Stay in a Category 1 historic homestead on a working farm in the Rangitīkei. The estate is less than 10 minutes from Marton, between Wellington and Lake Taupō.
About the homestead
The land was acquired by naturalist William Swainson (1789–1855) and later passed to his son-in-law Major John Williams Marshall (1814–1891) of the 65th Regiment. The homestead was built in 1906 for Marshall’s son, William Swainson Marshall (d. 1926), who inherited his grandfather’s passion for natural history and ethnology.
William Swainson Marshall was a foundation member of the Polynesian Society (established 1892), one of the oldest learned societies in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1892 he married Elizabeth Hilda Swainson, the second daughter of William Swainson of Te Rakehou, Feilding.
Architect Charles Tilleard Natusch designed the homestead in the Tudor style. James McChesney of Marton built it. Natusch is one of New Zealand’s better-known domestic architects. His other houses include Bushy Park (Kai Iwi), Gwavas (Tikokino), Matapiro (Napier) and Wharerata (Massey University).
The exterior features half-timbering typical of the Tudor style. Inside are rimu floors, walls, doors and panelled ceilings. The floor and weatherboards are mataī. The verandahs and supports are tōtara. Timber was seasoned for 2 years before construction.
Maungaraupi remained in the family until the 1980s, first as a family home and later as a guesthouse. A restoration in the 1980s and roof replacement in 2013 preserved its historical integrity.
Historic Place Category 1, List No. 4916 (Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, 2 July 1987).
Accommodation
| Room | Bed | Bathroom | 2–3 nights | 4+ nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Heritage Suite | King (+ optional twin, +NZD 30pp) | Ensuite with claw bath | NZD 345/night | NZD 325/night |
| The Sunshine Suite | Queen | Ensuite | NZD 265/night | NZD 245/night |
| The Darcy | King | Shared with Elizabeth | NZD 265/night | NZD 225/night |
| The Elizabeth | Double | Shared with Darcy | NZD 265/night | NZD 225/night |
| The Juliette | Double | Shared with Romeo | NZD 225/night | NZD 195/night |
| The Romeo | Twin singles | Shared with Juliette | NZD 195/night | NZD 175/night |
Exclusive hire: Book the entire estate for up to 16 guests. Includes all rooms, the Coachman’s Corner (double room and bunk room), daily breakfast, games room with billiard table, library, drawing room with grand piano and antique organ, tennis court and estate grounds. NZD 2,400/night (minimum 2 nights) or NZD 8,850 for 4 nights.
Add-ons: Picnic lunch NZD 35/person. Dinner NZD 65/person.
All prices exclude GST.
Private events
The estate is available for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, birthdays and corporate retreats. Indoor spaces, gardens and secluded outdoor areas suit ceremonies and receptions.
What to do
On the estate: Gardens with 130-year-old trees, native bush, historic woolshed, tennis court, and resident kunekune pigs, alpacas, hens and cattle.
Nearby: Golf, cycling, river fishing, canoeing, horse riding, bush walks, garden visits, antique shops and cafes.
Contact
Email: office@maungaraupi.co.nz Address: 338 Leedstown Road, Marton, New Zealand Web: maungaraupi.co.nz