Sharing our Whenua with you!
Dark Sky Reserve - Olive Grove - Moon Garden - Wairarapa
About Memory Iwa Grove
Memory Iwa, my cherished mum, might not have spoken Te Reo or delved into discussions about culture. But through her holistic practices and reverence for the whenua, she imparted invaluable lessons. It was her actions, her deep respect for the whenua and its care, that spoke volumes.
Ko te whaea te takere o te waka.
Mothers are the hull of the waka.
Ko te whaea te takere o te waka.
Mothers are the hull of the waka.
Located in the heart of Wairarapa, Memory Iwa Grove stands as a tribute to Vernette's mum, Memory Iwa, a wahine Māori who championed sustainable whenua. Inspired by her legacy, Vernette cultivated this special olive grove. With Chris, her husband, watching over as the land's guardian, they ensure each tree flourishes.
Offering more than just olives, guests can experience our unique Airbnb pod accommodation, blending nature's serenity with a Mediterranean touch. Discover Memory Iwa Grove, where history, nature, and luxury intertwine.
Offering more than just olives, guests can experience our unique Airbnb pod accommodation, blending nature's serenity with a Mediterranean touch. Discover Memory Iwa Grove, where history, nature, and luxury intertwine.
Te Whare Ōhaki — The Pod
Our unique accommodation is spread across two private pods nestled among the olive trees. One pod is your sleeping sanctuary with a queen bed, while the other houses your living area, kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. Two pods, one beautiful experience — completely self-contained and all yours.
Step out onto your private deck or take a short wander to the nearby Ruamahunga river. Just 15 minutes from Carterton and Masterton, 20 minutes from Greytown and 30 minutes from Martinborough — but feels like a world away.
As night sets in, the real magic begins.
Step out onto your private deck or take a short wander to the nearby Ruamahunga river. Just 15 minutes from Carterton and Masterton, 20 minutes from Greytown and 30 minutes from Martinborough — but feels like a world away.
As night sets in, the real magic begins.
Prefer to book direct? Email us at info@nnette.co.nz for a lower rate. Please note direct bookings are non-cancellable and do not include platform payment protection.
Tucked among the olive trees, just steps from our main house.
Tātai Arorangi — Reading the Sky
DARK SKY EXPERIENCE
Here at Memory Iwa Grove, the night is not something to close the curtains on. It is an invitation.
Nestled within the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, one of only a handful of internationally recognised dark sky reserves in the Southern Hemisphere, our skies are among the clearest and most unspoiled in Aotearoa. When the sun dips behind the Tararua Ranges and the stars begin to emerge, something quietly extraordinary happens.
In Te Ao Māori, the stars are not distant lights. They are whetū, ancestors watching over us. The moon, Marama, marks time, guides planting, and connects us to the rhythms of the whenua. At Memory Iwa Grove, the sky above you carries that same whakapapa and the same deep story.
Nestled within the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, one of only a handful of internationally recognised dark sky reserves in the Southern Hemisphere, our skies are among the clearest and most unspoiled in Aotearoa. When the sun dips behind the Tararua Ranges and the stars begin to emerge, something quietly extraordinary happens.
In Te Ao Māori, the stars are not distant lights. They are whetū, ancestors watching over us. The moon, Marama, marks time, guides planting, and connects us to the rhythms of the whenua. At Memory Iwa Grove, the sky above you carries that same whakapapa and the same deep story.
What we offer
From $113 per night
Airbnb and Booking.com rates include platform fees.
Book direct and save — email us at info@nnette.co.nz
Airbnb and Booking.com rates include platform fees.
Book direct and save — email us at info@nnette.co.nz
From our grove to your table.
He Olio — Our Olive Oil
Every bottle of Memory Iwa Grove olive oil begins with the same care and reverence that Memory Iwa herself brought to this whenua. Our olives are harvested seasonally and cold pressed to produce a pure extra virgin olive oil that carries the flavour of this land.
A taste of Wairarapa, crafted with aroha.
A taste of Wairarapa, crafted with aroha.
Our next harvest is June 2026.
Register your interest and we will let you know the moment fresh oil is available. Guests staying with us receive first access.
Register your interest and we will let you know the moment fresh oil is available. Guests staying with us receive first access.
Explore the Wairarapa Wonder
Situated in the vibrant heart of Wairarapa, our spot offers more than just a stay - it's an experience. With the majestic Ruamahunga awa just a stone's throw away, you're in for a visual treat, from stunning mountain vistas to the vastness of the land. And as the sun dips down, the skies come alive, offering a star gazing spectacle that's second to none in clarity and brilliance.
Wairarapa: A Blend of Beauty and Community
Wairarapa, a jewel of Aotearoa, boasts spectacular coastlines, expansive valleys, and quaint towns. It's a haven for wine lovers, gourmet food enthusiasts, and those keen on arts and outdoor activities like walking and cycling. Conveniently, it's all just around an hour away from Wellington.
Wairarapa: A Blend of Beauty and Community
Wairarapa, a jewel of Aotearoa, boasts spectacular coastlines, expansive valleys, and quaint towns. It's a haven for wine lovers, gourmet food enthusiasts, and those keen on arts and outdoor activities like walking and cycling. Conveniently, it's all just around an hour away from Wellington.
Activities
Immerse yourself in a fusion of tradition and nature at Memory Iwa Grove. Anchored by the teachings of Memory Iwa, our whenua (land) reflects a deep respect for the environment and the holistic traditions of Te Ao Māori. Experience the serenity of the Ruamahunga awa, connect with the whenua under starry skies, and embrace the manaakitanga (hospitality) of our community. Here, the whispers of the land tell tales of generations past.
Star Safari
In the Māori world, the heavens above are more than just stars; they're whetū, the ancestors who guide and watch over us. Every night presents a different celestial story, with the night sky changing subtly daily and visibly with each season. The ever-shifting positions of the planets and the moon bring fresh tales to life. With the top-notch telescope equipment in Wairarapa, you can embark on a Star Safari. Dive deep into the vastness of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, one of the prime stargazing spots globally, and connect with Aotearoa's iconic constellations.
Ruamahunga
The Ruamāhanga River, Wairarapa's largest, originates from the Tararua Ranges and flows through all its townships, ending at Lake Ōnoke. Significant to mana whenua and boasting a rich history, it was named by Haunui-a-na-naia after an encounter with two birds trapped in a tree fork, leading to the name 'the two forks of the tree'. A sacred spot by the river near Lake Wairarapa, known as whare kōhanga, was where babies' placentas were buried, and orioiri, special songs of lineage, were composed for notable children.
Tāu Noho - Your Stay
Choose the booking option that works best for you
We want to make friends with our guests, so we are happy to answer your questions.
262A Dakins Road, East Taratahi, Carterton
Phone: +64 021 1702401
Email: info@nnette.co.nz
Phone: +64 021 1702401
Email: info@nnette.co.nz
Prefer to book direct and save on fees?
Please note: Direct bookings are non-cancellable once confirmed and do not include the payment protection or cancellation policies offered by Airbnb and Booking.com. We want you to book with confidence, choose the option that suits you best.
Please note: Direct bookings are non-cancellable once confirmed and do not include the payment protection or cancellation policies offered by Airbnb and Booking.com. We want you to book with confidence, choose the option that suits you best.
Ehara taku i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini!
My strength is not that of the individual, but that of the collective!
My strength is not that of the individual, but that of the collective!
