Riverside Homestead

Hotels
9.5 (22 reviews)
846 Puketona Road , Paihia , nz

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Room service
Terrace
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
Facilities for disabled guests
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
The hosts are fantastic
Beautiful views
Delicious breakfast

Categories

Cleanliness
9.66
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Service
10
The hosts were exceptional and made us feel pampered.
Location
9.63
The views were stunning.
Room Quality
9.17
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Amenities
9.12
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
9.15
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
9.61
The breakfast was excellent.
Overall Experience
9.66
Overall, a fantastic experience feeling pampered.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 17:24

Property Description

Luxurious Riverside Homestead in the Heart of Paihia

Architectural Marvel: Nestled in the Bay of Islands, The Riverside Homestead boasts a sleek, architect-designed lodge overlooking the historic Waitangi River. The interior features redwood and local Rimu timber, offering a blend of modern luxury and natural charm.

Tranquil Natural Setting: Surrounded by free-range hens and adorable alpacas, guests can unwind in the peace and comfort of this riverside haven. The sun-facing decks and panoramic balconies provide stunning views of the lush lawns and native trees leading down to the river, creating a serene atmosphere.

Cultural Experience: Owned by Chris Wharehinga Swannell and Michael Hooper, guests can immerse themselves in Maori culture and history. Chris, a Maori priest, offers insights into his people's heritage, adding a unique and enriching dimension to the stay.

Experience luxury, nature, and culture at The Riverside Homestead - book your stay now for an unforgettable retreat.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children ages 12 and older are allowed.
    Children from 12 years old to 14 years old stay for NZD 120 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.5
Based on 22 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.66
Service: 10
Location: 9.63
Room Quality: 9.17
Amenities: 9.12
Value for Money: 9.15
Food and Beverage: 9.61
Overall Experience: 9.66
P
Pierrette couple ch
10
Séjour en campagne bucolique
Pros:

Une très belle vue et personnel attentionné.

Cons:

Rien à signaler

2026-03-06 via Nuitee
S
Sian couple gb
10
An exceptional B&B
Pros:

The room was very comfortable with a balcony, which we were upgraded to as it was available. Lovely complementary local yoghurt, home made cooked fruit and muesli along with fresh fruit in the room. A communal sitting area is available with lots of books to read.
The views were lovely, overlooking the river. Ideally situated to visit the area, but in a quiet location.
Michael and Chris are very attentive and knowledgeable hosts, but not intrusive.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
D
Denise couple us
10
Felt pampered by the hosts!
Pros:

The hosts! Then the views! Then the breakfast!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-02 via Nuitee
I
Ina
10
Lyxigt boende!
Pros:

Ett vackert boende med hög lyxkänsla då sängen var skön, utsikten fantastisk, badrummet underbart och frukosten på balkongen var magisk. Värdarna var mycket hjälpsamma och service inriktade. Fantastiskt!

2025-02-08 via Nuitee
Y
Yael young couple us
9
A Hidden Gem of Warm Hospitality and Natural Beauty
Pros:

At first, the entrance to River Side Homestead was a bit tucked away, but once we stepped inside, we found ourselves in a little paradise. This beautiful retreat, thoughtfully built and designed by Michael and Chris, is filled with personal touches that make it feel like a true home away from home.

Beyond the stunning atmosphere and well-crafted design, Michael and Chris were exceptional hosts—warm, welcoming, and accommodating in every way. They made us feel completely at home, and every morning, they treated us to a delicious homemade breakfast, with fresh bread and pastries straight from the oven.

The landscape, surrounded by breathtaking nature, felt like something out of a fairy tale, and the location was simply perfect. From start to finish, our experience was fantastic, and we couldn’t have asked for a more special stay.

Thank you, Michael and Chris, for making our vacation truly unique!

Cons:

The refrigerator and the room sometimes vibrated and made loud noises throughout the night. Also, I would rather have coffee for breakfast, which we paid for, free of charge.

2025-02-03 via Nuitee
B
Bas young couple nl
9
Superb
Pros:

Garden with picknick table

2025-02-03 via Nuitee
L
Lesley family with young children nz
10
Exceptional
Pros:

The host were absolutely kind and we both enjoyed our stay! Will definitely return

2024-12-30 via Nuitee
D
Denise partner
10
Pros:

The property was a place in Paradise and easy to get to sights in the area. The Owners were excellent

2024-12-19 via Nuitee
W
Wilson young couple ca
7
Good
Pros:

The location is very nice. Scenic with the river valley below. House was nice with interesting furnishings. Owner efficient in carrying out our requests

Cons:

Breakfast was ok but not special. Entrance signage was difficult to see especially at night.

2024-04-17 via Nuitee
A
Adrian young couple gb
10
Perfect retreat and wonderful base to visit the Bay of Islands/ Waitangi
Pros:

Riverside is a perfect place to stay when visiting the Bay of Islands. The room is spacious and comfortable and spotlessly clean. The shared lounge is exceptionally well appointed and it was a delight to have music playing throughout our time there. The setting is perfect with spacious grounds. Breakfast was great every day, lots of home made baked goods and preserves. The property is a short drive from Paihia and therefore benefits from being a little more quiet.
Michael and Chris were perfect hosts - there when we wanted them and a pleasure to talk to.

Cons:

We liked everything.

2024-03-15 via Nuitee
S
Susanne young couple us
10
Highlight of our Bay of Islands stay
Pros:

Property was exceptional with balcony overlooking beautiful plantings leading down to a river. Located in a very quiet area but easily accessible to Bay of Islands. Very clean and great attention to every detail. Highly recommended!!!

Cons:

Nothing to dislike. Hosts were phenomenal with great homemade-cooked breakfast, top notch wines, securing tickets to local events, ferries and restaurants. Extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the area.

2024-02-27 via Nuitee
F
Federica young couple it
10
A lovely staying
Pros:

The property is absolutely gorgeous, it’s like stepping inside a private collection of memorabilia from all over the world and times. To not mention the tranquil view at the back of the house facing the river.
Micheal and Chris had a spotless taste in decorating their beautiful house.
They have a long list of recommended restaurants nearby, super helpful in organizing your day and make the holiday the best one.
Our favorite thou, we must say, was the ginger cat, the sweetest ever.

Cons:

Honestly nothing we didn’t like, highly recommended.

2024-02-13 via Nuitee
P
Paul young couple gb
8
Very good
2024-01-31 via Nuitee
W
Wogary young couple at
10
Exceptional
Pros:

Really cool house and garden. Michael and Chris were very helpful and friendly. Very good Breakfast served on private balcony, perfect 😊

2024-01-04 via Nuitee
A
Adele young couple gb
10
Perfect in every way.
Pros:

Wonderful hospitality in a beautiful home with stunning garden and views.

Cons:

Leaving!

2023-04-01 via Nuitee
P
Patrick young couple us
10
Exceptional
Pros:

Friendly, informative hosts; lovely views from balcony where breakfast with delicious homemade breads was served.

2023-03-17 via Nuitee
M
Mark young couple gb
10
Exceptional
2023-02-20 via Nuitee
I
Igor young couple au
10
Exceptional
Pros:

Lovely homely feel. Michael and Chris have attention to detail. Home decorated very well, rooms have beautiful river view.
Breakfast was outstanding. Good location.

2023-02-14 via Nuitee
A
Avi young couple us
10
Exceptional
2023-02-07 via Nuitee
J
Joe young couple gb
10
Exceptional
Pros:

We stayed for two nights at the Riverside Homestead while visiting Bay of Islands and a day trip out to Cape Reinga. What a wonderful stay - the house is one of the most peaceful places we have stayed at. Michael and Chris have exceptional attention to details, from calming music when entering the room to an excellent breakfast on the balcony while enjoying the fantastic views down to the river. Everything at breakfast was home made as well! Great location to some nice restaurants, breweries and to the treaty ground. We will definitely recommend friends and family to stay here!

2023-01-17 via Nuitee