Hilltop Whakaipo Estate

The location is second to none. Host was very kind and welcomed us and gave us good recommendations for the local area. Peter cooks a good breakfast and we enjoyed our chats. Also Bear, Meg and Jess (the dogs) were the best welcoming party and so friendly.

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This was one of the highlights of our trip. We spent about three weeks traveling around New Zealand, staying in eight different hotels and B&Bs, and this was easily our favorite. The estate is beautiful, with stunning lake views and a really peaceful feel. The rooms were spotless and thoughtfully done—Michelle clearly puts a lot of care into every detail, from the comfort of the space to the personal touches, including her own handmade pottery they use for serving. Breakfast each morning in the living room overlooking the lake was a treat. The property also has deer, sheep, and cows, and you can walk over to the paddock to pet or feed them. Michelle and Peter were wonderful hosts—warm, friendly, and genuinely caring about the service they are providing. Peter even cooked us venison one breakfast and sent us off with a bottle of nice New Zealand wine. Whether you’re a couple or a family, they have great options, including a self-contained two-bedroom place. We travel a lot, and this was one of the best stays we’ve had.

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We were truly healed by the beauty of this place — it’s absolutely worth every penny. The host has three incredibly friendly dogs. My daughter, who used to be afraid of dogs, actually overcame her fear here, which made this stay even more special. The farm is full of charm: there are little sheep just like Shaun the Sheep, zebra-like cows, and a group of adorable deer. Life here feels so vivid and real. We will definitely come back again

Absolutely unique! Fantastic place to stay! Amazing location and views! Wonderful, friendly and flexible hosts! Delicious breakfast! Great experience with domestic animals, friendly dogs, direct experience of feeding sheep and deer. Highly recommend!