Scroll through the spots that make Waitarere worth the drive — beach, forest, village, and everything in between.
A sunny, elevated Kiwi bach on the old side of Waitarere — three bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully fenced garden, and a sea glimpse from the upstairs deck.
Large enough for six, relaxed enough that you'll forget what day it is by Saturday afternoon.
Wide, wild, and two minutes on foot from the bach. The Tasman can be completely flat or properly pumping — either way it's worth the walk.
Surf, fish, throw a line in from the sand, or just walk north until you've run out of people. The beach is off-leash for dogs most of the year.
The forest starts right behind the bach — a big, well-tracked pine plantation that cuts through to the beach. Perfect for morning runs, dog walks, or mountain biking.
Hosts the Great Forest Marathon and orienteering events. On a clear day the tracks are brilliant. On a windy day they're sheltered and brilliant.
Waitarere has just enough — a well-stocked 4 Square, takeaways, a café and a restaurant, all a five-minute walk. For anything more, Levin is ten minutes' drive.
The whitebait season brings the river mouths to life. The 4 Square stocks the essentials. The café does what it needs to do on a Sunday morning.
Straight up SH1 from Wellington, turn off at Waitarere Beach Road just north of Levin. Easy drive, good road, takes about an hour from the CBD.
From Palmerston North head south on SH1 — about 45 minutes. Plenty of on-property parking when you arrive.
Check dates and book through Airbnb — or head back to the main site for more about the bach.