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Paihia

Riverside Homestead

846 Puketona Rd, Paihia, 0204

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Check-in
Nov 24, 2026
Check-out
Nov 26, 2026
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HAPPI EXPERIENCE

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.

HAPPI HIGHLIGHTS

  • The hosts are fantastic

  • Beautiful views

  • Delicious breakfast

At the hotel

Popular amenities

76 listed
  • 24-hour security
  • Access to health care professionals
  • Accessible parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Airport drop off
  • Airport pick up
  • Airport shuttle
  • Airport shuttle (additional charge)
  • Bar
  • Beach
View all amenities

Pools & wellness

  • Massage services
  • Spa/wellness center

Dining & drinks

  • Breakfast in the room
  • Delivered food - securely covered
  • Food delivered to guest room
  • Fruits
  • Physical distancing in dining areas
  • Sanitized tableware & silverware
  • Special diet menus - on request
  • Wine/champagne

Fitness & outdoors

  • Cycling
  • Garden
  • Hiking
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace

Rooms & comfort

  • CCTV outside property
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Shared lounge/TV area

Safety & cleanliness

  • Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
  • Contactless check-in/check-out
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit available
  • Guest room sealed after cleaning
  • Guest rooms disinfected between stays
  • Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
  • Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
  • Physical distancing rules followed
  • Process in place to check health of guests
  • Safety deposit box
  • Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
  • Smoke alarms
  • Staff adhere to local safety protocols

Getting around & access

  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Free Parking
  • Parking
  • Private parking
  • Shuttle service
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)
  • Wheelchair accessible

Guest services

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Invoice provided
  • Laundry
  • Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
  • Luggage storage
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Tour desk

Services & essentials

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Canoeing
  • Cashless payment available
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Designated smoking area
  • Diving
  • Face masks for guests available
  • Fishing
  • Free WiFi
  • Key access
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Picnic area
  • Room service
  • Snorkelling
  • Themed dinner nights
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • WiFi available
  • Windsurfing

Review in focus

22 reviews
10/ 10
Une très belle vue et personnel attentionné.
Pierrette · couple · 2026-03-06

The guest experience

9.5out of 10
22 verified reviews

Loved most

  • The hosts are fantastic
  • Beautiful views
  • Delicious breakfast

How guests scored the stay

  • Service10.0

    The hosts were exceptional and made us feel pampered.

  • Cleanliness9.7

    Standard quality for this hotel tier.

  • Overall Experience9.7

    Overall, a fantastic experience feeling pampered.

  • Location9.6

    The views were stunning.

  • Food and Beverage9.6

    The breakfast was excellent.

  • Room Quality9.2

    Standard quality for this hotel tier.

  • Value for Money9.2

    Standard quality for this hotel tier.

  • Amenities9.1

    Standard quality for this hotel tier.

Live guest feedback

Guest reviews

Remarkably consistent

95% of 20 recent stays rated 8+

9.522 reviews
  • Séjour en campagne bucolique

    10/10

    Pierrette · couple · 2026-03-06

    “Une très belle vue et personnel attentionné.”

  • An exceptional B&B

    10/10

    Sian · couple · 2026-02-26

    “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.”

  • Felt pampered by the hosts!

    10/10

    Denise · couple · 2026-01-02

    “The hosts! Then the views! Then the breakfast!”

  • Lyxigt boende!

    10/10

    Ina · 2025-02-08

    “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!”

  • A Hidden Gem of Warm Hospitality and Natural Beauty

    9/10

    Yael · young couple · 2025-02-03

    “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!”

  • Superb

    9/10

    Bas · young couple · 2025-02-03

    “Garden with picknick table”

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Lesley · family with young children · 2024-12-30

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

  • Guest review

    10/10

    Denise · partner · 2024-12-19

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

  • Good

    7/10

    Wilson · young couple · 2024-04-17

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

  • Perfect retreat and wonderful base to visit the Bay of Islands/ Waitangi

    10/10

    Adrian · young couple · 2024-03-15

    “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.”

  • Highlight of our Bay of Islands stay

    10/10

    Susanne · young couple · 2024-02-27

    “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!!!”

  • A lovely staying

    10/10

    Federica · young couple · 2024-02-13

    “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.”

  • Very good

    8/10

    Paul · young couple · 2024-01-31

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Wogary · young couple · 2024-01-04

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

  • Perfect in every way.

    10/10

    Adele · young couple · 2023-04-01

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

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Patrick · young couple · 2023-03-17

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

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Mark · young couple · 2023-02-20

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Igor · young couple · 2023-02-14

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

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Avi · young couple · 2023-02-07

  • Exceptional

    10/10

    Joe · young couple · 2023-01-17

    “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!”

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Hotel info and reviews come from third-party sources.