The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best.
**We require guesst to be Covid vaccinated Adults ** The Blackhouse Escape to the country…The Blackhouse is a large private self-catering home away from home, providing a quiet retreat for a group of friends or extended family weekend in scenic surroundings, located within the grounds of King’s Ridge Gardens,. The house is perfect whatever the season for either short or longer stays, whether a lazy, hot outdoorsy summer escape or a cosy midwinter getaway. (NB unsuitable for children under 12) With its indoor outdoor flow and superb elevated views over the river and countryside it provides the perfect country escape from city living. The garden has its own petanque court, outdoor chess board and use of a mobile BBQ . Walk through The Ridge House's landscaped gardens to use the private spa pool. Soak in the spa while you enjoy superb views of snow clad mountains, magnificent sunsets and night skies full of stars. (NB prior booking essential $50 fee per stay). The area is perfect for guests who want to ride the many bike trails, fish the rivers and explore the regions wineries and a heart of the country stay for tourists wanting to experience life on a small farm in a rural village. Where in the World? The Blackhouse is located in the central North Island of New Zealand in private rural surroundings in the charming historic village of Waipawa, Central Hawkes Bay. It is close to many attractions in the region such as beaches, wineries, farmers markets, cafes and antique shops. Only an hour south of Napier City (Napier Airport) it is close to the Art Deco Festival, Mission Concert and Horse of The Year events: 30 minutes from Hastings and Havelock North’s restaurants and vineyards and only 3 hours from Wellington or 5 hours from Auckland. Waipawa is also a stop on the Inter-city and tourist bus routes. What to do? The immediate area abounds with attractions and activities from the village’s 4 cafes (visit Nola’s), many antique and bric-a-brac shops, excellent museum, the now famous Waipawa Butchery for the best sausages and steaks in the country. Try trout fishing on the Waipawa and Tukituki rivers (, day license req’d), trail biking (bikes available for hire, $25 per day), horse trekking , country walks, golf, tennis, petanque, local pubs and riverside picnics, etc, etc. For those who enjoy the ocean its 30 minutes drive to wonderful surf and ocean fishing beaches. Visit Junction Vineyard for wine of international quality. Within 30 minutes there are literally dozens of specialty vineyards and the fabulous orchards of the fruit bowl of Hawkes Bay round Havelock North & Hastings. The Blackhouse is well located for regional events, Big Band performances, The Mission Concert, Vineyard Concerts, Opera at the Townhall, Horse of the Year (grazing available on request ) and many, many more events.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Waipawa
Located in Waipawa, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum and Central Hawke’s Bay Settler’s Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Waipawa Golf Course and Lime Rock Wines.
Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
Splash Planet - 36 min drive - 57.6 km
Black Barn Vineyards - 38 min drive - 57.9 km
Craggy Range - 42 min drive - 62.5 km
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course - 52 min drive - 75.6 km
Getting around
Napier (NPE-Hawke's Bay) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Espresso loco - 7 min drive
Tavistock Dairy - 8 min drive
Copperpot Gastro Pub - 7 min drive
Pizza Plaza Waipukurau - 7 min drive
Commercial Hotel - 18 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best. have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best.?
As of 21 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best. on 3 Sept 2026 start from £428, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Blackhouse, mid century country living at its best. located?
Situated on a river, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Waipawa Golf Course. Lime Rock Wines and Central Hawkes Bay College are also within 6 miles (10 km).
About the host
Hosted by Johanna King
We Live on the property and enjoy meeting guests from all walks of life. We are a semi retired couple, a house and landscape restoration architect and structural engineer. We are passionate about old houses and gardens. We have travelled widely and enjoy meeting people.
Why they chose this property
We discovered this property by chance in 2017, bought it and began work converting it from a rundown 1980's house and farmlet of 3 ha into a rural destination homestay, we have renamed the property King's Ridge Gardens and the original house The Blackhouse. We have since moved two historic houses onto the property, (Anniversary Cottage 1860 and The Ridge House a 1900's villa) we have restored the cottage and are in the process of renovating and making the villa our home. In 2021 we will launch The Studio For Creative Inquiry in our specially built studio, offering live in courses in landscaping, drawing & painting, hand painted furniture, local geology and exploring the night sky. Our spare time is devoted to creating a large country garden on the property.