Flooded by Cyclone Gabrielle. Rebuilt from the floor up.
In February 2023 the Ngaruroro and Tūtaekurī rivers burst their banks and silt-laden water swept across the Pakowhai flats. Dewdrop went under. What you stay in today is the result of two years of mud, mates and rebuilding.
How it happened
13-14 Feb 2023
The water comes
Overnight the rivers rose faster than anyone predicted. By morning the Farmhouse, Cottage, pool and paddocks were under brown water, along with the cars and caravan. Neighbours and the animals were moved to higher ground.
Late Feb 2023
Taking stock
When the water dropped it left thick silt through every room. Floors, wall linings, kitchens, bathrooms and the pool all had to come out. The orchards around us were stripped bare.
2023
The long clean-up
Family, friends, volunteers and the wider Hawke’s Bay community turned up with shovels and diggers. Silt was carted away by the truckload and both homes were gutted back to the frame to dry out.
2023-2024
Rebuilding
Both homes were rebuilt from the floor up with new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, linings and furniture. The pool was restored and the paddocks re-fenced and re-grassed.
Today
Better than before
Dewdrop Farmhouse and Cottage reopened fully renovated. The orchards are back in blossom, the horses and sheep are home, and the road is lined with autumn colour again.
We couldn't have done it alone
To everyone who lent a hand, a digger or a spare room in 2023, thank you. Every booking at Dewdrop now supports a fully local, family-run recovery. Come and stay.