Ararimu Sanctuary — Private Country Estate, Architectural Homestead & Luxury Stay

The Sanctuary Philosophy

“A luxury hotel gives you a room. Ararimu Sanctuary gives you the entire country estate—the 393 m² homestead, the heated pool and waterfall, the fireside deck under a canopy of stars, and the stillness of the hills.”

We created Ararimu Sanctuary for guests—and their pets—who value calm, architectural warmth, and unhurried privacy over crowded resorts. When you book here, you never share the heated pool, the outdoor fireplace deck, or the horizon with strangers.

Every element of our pet-friendly 3.13-hectare property shapes a peaceful escape: a newly upgraded master bedroom sanctuary with two large custom walnut walk-in wardrobes and a spa-calibre en-suite bathroom, new plush carpet across the staircase and bedrooms, a dedicated upstairs study, an upright piano, and a chef’s kitchen built for long dinners. Outside, tūī, wood pigeons, and colourful rosellas move through the trees, swallows swoop and play over the heated pool, horses graze quietly beyond the post-and-rail fence, and clear country night skies invite unhurried stargazing.

Hosted personally by the owner Ararimu Sanctuary · Ararimu

What Makes a Stay Here Different

Four experiences, one private address.

Designed so that you never need to leave the gates—unless the waterfalls and trails of the Hunua Ranges call.

The 393 m² two-level architectural homestead glowing with warm interior window light at dusk

393 m² Homestead at Dusk

Daytime view from the timber deck across the 21 kW heated swimming pool and cascading blue mosaic waterfall feature to the green hills

Heated Pool & Waterfall

View from the newly upgraded master bed looking through open cedar plantation shutters to the green trees and blue sky

Upgraded Master Suite

Newly upgraded master en-suite bathroom with floating walnut double vanity, twin vessel basins, backlit mirror, fluted stone tiles, and bidet

Upgraded Master Bath

I. The 393 m² Homestead, Upgraded Master Suite & Waterfall Pool

Newly upgraded master suite, dual walk-in wardrobes, dedicated study & heated waterfall pool.

Spanning 393 m² across two light-filled levels with plush new carpet across the staircase, bedrooms, and upstairs study, the four-bedroom residence is thoughtfully laid out for restorative comfort. The newly upgraded master suite features wrap-around cedar plantation shutters framing the valley, two very large custom walnut walk-in wardrobes, and a spacious new luxury bathroom with a floating walnut double vanity, backlit mirror, fluted stone tiles, walk-in rain shower, and bidet. Step outside to the 21 kW heated swimming pool with its cascading mosaic waterfall feature—a soothing backdrop for lazy afternoons, a favourite with children playing in the warm water, and a gathering spot where swallows swoop and play across the water’s surface.

Newly upgraded master bedroom with two large custom walnut walk-in wardrobes
Large new master en-suite bathroom with floating double vanity, walk-in rain shower & bidet
4 bedrooms + dedicated upstairs study with ultrawide monitor, high-speed Starlink internet & solar backup power
21 kW heated swimming pool with cascading waterfall feature (loved by kids & adults alike) & underwater night lighting

Timber deck at night with a warm fire glowing in the built-in outdoor fireplace and architectural wall lighting

Outdoor Fireplace Deck at Night

Chef’s Kitchen

ECM Espresso & Range

Fireside lounge home theatre wall with Samsung 65-inch S95D QD-OLED 4K UHD TV, white Sonos Arc soundbar, and built-in gas fireplace

65" QD-OLED & Sonos Arc

II. The Chef’s Kitchen, Outdoor Grill & Sonos Home Theatre

Outfitted for serious cooks, morning espresso & cinema nights.

Unlike standard holiday rentals with bare-minimum cookware, the double-height kitchen pavilion is equipped like a private culinary residence—from a German ECM espresso machine and dedicated burr grinder to a wide 6-burner double-oven range, Panasonic artisan breadmaker, sous-vide, KitchenAid stand mixer, Vitamix blender, and rice cooker. Outside on the timber deck, a Big Green Egg kamado and Traeger wood-pellet BBQ sit alongside the built-in outdoor fireplace.

Inside, whole-home Sonos audio fills the living spaces alongside an acoustic upright piano and a dedicated fireside cinema lounge featuring a Samsung 65″ S95D QD-OLED 4K UHD TV paired with a Sonos Arc front soundbar and Sonos Era 300 rear spatial-audio speakers.

Barista coffee station with ECM espresso machine & dedicated burr grinder
6-burner double-oven range, KitchenAid mixer, Vitamix, Panasonic breadmaker, sous-vide & rice cooker
Big Green Egg kamado, Traeger wood-pellet BBQ & built-in outdoor fireplace on the timber deck
Samsung 65″ S95D QD-OLED 4K TV, Sonos Arc + Era 300 Dolby Atmos cinema, whole-home Sonos & upright piano

Lush green lawn overlooking the sand arena, pastures, and horses grazing along the tree line

3.13 Hectares (7.7 Acres) of Private Grounds

Aerial drone view of the 7.7-acre Ararimu Sanctuary estate nestled in the Hunua hills

7.7-Acre Aerial View

Fruiting citrus tree and golden morning sun in the home orchard with grapefruit, passionfruit, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and gooseberries

Orchard & Berries

Automated security gate and gravel country driveway bordered by black bark mulch and Carex testacea

Gated Driveway

III. 3.13 Hectares of Gated, Pet-Friendly Seclusion, Birdlife & Starlit Skies

Close enough for a Friday escape. Far enough to hear only birdsong and see every star.

Tucked in the peaceful country hills of Ararimu, the pet-friendly 7.7-acre estate is remarkably easy to reach from Auckland, yet completely sheltered by mature trees and rolling hills once the automated gate closes behind you. By day, tūī, native wood pigeons (kererū), and vibrant rosellas fill the canopy while swallows skim and play across the pool; by night, zero city light pollution reveals a breathtaking, crystal-clear country sky for stargazing. Across the seasons, the land rewards slow wandering—from warm-weather orchard harvests to crisp winter mornings, when the damp garden borders and wooded corners of the property hold quiet seasonal surprises for the curiously minded.

Pet-friendly gated sanctuary with secure automated gate & country drive bordered with black bark & Carex testacea
Rich birdlife—tūī, wood pigeons (kererū), eastern rosellas & swallows that play by the pool—plus crystal-clear night skies for stargazing
Solar-powered residence with backup power—uninterrupted comfort & Starlink internet even if grid power goes out
Home orchard & berry beds: citrus, grapefruit, passionfruit, grapes, pea-straw strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries & raised salad garden (plus quiet winter surprises for the curiously minded)
15 mins to Southern Motorway, 12 mins to Hunua Falls, 22 mins to Clevedon & 35 mins to Auckland Airport (private airport transfers available)

Two horses grazing in the green post-and-rail pasture under a fiery orange sunset sky

Equestrian Pastures & Sunset Horizon

60x20m all-weather sand dressage arena framed by weeping willow branches and post-and-rail fencing

60×20m Sand Arena

Arena at Dusk

Horses under the floodlights of the all-weather sand arena and barn at night

Floodlit Night Arena

IV. The Equestrian Setting · Meet Cairo & Slim

Wake to horses in the morning mist—ride our boys Cairo & Slim, or bring your own.

Our resident horses, Cairo and Slim, grazing quietly in sheltered post-and-rail paddocks give the sanctuary its unmistakable country soul. Guests can simply enjoy watching them over morning coffee from the pool terrace, arrange to take Cairo or Slim for a ride in the floodlit 60×20m all-weather sand arena (equipped with show jumps and full bridle and tack equipment, available as an optional extra), or bring their own horses for a bespoke ride-and-stay holiday.

Full-size 60×20m floodlit all-weather sand arena with show jumps, barn & post-and-rail paddocks
Optional extra: take one of our resident boys, Cairo or Slim, for a ride (full bridle & tack equipment provided)
Option to bring 1–2 of your own horses by arrangement (paddock, yards, tack room & float parking)
Scenic Hunua Ranges riding trails nearby & experienced on-site equine care

Visual Tour · Current Estate Photography

Inside the homestead & across the grounds.

Explore current photographs of the 393 m² two-level residence, newly upgraded master bedroom and double-vanity bathroom, dual custom walnut walk-in wardrobes, dedicated upstairs study, guest bedrooms with new plush carpet, living lounges, Sonos home theatre, upright piano, 21 kW heated swimming pool with cascading waterfall feature, and pet-friendly 7.7-acre equestrian estate. Click any photograph to enlarge.

Heated swimming pool at night glowing with turquoise underwater lighting, uplit mosaic waterfall feature wall, and warm garden lighting

Heated Pool at Night 21 kW Heated Pool & Illuminated Waterfall

393 m² two-level architectural homestead glowing with warm interior window light at dusk

Dusk Architecture The 393 m² Homestead at Dusk

View from the timber deck across the stone urn planters and frameless glass pool fence to the 21 kW heated swimming pool, cascading blue mosaic waterfall feature, sun loungers, and green hills

Daytime Pool & Waterfall Heated Pool, Cascading Waterfall & Valley Outlook

Timber deck at night with a roaring fire in the built-in stainless outdoor fireplace and warm architectural wall lighting

Evening Fireside & Stargazing Lit Outdoor Fireplace & Night Terrace

393 m² two-level architectural homestead in natural daylight

Daytime Architecture The 393 m² Two-Level Homestead by Day

Fiery crimson-orange sunrise reflecting off the expansive timber deck overlooking the paddocks

First Light on the Deck Crimson Dawn Over the Timber Deck & Valley

Sunrise glow behind specimen trees over the built-in timber deck bench and raised salad and culinary herb garden

Kitchen Garden & Deck Sunrise Over the Deck Bench & Salad Garden

Heated swimming pool edge, flowing blue mosaic waterfall wall, stone terrace, and sun lounger overlooking the misty valley at pink sunrise

Poolside at Dawn Heated Pool, Waterfall & Sunrise Terrace

393 m² architectural homestead glowing warmly at night above the freshly groomed floodlit sand arena and barn

Evening on the Estate Illuminated Homestead & Floodlit Arena at Night

Evening second living room with lit indoor fireplace, Samsung 65-inch S95D QD-OLED 4K TV, Sonos Arc soundbar, Sonos Era 300 rear speakers, modular sofa, and leather recliner

Living Lounge II · Sonos Home Theatre Fireside Cinema Lounge (65″ S95D QD-OLED & Sonos)

Samsung 65-inch S95D QD-OLED 4K UHD TV and white Sonos Arc soundbar mounted above the built-in gas fireplace and grey terrazzo hearth

All-Sonos Dolby Atmos Cinema Samsung 65″ S95D QD-OLED, Sonos Arc & Era 300

Solid timber dining table, tufted chairs, leather armchairs, and sliders open to the deck in natural daylight

Entertaining · Daylight Timber Dining Table & Indoor–Outdoor Flow

Sunlit dining room with solid timber dining table, upholstered chairs, polished concrete terrazzo floor, and custom built-in credenza against a textured grasscloth wall

Dining Pavilion · Daylight Sunlit Dining Table & Grasscloth Credenza

Main living lounge in natural daylight with curved chair, leather armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling sliders to the pool

Living Lounge I · Daylight Main Lounge Overlooking the Deck & Pool

Chef's kitchen at night with glowing woven rattan pendant lights, timber cabinetry, and illuminated turquoise pool view

Heart of the Home · Evening Chef’s Kitchen, Warm Pendants & Night Pool View

Double-height kitchen pavilion in natural daylight with island barstools and tan leather armchairs

Architectural Volume · Daylight Double-Height Kitchen Pavilion & Lounge

Chef's kitchen with ECM stainless espresso machine, coffee grinder, wide 6-burner double-oven range, and KitchenAid stand mixer

Culinary & Barista Equipment ECM Espresso Bar, Double-Oven Range & KitchenAid

Close-up of the ECM stainless-steel espresso machine, dedicated coffee grinder, and Sonos speaker on the kitchen counter

Morning Ritual & Sonos Audio ECM Espresso Machine, Burr Grinder & Sonos

Double-height gallery hallway in natural daylight with polished terrazzo floor, woven rattan pendants, and garden view

Architectural Spine · Daylight Double-Height Gallery Hallway & Terrazzo Floor

Rich mahogany acoustic upright piano with matching bench and traditional wooden Carrom board

Music & Games Acoustic Upright Piano & Carrom Alcove

Newly carpeted dark charcoal-brown staircase ascending past ribbed glass wall sconces and a high picture window

Upper Wing Ascent · Daylight Newly Carpeted Staircase & Gallery Window

Double-height gallery foyer and polished terrazzo staircase illuminated by warm ribbed-glass wall sconces at night

Architecture · Evening Double-Height Gallery Foyer & Evening Sconces

View from the master bed looking through open cedar plantation shutters to the blue sky and green trees

Master Suite Outlook Morning Light Through the Open Cedar Shutters

Newly upgraded master bedroom with timber bed frame on the right wall under woven wall sconces, wrap-around cedar plantation shutters, and new dark carpet

Upgraded Master Sanctuary Master Bedroom Suite, Cedar Shutters & New Carpet

Newly upgraded master en-suite bathroom featuring a floating walnut double vanity, twin white vessel basins, wide backlit LED mirror, fluted stone tile wall, and bidet

Upgraded Master En-Suite Floating Walnut Double Vanity, Backlit Mirror & Bidet

Walk-in rain shower in the newly upgraded master bathroom with fluted stone feature tiles and brushed nickel rain and hand shower

Master En-Suite Spa Shower Walk-In Rain Shower & Fluted Stone Feature Wall

First large custom walk-in wardrobe in the master suite with floor-to-ceiling walnut shelving, drawers, hanging rails, full-length mirror, and new dark carpet

Dressing Room I Custom Walnut Walk-In Wardrobe & Mirror

Second large custom walk-in wardrobe in the master suite with U-shaped floor-to-ceiling walnut joinery and new dark carpet

Dressing Room II Second Large Custom Walnut Walk-In Wardrobe

Dedicated upstairs study with executive desk, ultrawide monitor, high-speed Starlink internet, ergonomic chair, leather reading chair, new plush carpet, and window overlooking the sand arena and hills

Executive Study · Starlink Wi-Fi Upstairs Study, Ultrawide Monitor & Starlink

Spacious bedroom in natural daylight with new dark carpet, timber dresser, white hotel linen, and wide window overlooking the green hillside

Bedroom II · Daylight Hillside Bedroom & Green Pasture Window

Private guest suite bedroom with pitched white ceiling, new dark charcoal-brown carpet, timber bedside table, and crisp white hotel linen

Private Guest Suite Guest Suite Bedroom & Pitched Architectural Ceiling

Main bathroom in natural daylight with deep soaking bathtub, square white vessel vanity, plush white towels, and clerestory window

Main Bathroom · Daylight Deep Soaking Bathtub & Clerestory Light

Built-in floor-to-ceiling bookcase in the upper hallway styled with curated hardcovers and ceramics

Upper Wing Library Curated Upstairs Library & Reading Nook

Double-height architectural window framing blue sky and green hills in natural daylight

Elevated Outlook Upper Gallery Picture Window to the Hills

Aerial drone view of the entire 7.7-acre Ararimu Sanctuary estate showing the tree-lined driveway, homestead, pool, sand arena, and rolling Hunua hills

3.13 Hectares (7.7 Acres) from Above Aerial Panorama of the Entire Sanctuary Estate

Horses grazing in the lush green paddock under a fiery orange sunset sky

Equestrian Sanctuary Post-and-Rail Pastures & Grazing Horses at Sunset

Daytime view framed by weeping willow branches across the post-and-rail fence and 60x20m sand dressage arena

Daytime Equestrian Willow-Framed 60×20m All-Weather Sand Arena

Horses under the floodlights of the sand arena and barn at night

Evening Equestrian Horses in the Floodlit Arena & Barn at Night

Golden morning sun filtering through a fruiting citrus tree in the home orchard with grapefruit, passionfruit, and grapes

Home Orchard Citrus, Grapefruit, Passionfruit & Grapes

Mulched berry border along the black timber retaining wall with fruiting red raspberry canes, gooseberry bushes, and the parallel pea-straw mulched strawberry and rhubarb bed on the lawn

Orchard Berry Border Raspberries, Gooseberries & Berry Beds

Row of fruiting blueberry bushes bearing ripe clusters of blueberries in rich dark bark mulch along the black timber retaining wall

Blueberry Row Fruiting Blueberry Bushes & Orchard Lawn

Golden pea-straw mulched strawberry and rhubarb garden bed with ripe red strawberries set in manicured green lawn overlooking the 60x20m sand dressage arena

Strawberries & Rhubarb Pea-Straw Strawberry Bed & 60×20m Arena

Neatly edged golden pea-straw mulched strawberry garden bed bordered by freshly mowed green lawn and young orchard fruit trees

Orchard & Fruit Trees Pea-Straw Strawberry Bed & Orchard Trees

Covered timber veranda with outdoor lounge seating, L-shaped built-in timber bench, fruiting citrus tree, and raised kitchen salad and herb garden

Kitchen Garden & Veranda Raised Salad Garden & L-Shaped Timber Bench

Automated black wrought-iron security gate and grey gravel country driveway bordered by black bark mulch, Carex testacea sedge, and black post-and-rail fencing

Gated Arrival Automated Gate, Black Bark & Carex testacea Drive

Lush green lawn overlooking the sand arena and horses grazing along the tree line

Estate Grounds Sanctuary Lawns, Arena & Grazing Horses at Dusk

Equestrian Facilities Post-and-Rail All-Weather Sand Arena

Wide sunrise mist view of horses grazing in the post-and-rail paddock

Dawn on the Land Golden Hour Mist & Horses in the Pastures

The Guest Experience

How a day unfolds here.

No schedules, no check-out rush at a crowded breakfast buffet—just the natural rhythm of the land.

Crimson dawn sky reflecting across the expansive timber deck

07:30 · Morning

Fresh espresso, birdsong & crimson dawn

Pull a morning shot on the ECM espresso machine and grinder, wake to a warm loaf from the Panasonic artisan breadmaker, and step out to the song of tūī, native wood pigeons, and rosellas as sunrise light reflects across the timber deck.

21 kW heated swimming pool and cascading mosaic waterfall feature overlooking the green pastures and Hunua hills

13:00 · Afternoon

Waterfall pool, swallows & orchard walks

Spend the warm hours swimming in the 21 kW heated pool beneath its cascading waterfall feature—a favourite for children and a serene spot where swallows swoop and play over the water. Wander the pet-friendly 7.7-acre grounds and home orchard to pick seasonal citrus, grapefruit, passionfruit, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and gooseberries (or, in winter, discover quiet seasonal surprises for the curiously minded).

Built-in outdoor fireplace glowing at night on the timber deck

19:30 · Evening

Fireside dining & clear starlit skies

Fire up the Big Green Egg or Traeger smoker on the deck, harvest fresh greens from the raised salad garden, and stream music across the whole-home Sonos system—then linger beside the outdoor fireplace beneath an unpolluted, crystal-clear country night sky full of stars.

Tailored to Your Occasion

Four ways to experience Ararimu Sanctuary.

Whether you are celebrating a milestone weekend, gathering family, friends, and pets across four bedrooms, bringing your horse for a country holiday, or stepping back to think clearly.

Couples & Restorative Weekends

The Private Country Escape

For couples or two couples travelling together seeking boutique-lodge calm with complete solitude. Enjoy the newly upgraded master suite with dual walk-in wardrobes and double-vanity bathroom, the heated waterfall pool, birdsong by day, and fireside stargazing at night all to yourselves.

Upgraded master suite, heated waterfall pool, fireside stargazing & full estate access

Families, Friends & Pets (Up to 8 Guests)

The Four-Bedroom Homestead Gathering

Designed so families, friends, and well-behaved pets can stay together with ease across four newly carpeted bedrooms—anchored by the newly upgraded master suite, a quiet guest suite, a main bathroom with soaking bath, and a heated pool with a cascading waterfall feature that children love.

Pet-friendly gated grounds, 4 bedrooms, heated waterfall pool & 2 lounges

Equestrian Luxury

The Ride & Stay Retreat

Arrange an optional ride on one of our resident boys, Cairo or Slim—with full bridle and tack equipment and show jumps in the floodlit 60×20m all-weather sand arena—or bring your own horse for a weekend of schooling and riding the nearby Hunua Ranges trails.

Ride Cairo or Slim (extra by arrangement) or bring your horse · Floodlit arena with jumps & bridle/tack

Executive & Creative Offsites

Strategic Thinking & Leadership Retreats

A quiet, confidential setting for founders, legal/commercial strategy sessions, or deep solo work—complete with high-speed Starlink internet, solar power with backup power (so power and internet stay on even if the grid goes out), a dedicated upstairs executive study (ultrawide monitor & valley outlook), sunlit dining table, and two separate lounges.

High-speed Starlink, solar backup power, dedicated study with ultrawide monitor & 2 lounges

Simple, Transparent Tariff

One rate for the entire sanctuary.

Your booking reserves the pet-friendly 393 m² four-bedroom homestead (including the newly upgraded master suite with dual walk-in wardrobes and luxury en-suite bathroom, plus the dedicated upstairs study), heated waterfall pool, outdoor fireplace deck, orchard, and grounds exclusively for your party.

Exclusive-Use Nightly Rate

$1,200 NZD + GST / night

2-night minimum stay · +$250 + GST cleaning & linen fee per stay · Pet-friendly. Four newly carpeted bedrooms plus dedicated upstairs study, upgraded master suite (dual walk-in wardrobes & large double-vanity bathroom with bidet), main bathroom with bath, and downstairs powder room.

Exclusive guest use of the pet-friendly 4-bedroom homestead, newly upgraded master suite, upstairs study & 2 lounges
Two large custom walnut walk-in wardrobes & newly upgraded double-vanity master bathroom with rain shower & bidet
Chef’s kitchen with ECM espresso machine & grinder, KitchenAid, Vitamix, Panasonic breadmaker, sous-vide, rice cooker & full dinnerware/cutlery
Samsung 65″ S95D QD-OLED 4K TV + all-Sonos home theatre (Sonos Arc front & Sonos Era 300 rear), whole-home Sonos, Big Green Egg, Traeger BBQ & upright piano
High-speed Starlink internet & solar power with outage backup, private 21 kW heated swimming pool with cascading waterfall feature & outdoor fireplace deck
Home orchard & berry beds, raised salad garden, native birdlife (tūī, wood pigeons, rosellas & poolside swallows) & clear night skies for stargazing

Plan Your Stay

Select your length of stay (2-night minimum) and any bespoke sanctuary experiences to pre-fill your enquiry below.

Length of Stay (2-Night Min) 2 Nights

Optional Sanctuary Experiences

Take Cairo or Slim for a Ride (Extra by Arrangement) Ride one of our resident boys in the floodlit 60×20m arena with show jumps & full bridle/tack equipment

Bring Your Own Horse — Paddock, Arena & Jumps Pass (+$150 + GST) Sheltered post-and-rail paddock, tack storage, float parking & floodlit arena with jumps

Bringing a Pet (Pet-Friendly by Arrangement) Secure automated entrance gate & 7.7 acres of lawns and country grounds

Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service (Available by Arrangement) Seamless private transfers between Auckland Airport and Ararimu Sanctuary

Clevedon & Orchard Welcome Hamper (+$220 + GST) Local cheeses, sourdough, orchard preserves, free-range eggs & wine

Departure Cleaning & Linen Fee (per stay) +$250 + GST

Estimated Total (NZD + GST) $2,650 + GST

Direct Booking & Enquiries

Begin your stay at Ararimu Sanctuary.

Because we host only one guest party at a time, all stays are arranged directly with us. Share your preferred dates and what brings you to the sanctuary, and we will respond personally within 24 hours.

Ararimu Sanctuary is pet-friendly, and we also offer optional arena rides with our resident horses Cairo and Slim (complete with show jumps and full bridle and tack equipment), paddock arrangements for guests bringing their own horses, and private airport pick-up and drop-off transfers between Auckland Airport and the estate.

Ararimu, Auckland

Southern Motorway (Ramarama) 15 mins
Hunua Falls & Regional Park 12 mins
Clevedon Village & Markets 22 mins
Auckland CBD / Airport 35–45 mins
Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service Available

Your Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Number of Guests

Preferred Check-In

Preferred Check-Out

What kind of experience are you planning?

Notes or Questions

Enquiry details copied to clipboard—email us anytime at hello@ararimusanctuary.com

Or email directly: hello@ararimusanctuary.com