About

5.0

#4 of 6 campsites in Opotiki

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Comfortable assorted accommodation and camping set in native bush within the Urutawa Scenic Reserve alongside the pristine TeWaiti stream. A range of accommodation, Love shack, Heron cottage, small batches and a small camp ground, all with full utilities. All have decks and use of BBQ's. Several walking,tramping and mountain biking tracks are very close by including The Motu Trails which is 10 minutes ride off the Pakihi track.

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Property amenities

Free parking

Pool

Beach

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

Airport transportation

Shuttle bus service

Non-smoking hotel

Self-serve laundry

Room features

Kitchenette

Microwave

Refrigerator

Room types

Non-smoking rooms

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL STYLE

Hidden Gem

Charming

Location

End TeWaiti Stream Road Urutawa Forest,, Opotiki P O Box 417 New Zealand

Getting there

Whakatane Airport48 kmSee all flights

Gisborne Airport78 kmSee all flights

Car HireSee all Opotiki car hire

See all nearby hotels

38Reviews1Q+A8Room tips

Reviews
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Tyler G wrote a review Jan 2023

1 contribution

Epic experience

Amazing location deep in the forest over looking the river. Clean and comfortable. The host John is also a legend and helped out so much with the trail. He can sort you out with all the bikes and shuttles. Epic service, will return

Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Suzanne wrote a review Jan 2021

1 contribution

Just Awesome

Some people called this place a hidden gem and we could not agree more. The hosts were lovely and full of local knowledge, and the camp site was quiet, clean and had great facilities. We were only supposed to stay one night but loved it so much we added another night. The kids loved it, especially floating down the river. Would definitely go back.

Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from john maynard, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 7 Jan 2021

Thanks for the kind comments, we are pleased you had a great time. John and Virginia

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rach9631 wrote a review Nov 2020

Auckland, New Zealand80 contributions10 helpful votes

A total gem

This was such a gem. An amazing location right on the Motu Trail and owner John runs a fantastic shuttle service to the top of the track. The river running past was fantastic and the whole setting must perfect. We were a group of 7 and rented the house which was wonderful. We would recommend,and come back for sure.

Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ebony wrote a review May 2020

3 contributions

Accommodation and shuttle service

Great shuttle service and accommodation nestled in a beautiful location! John was a helpful and thoughtful guide. Pakihi trail once in a lifetime experience, incredible views. Bushaven was a good base to get up to the trail easily.

Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Gayle T wrote a review Feb 2020

4 contributions

NZ Bush at it's best

Bushaven is the most amazingly beautiful part of the world. Secluded tranquil except for the resident critters... John and Virginia were definitely the perfect host's. The Love Shack was clean and catered for all our needs. John's local knowledge was interesting and shows his genuine love for this part of the world. We did the Pahiki trail and throughly enjoyed John's shuttle service through the gorge. The bikes were great and the trail so damn awesome....felt privileged to have been able to do it. ...

Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Carey E wrote a review Jan 2020

Hamilton, New Zealand7 contributions1 helpful vote

Bushaven bushwalk

Hi, a big thank you for kindly telling us about the huge, old kahikatea tree on the Te Waiti walk. We came into your office last week, led to you by a local lady, and you were good enough to stop what you were doing and explain how to find the tree. Which we did! It was fabulous! Thank you SO much. We loved the whole area and will be back

Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Bushaven1, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 28 Jan 2020

Was a pleasure and appreciate your comments.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Liz T wrote a review Jan 2020

Auckland Central, New Zealand42 contributions13 helpful votes

Special and Unique

Have just spent 5 days in this unique and special part of NZ with a family group. The hospitality of John and Virginia goes well beyond the usual and made it easy from the time we requested information about Bushaven and the surrounding area to the time we left. Bushaven sits in unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in NZ. It is one of few places that offers a "lodge" experience at an affordable price. The facilites are great. Bushaven is a stunning place just to relax in beautiful surroundings and wth the sun go up and down in the middle of NZ's stunning bush if you want time out. A "must do" is to walk the dramatic and stunning Te Waiti track which you can access directly from Bushaven where you can walk through possibly the largest Nikau forest in NZ, water falls, a very special place john will direct you to before your head on to the track and stunning views of the river and Motu valley - take your togs and have a swim in the river on the way. Walk from the bottom of the Pakahi track to see more NZ bush and listen to the bird song of an abundance of NZ native birds, or take advice from John John's advice and cycle from the Top of the track and do the Motu Road cycle trail and Dunes trail to have a fabulous mix of scenery, exercise, and NZ bush experience. All this only a few Km from Bushaven where you return each day to great facilities and the luxury of a swim in the river, hot shower and BBQ on the deck and the welcoming hospitality of its hosts. And all this only a few Km from Opotiki where you can refuel at the local pub, it fantastic bakery, other food outlets, or stock up from the well stocked supermarket and take back to Bushaven to BBQ with a stunning view. The tracks are easy tramping and challenging but great to cycle. All in all ,a fantastic place, easily accessible to take time out. I am reluctant to recommend this place only because of my fear that, now it is on my list of favourite "go to" places in NZ, once fully discovered by local and overseas tourists, I wont be able to get a booking! The road to Opotiki is great so I would recommend to any one who is looking for a unique and truly fantastic experience of NZ landscape, bush, flora and fauna ato put it on your "must go" list.…

Date of stay: January 2020

Rooms

Cleanliness

Service

Room Tip: Contact the Hosts. Their advice is excellent.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Bushaven1, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 12 Jan 2020

Wow, that so much for your praises. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your Bushaven and Motu Trails experiences. Thanks for coming and we hope to see you again. Best regards John and Virginia.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Reuben Rink wrote a review Jan 2019

1 contribution1 helpful vote

Great Bike Shuttle

I highly recommend Motu Trails Hire & Shuttle. Great service from John; from initial contact (calling me back and coordinating pickup), to the knowledgeable history commentary on the Motu area, to the safety breifing, and to the tip/tricks on a good Pakihi Track MTB experience. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thanks.

Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Bushaven1, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 5 Feb 2019

Thnaks for taking the time to review us, appreciate

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LornOrder wrote a review Dec 2018

Sydney, Australia20 contributions8 helpful votes

What a stunning corner of the world

Four “senior” ladies decided to tackle the Pakihi mountain bike track, so we camped here to soften the ride. It was such a beautiful spot, with Kiwis calling at night, wekas reminding us nature rules in this valley, a stream bubbling past our tents and wonderful friendly, helpful hosts to welcome us. John provided a great shuttle service over two days so we could ride the track and Motu Road. Camping is rustic but adequate. Showers are hot. John was happy for us to have a bonfire for New Year’s Eve on the riverbank. So close to civilisation, but you feel you are miles away.

Date of stay: January 2019

Value

Rooms

Service

Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

1 Helpful vote

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Response from Bushaven1, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 5 Feb 2019

Thanks for the review girls, was great to meet you all. regards John n Virginia

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HBKiwi wrote a review Feb 2017

Napier22 contributions4 helpful votes

A world away 20 minutes from town

Just had the most amazing weekend here with a group of friends. You can't help but feel relaxed with the breathtaking surroundings. We came with small children so didn't get to ride any of the trails but some of our group did and had a great time . . but you don't need to be a mountain biker to enjoy this place - we had loads of fun bush walking, swimming, building dams in the stream and riding down on tyre inners. The stream was crystal clear and absolutely clean. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from it all for a few days. Great hosts and facilities top off the spectacular location. Not enough superlatives. Thanks Bushaven

Date of stay: February 2017

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with friends

Room Tip: Campers don't need to bring much as there are great facilities and undercover eating /...

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Bushaven, Owner at Bushaven

Responded 8 Feb 2017

Wow - thanks for the big ups! appreciate.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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