Omaka Lodge — a tranquil oasis amidst New Zealand’s Forgotten World. The Gardener’s Folly — a bespoke country retreat.
Omaka Lodge and The Gardener’s Folly are situated just off the renowned Forgotten World Highway. Both sit within the 10.5 acre Omaka Gardens.
We are just 7km from Taumarunui which offers a modern supermarket, service stations, fast food and restaurants.
Address: 11 Omaka Road, RD 1, Taumarunui 3991, Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand.
Phone: +64-7-974-8543.
From Taumarunui: Travel 7km south on SH43 (Forgotten World Highway), turn left into Omaka Road and travel 100m to our signposted drive on the left.
At the gates, cross the cattle-stop and continue 300m up the drive. Follow the signs to either the Omaka Lodge or Gardener’s Folly sealed parking areas.
Child Policy: By arrangement
Check in: 3pm. Check out: 10am
Cancellation:
Cancellation 30+ days before arrival: no fees apply.
Cancellation 30-15 days before arrival: 50% of total booking.
Cancellation 14-0 days before arrival: 100% of total booking.
Set high on a ridge in the heart of New Zealand’s Forgotten World, Omaka Lodge offers a peaceful boutique country escape surrounded by rolling farmland, sweeping rural views, and beautifully landscaped 5-star gardens. Warm hospitality, quiet luxury, and a genuine sense of belonging combine to create a memorable stay in one of the central North Island’s most unique and unspoiled regions.
The gardens at Omaka Lodge are a destination in themselves. Lovingly designed and maintained over many years, they have been featured in NZ House & Garden magazine and provide guests with a stunning setting to relax, wander, and reconnect with nature. Seasonal colour, mature trees, sculpted hedging, water features, and expansive lawns create a constantly changing landscape that feels both elegant and deeply restful. Whether enjoying an early morning coffee among birdsong or an evening stroll as the sun sets across the hills, the gardens are central to the Omaka experience.
Accommodation at Omaka Lodge includes a choice of elegant guest rooms and a spacious self-contained suite, all thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. Every room features air conditioning, private bathrooms, luxurious linens, and beautiful rural outlooks. Guests staying at the lodge enjoy a delicious homemade continental breakfast served daily in the dining room, providing the perfect start to a day exploring the region. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, and numerous quiet corners throughout the property for reading, relaxing, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Adjacent to the lodge grounds sits The Gardener’s Folly — a luxurious standalone country cottage designed for guests seeking complete privacy, quiet luxury, and a slower pace of life. Inspired by classic garden follies and contemporary country design, the cottage blends bespoke craftsmanship with understated elegance. Light-filled living spaces open onto a covered outdoor deck overlooking the rural landscape, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living in every season.
The Gardener’s Folly features two beautifully appointed queen bedrooms, each with striking green marble and brass ensuites, alongside a fully equipped kitchen, stylish lounge spaces, and carefully curated interiors that reflect both comfort and sophistication. Ideal for romantic escapes, special occasions, or relaxed stays with friends, the Folly offers a deeply restorative retreat immersed in nature and tranquillity. Optional private chef dining experiences are also available, allowing guests to enjoy beautifully prepared meals in the comfort and privacy of the cottage.
Omaka Lodge and The Gardener’s Folly are perfectly positioned for discovering the adventures and landscapes of the Forgotten World and wider Ruapehu District. Guests can experience the region’s iconic rail cart and jet boat journeys, explore nearby walking and cycling trails, including the Timber Trail and Tongariro Crossing, visit local art galleries and country towns, or simply unwind and enjoy the beauty and stillness of this remarkable rural destination.
Contact: Scott McPherson & Christopher Riches
Address: 11 Omaka Road, RD 1, Taumarunui 3991
• Forgotten World Adventures for rail-cart and jetboat tours of the Forgotten World
• Kayaking on the Whanganui River
• Local walks include the Ohinetonga Lagoon and the Taranaki Falls Walk
• For the fit adventurers, the Tongariro Crossing is a must-do experience
• Cycle trails include the 2-day Pureora Timber Trail and the half-day Old Coach Road
• Mount Ruapehu offers seasonal skiing and year-round views from New Zealand’s highest-altitude and longest gondola, the Sky Waka
