Awastone

Some places seem to understand exactly what weary travellers, adventure seekers, and weekend wanderers need before they do. Mangaweka’s Awastone is one of them, a riverside basecamp where muddy shoes, coffee breaks, and big outdoor days happily coexist against the stunning backdrop of the Rangitikei River.

Run by the Eames family since the early 1980s and now into its third generation, Awastone has grown from a rafting outfit into something much bigger, without ever losing the easy-going spirit that made people stop in the first place. The atmosphere is refreshingly unfussy: welcoming, down to earth, and built around the idea that you can do as much or as little as you please. One minute someone is gearing up for whitewater rafting, the next they’re settled on the patio, coffee in hand, perfectly content watching the river do its thing.

The jaw-dropping scenery does a lot of heavy lifting. Overlooking the mighty river and framed by towering papa cliffs, Awastone feels immersed in the landscape rather than simply fitting into it. In summer, the cafe becomes the social heart of the property, spilling out towards the water with front-row views of rafts drifting past and kayaks heading downstream. Gardens soften the edges, birdsong fills the quieter moments, and the whole place moves at an unhurried pace.

Accommodation options range from campgrounds for traditional Kiwi overnighters to cosy cabins and larger family-friendly stays. Activities, unsurprisingly, revolve around the water. Take your pick from family rafting, scenic floats, kayaking lessons, and multisport training.

Spend a few days at Awastone and you’ll notice how naturally everything fits together. It’s a stopover if you want it to be, but more often than not, people arrive for one night and start wondering whether they can stay longer.