The current Tinui Station Homestead is the third incarnation of a homestead building for Tinui Station, recently renovated from within the bones of the second homestead built sometime around 1917. The size of the original Tinui Station farm holding was around 23,500 acres (9,520 hectares), and the Homestead portion still includes the Tinui Taipos (jagged craggy hilltops).
The Tinui Taipos are the site of one of NZ’s earliest World War One memorials, the Tinui Cross. The cross was unveiled on Anzac Day 1916 to commemorate the Landing of the Allied Forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula the previous year. Visitors are welcome to hike up to the Cross site through the Homestead’s private bush area, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Access is also available via the council path from the Tinui cemetery located further along Masterton Castlepoint Road.
The Taipo sandstone catchment area collects rainwater which is slowly filtered down through the rock, re-emerging as the Tinui Spring, the main source of water for both Tinui Village and Tinui Station Homestead. The Spring is the water supply for the Cottages and Spa Pools. Relaxing in the outdoor spa pools in such pure spring water is always highlighted by our guests as a rare and special experience.
We work to maintain and restore the Homestead's 58ha to a thriving and largely pesticide free habitat for insects, birds, trees, and native plants.
The garden and grounds are a sanctuary for birds thanks to over eight years of biodynamic practices. More than 30 species of bird have been spotted here. From the Bellbird bringing in the dawn chorus, Tui celebrating the sunset and the Morepork at night, vibrant bird life defines the relaxing backdrop of the Estate.
Further afield, there is much to see and do.
We are centrally located to Mataikona, Castlepoint, Otahome and Riversdale beaches with a choice of options for swimming (Riversdale is patrolled during the summer season), walks, fishing or fishing charters, snorkeling and sights to see. The coastal walk at Castlepoint and up to the tallest lighthouse in the North Island is a must do. Inland, Rewanui Forest Park offers forest walks with notable plantings of native trees. There is also the Tinui Food Forest foraging guided tour nearby and the Rahui Coastal Loop with tailored E-biking loop options. Tennis court hire is available at Castlepoint. Or play golf at the Castlepoint Golf Course or Riversdale Beach Golf Club. Both golf courses are nine-hole courses – with the option to extend the Riversdale course to 18 holes by playing twice from different tees.
The General Stores at Castlepoint and Riversdale offer coffee and tasty take-aways, especially the super fresh fish and chips from Castlepoint. Great pub meals can be had at the newly reopened Tinui Pub within just a 5 minute walk and the Castlepoint Hotel (aka Whakataki Pub) a short drive away.
