certain areas on the property
- Mobile reception has good signals for all Telco companies
- Please expect free-roaming animals and noise during your stay with us
- Keep a safe distance from pets and farm animals as they are easily agitated
- We also ask guests not to feed farm animals as they are on specific diets for their health
- Please expect limited connectivity as the tiny house is set in a rural locality
- Don’t forget to close the windows and lock doors when leaving the tiny house/ property
- Make sure to turn off the lights, air conditioning, and electronics (e.g., especially chargers)
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge

Important note:

- Keep in mind that outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- We have cows, sheep, and farm dogs on the farm as well as a nearby recycling center.
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present in the surrounding areas
- In order to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of our cassette toilets a minimum additional cleaning fee is applied for stays of 5 nights or more. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a hygienic experience during your stay.

Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.