About Us
The history behind the getaway
"Tuna po "meaning night eel" is a family farm stretching 5 km along the Kapiti Coast with steep hills dropping dramatically to the ocean below. Tunapo Farm is owned by Janne Smith and farmed by Janne's son, Hamish.
The property has been owned and operated by the family through four generations. The Smith Family are one of the founding families of Paekakariki, the original 1906 homestead is still on SH59 in Paekakariki.
Tunapo Escape is the creation of husband and wife team, Hannah and Chris Thornton. Hannah grew up on Tunapo Farm. Then as a trained chef in Wellington, she met her husband to be, Chris, a trained butcher who is now in the corporate world.
Hannah and Chris have always lived and worked in Wellington. With three teenagers there’s never a dull moment so escaping to the farm and its peaceful tranquility has always been a welcome change of pace from their busy city life. Tunapo Escape is an exciting new venture for them both and adds to the farm's dynamic. They have been passionate about sharing its magic with others for some time now and can finally look forward to welcoming you to their tiny slice of heaven.