Mahuru Springs

Conservation Sanctuary and Wellness Retreat
Matangi, Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), New Zealand
Manaaki whenua, manaaki tāngata, haere whakamua
Care for the land, care for the people, go forward
Snuggle up with a good book, stretch your legs with a walk, be one with nature, binge-watch Netflix, or sink into a state of bliss with the Zen Zone package deal.
Enjoy roaming in the tranquility of the bush, past streams and through pastures. Why not pack a picnic and head out to find your favourite peaceful spot? 
Keen to explore further afield? Explore the local area; fresh summer berries, organic produce, local arts and crafts, the famous Tamahere Markets, Feildays and more.
Great for a spot of 'me' time or special time with your partner; Piwakawaka BnB and Wellness Retreat offers you the perfect space to relax.
A place to soothe your soul

Mahuru Springs Conservation Sanctuary

Set among 22 acres of bush, streams, springs and pasture, Piwakawaka BnB and Wellness Retreat, and the 1960’s Retro Retreat provide stylish cosy accommodation set in the stunning surrounds of nature; a peaceful get-away only ten minutes from Hamilton City and just twenty minutes from the airport. Stay snuggled up in the cosy, warmth of the BnB studio or our cute wee refurbished retro caravan, or venture out to relax and unwind in nature. On a clear night, starlight is abundant, with the call of the Ruru (Morepork owls) heard clearly on the cool night air.

An active private conservation area, the property is constantly under development, with a focus on protecting the habitats of endemic and native species, and in particular, populations at-risk such as the Pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tail bat), Kōura (freshwater cray) and Titiwai (glowworms). It is quite possible that Waikaka (black mudfish), another threatened species, also reside in the spring-fed waterways. Extra care must be taken to avoid swampy edges of streams so as not to disturb these unique and special habitats - and to prevent getting stuck in the mud!

We've a number of projects on the go at any one time. 200 native trees were planted on the property in 2019 with thanks to support from the Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust, with another 500 planted in 2020, thanks to the support of the Crimson Trust. The Waikato Regional Council hung bat detectors to help locate roosting sites, and has since included the property in its registered listing of long-tailed bat habitats around the Kirikiriroa/Hamilton City area. Bio-control, also from the Waikato Regional Council, have assisted in identifying noxious and invasive pest plants, and in 2019 introduced the Tradescantia Leaf Beetle to aid in the weed management process. Along with this, Rat and Possum traps have been dotted around the property to help reduce pest animals, giving both bats and native birds a better chance of survival, with thanks to support from the Waikato Regional Council’s via their small project funds.

Explore

Choices abound when it comes to how you spend your time at Mahuru Springs. Whether going free-range and exploring with a map or taking one of the guided tours on offer, there is bound to be something to please.

Free Range

Roam the numerous walking tracks; over the stream, along the glow-worm trail, past 'The Giant Hand', beside the river, and over pasture. 

Daytime Guided Tour

 Meet and hand-feed our friendly pet ewes (female sheep), then venture down to the waterways to feed the local Tuna (long-fin eels). 

After-Dark Guided Tour

Visit the Titiwai (glowworm) enclave, search for Kōura and then try your luck at locating Pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tail bats) with the bat detector.
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