thecuriouskiwi

Bush & Beach Escapes


 
Cottage accommodation Aroha Island

Kerikeri
Aroha Island Eco Centre
Rangitane Road (12kms from Kerikeri)
www.arohaisland.co.nz           Phone: 09 407 5243

At Aroha Island Eco Centre you can camp from $30 per night for two or stay in one of the cottages or lodge. Birdlife is plentiful and it's a short walk to a rocky beach or a short kayak to a sandy one. Guided Kiwi Walks may be an option at night or guests can hire a red light torch ($5) and take a self guided walk.


Kokohuia Lodge

Omapere

Kokohuia Lodge

101 Kokohuia Road
https://www.kokohuialodge.co.nz          Phone: 021 779927      Kokohuia Lodge Facebook      Kokohuia Lodge Tripadvisor Reviews
An award winning luxury Eco B&B with stunning views of the Hokianga Harbour and sand dunes. Perched above the native bush, and accommodating only one couple, it is sophisticated and private. Relax and recharge to a soundtrack of native birdsong, and fall asleep to the sound of the sea.     Read and see more...

Kokohuia Lodge
Kokohuia Lodge - Bath
Kokohuia Lodge - Interior & Deck
Kokohuia Lodge - Deck at sunset
Kokohuia Lodge - Qualmark Gold

 


Valley Vista Eco Retreat Tiny House

Kaiwaka

Valley Vista Eco Retreat

233 Baldrock Road
www.valleyvista.co.nz          Phone: 0274 937 801      Valley Vista Facebook

Valley Vista Eco Retreat - A Place to Forget. Forget the world, kick back and just enjoy the sensation of peace and plenty. We know you enjoy wide views, places to walk and places to read a book. Somewhere you can be you, in a gorgeous Tiny House with B&B, or a Container Cottage, or pitching a tent in a quiet and private spot.    Read and see more...

Valley Vista Eco Retreat
Valley Vista Eco Retreat Tiny House
Valley Vista Eco Retreat
Valley Vista Eco Retreat

 

Auckland
Whatipu Lodge

Whatipu Road (40 minutes west of Auckland)
www.whatipulodge.co.nz
          Phone: 09 811 8860     *** Facebook

Whatipu Lodge was built over 100 years ago and additions have been minimal. There are communal cooking and bathroom facilities but you need to take your own bedding. The lodge is a good option for groups - minimum charge $250 per day. You can also camp from $7.50 per night or stay in Whatipu Bach from $120 per night (discount for mid week stays). Note: The last 7 kms of road to Whatipu Lodge is unsealed and narrow in places, take care. More information about Auckland Council accommodation options.


Friesian Luxury Ensuite Tent - Soft Leaf Farmstay Glamping

Pukekawa

Soft Leaf Farmstay Glamping

268 Mercer Ferry Road
     www.luxuryundercanvas.co.nz          Phone: 027 702 0555      Luxury Under Canvas Facebook
Experience unspoilt natural bush, amazing night skies with no light pollution, abundant wildlife and total relaxation in luxury glamping tents on a working farm in the glorious Waikato, 45 minutes south of Auckland. Perfect for couples, families or small groups.    Read and see more...

Angus Belle Tent - Soft Leaf Farmstay Glamping
Angus Belle Tent Interior - Soft Leaf Farmstay Glamping
Deck of Outdoor Kitchen - Soft Leaf Farmstay Glamping
Outdoor Bath - Friesian Luxury Ensuite Tent

 


Art Break Waihi

Waihi

Art Break Waihi

www.artbreak.co.nz          Phone: 021 0273 8988      Art Break Waihi Facebook      Art Break Waihi Instagram      
Fun and affordable, a painting retreat with a difference - run over two nights in a contemporary bach within a short walk of Waihi’s sandy surf beach. Naomi and Heather, who share years of experience with painting, share their skills and passion for painting using acrylic, water colour and ink.    Read and see more...

Art Break Waihi - Water Colour Class
Art Break Waihi - Acrylics Class
Art Break Waihi - Lunch time
Art Break Waihi - Group of guests (Heather 2nd to left, Naomi far right

 

Earth Dome, Solscape Eco Retreat

Raglan
Solscape Eco Retreat
611 Wainui Road
           www.solscape.co.nz          Phone: 07 825 8268           Solscape Facebook          Instagram

Unusual accommodation at Solscape Eco Retreat includes earth domes, tipis (seasonal) and cabooses. Solscape is an eco conscious property located 6km from Raglan but walking distance to the beach. If you're keen to learn to surf check out the inhouse surf school - SolSurfer. Accommodation rates suit those on a backpacker budget and beyond.

Belle tent interior
Family Tipi
Caboose

 


Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary

Tauranga
Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary
1190 Ohauiti Road, RD 3 (18km from Tauranga i-SITE)
Phone: 07 5443 481

Stay in a bush whare, feed unique sheep and see native birds at Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary. (Note that bookings must be prearranged by email or phone, the sanctuary and glow worm tours are exclusively for guests).


The Old Shearers Quarters, Galatea

Galatea

The Old Shearers Quarters

3848 Galatea Road
     www.theoldshearersquarters.co.nz          Phone: 021 131 7867

Built in the 1960s, the shearers quarters was designed to house the shearing gangs that would come to shear sheep on the part dairy, part dry stock farm in Galatea. The Old Shearers Quarters has since been renovated to provide guests with all the modern comforts whilst maintaining its original character. The bright and airy living space encompasses a kitchen, dining and living area and has picturesque views of the mountains and dairy farm.    Read and see more...

The Old Shearers Quarters, Galatea - Living/Lounge Area
The Old Shearers Quarters, Bedroom
The Old Shearers Quarters, Galatea - Kitchen/Living Area
The Old Shearers Quarters, Galatea - Trout Fishing

 


Bushaven

Opotiki

Bushaven

Te Waiti Stream Road, Urutawa Reserve, Opotiki
     www.bushaven.co.nz      Phone: 07 929 7564     BushavenFacebook           Bushaven Brochure

Bushaven is set alongside Te Waiti stream, the modest accommodation options include the self contained Love Shack, and a small camp ground. Te Waiti track is on the door step and is suitable for walkers and mountain bikers, Bushaven run a shuttle to other tracks including Motu Trails Cycleway.    Read and see more...

Bushaven - Te Waiti Stream
Bushaven - Love Shack
Mountain bikers about to depart on their Pakihi Track adventures from Bushaven

 


Morere Hot Springs Lodge

Morere
Morere Hot Springs Lodge
Phone: 06 837 8824

Morere Hot Springs Lodge offers the following accommodation options - The Lodge, a historic farm house with spacious lounge, large kitchen and two bathrooms, sleeps up to 11; Two self contained cabins – sleeps up to three; A two bedroom cottage – sleeps up to four. Take a bush walk through the forest or join a guided walk at night to see glow worms. Morere Hot Springs are nearby


The Lighthouse


Wellington
The Lighthouse & The Keep
326 The Esplanade, Island Bay & Houghton Bay
Phone: 04 472 4177

Be a lighthouse keeper for the day or hide away in The Keep (stone tower) in Houghton Bay. Self contained accommodation including breakfast provisions from $200 week days, $230 Friday and Saturday nights. Without breakfast - week days $170, Friday & Saturday $200.


Hairy Hobbit Eco Cottage

Motueka

Hairy Hobbit Eco Cottage

276 Brooklyn Valley Road, RD3
     http://www.hairyhobbitcottage.co.nz/          Phone: 021 2368524      Hairy Hobbit Facebook

Nestled in the Brooklyn Valley hills overlooking Tasman Bay, Hairy Hobbit Eco Cottage is modern and self-contained. The cottage offers a peaceful retreat in 70 acres of native bush, bursting with birdlife and with fantastic views over the bay. The cottage lies between Motueka and the beaches of Kaiteriteri. Ideal for day trips to Nelson or Golden Bay or to visit the huge scenery of the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks.   Read and see more...

Hairy Hobbit Eco Cottage - kitchen
Hairy Hobbit Eco Lodge - kitchen and fire place
Hairy Hobbit Eco Cottage

 


The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge - Hot Tub

Motueka

The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge

574 Riwaka Valley Road
     www.resurgence.co.nz          Phone: 03 528 4664      The Resurgence Facebook      The Resurgence Tripadvisor Reviews
Voted 'one of the world's 25 best luxury eco-lodges' by National Geographic Traveler. Close to Abel Tasman National Park for kayaking, hiking, boat trips and eco tours, with easy day trips to Golden Bay, Kahurangi National Park or Nelson art studios, wineries and cycle trails. Select Boutique Lodge Rooms on half-board, or unique self-contained Bush Suites (self-cater or with dinner).    Read and see more...

The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge - Bath
The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge - Bush Chalet
The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge - Bush Chalet interior
The Resurgence Luxury Eco Lodge - Pool

 


Golden Bay Hideaway,

Golden Bay
Golden Bay Hideaway
220 McShane Road, Wainui Bay
Phone: 03 525 7184

Golden Bay Hideaway has four accommodation options - a restored house truck set in a private bush location with an outdoor bath; two environmentally conscious houses - Little Greenie and Kiwi Greenie; and the Hippie House which was started by some of the original 'Hippies' in Golden Bay and has been completed and restored. House truck stay from $150 per night, discounts for longer stays.


Beaconstone Eco Lodge

Westport
Beaconstone Eco Lodge
17kms south of Westport on State Highway 6
Phone: 027 431 0491

The development of Beaconstone Eco Lodge has been a labour of love and it will be appreciated by those who like their accommodation to have a minimal impact on the environment. The property is solar powered, has composting toilets (loos with views) and rainfall is the water supply. From $27 per night. *Beaconstone is open August - April.*


Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage

Greymouth

Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage

15 minutes south of Greymouth
     www.airbnb.co.nz          Phone: 027 222 9064      Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage Facebook
Built in 1907 and crashed at Moana in 1963, Te Pahika guards van has been sympathetically restored into a unique accommodation experience which includes a purpose built ‘station’ housing a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and rustic outdoor soaking bath. If you are looking for somewhere a little quirky and different to stay, in a quiet and peaceful location where you are surrounded by native bush, can enjoy the setting sun, star gazing on a clear night and wake up to bird song, you won’t be disappointed.    Read and see more...

Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage
Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage
Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage
Te Pahika Guards Van/Train Carriage - kitchen

 

Te Nikau

Punakaiki
Te Nikau Retreat Backpackers & Self Contained Accommodation
19 Hartmount Place, Punakaiki
Phone: 03 731 1111

Hide away in the rainforest at Te Nikau Retreat in the Stargazer - a rustic wooden hut with a partial glass roof, from $51 double. You can also pitch your tent or stay in one of the lodges or small cabins. Muffins and bread are baked daily and are for sale. (Te Nikau is located 3kms north of Pancake Rocks).

Kahutara PurePod on a hot summers evening

Kaikoura

Kahutara PurePod

     www.purepods.com          PurePods Facebook      PurePods Instagram      PurePods Twitter     Kahutara PurePod Tripadvisor Reviews

The Kahutara PurePod is 20 minutes inland from Kaikoura, perched high above the Kahutara river. A beautifully romantic getaway in a luxurious glass cabin, where at night you can stargaze through the glass ceiling and by day immerse yourself in the views of the landscape – even the floor is glass!    Read and see more...

 


Hapuku Lodge

Kaikoura
Hapuku Lodge
12 kilometres north of Kaikoura
Phone: 0800 KAIKOURA

At Hapuku Lodge you can camp out in style in a tree house built 10 metres above the ground in a canopy of Manuka. Walk through the olive orchard or follow the track through native bush to the beach. Luxury five star accommodation at five star prices.

Hapuku Carriages

Kaikoura

Hapuku Carriages

3 Hapuku Road, Hapuku
www.hapukucarriages.co.nz          Phone: 03 319 6963     Hapuku Carriages Facebook      www.booking.com     Hapuku Carriages Tripadvisor Reviews

Hapuku Carriages is a uniquely Kiwi Bed & Breakfast in the Hapuku settlement, a few minutes drive from Kaikoura. Spend the night in a beautifully restored railway carriage with the Kaikoura ranges in the background and a peaceful beach across the road.    Read & see more...

Hapuku Carriages
Hapuku Carriages
Hapuku Carriages

The Factory

Kaikoura

The Factory

5 Hapuku Road, Hapuku
     www.hapukufactory.com      Phone: 03 319 3034     The Factory Facebook      The Factory Tripadvisor Reviews
The Factory is just north of Kaikoura and offers luxury accommodation in an old dairy factory with dramatic views of snow-covered mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. In a separate wing of the building, the exclusive, self-contained accommodation has three king bedrooms and a bathroom with open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge.    Read and see more...

The Factory
The Factory
The Factory
The Factory

 

Korimako PurePod - early morning views from the deck

Greta Valley

Korimako PurePod

     www.purepods.com          PurePods Facebook      PurePods Instagram      PurePods Twitter     

The Korimako PurePod is 90 minutes north-east from Christchurch, on an historic Greta Valley sheep farm, nestled amongst native bush filled with bird song and with sea views across to Motonau Island. A beautifully romantic getaway in a luxurious glass cabin, where at night you can stargaze through the glass ceiling and by day immerse yourself in the views of the landscape – even the floor is glass!   Read and see more...

 


Little River Campground

Little River
Little River Campground
287 Okuti Valley Road
www.littlerivercampground.co.nz          Phone: 03 325 1014

A tipee is often used as the communal lounge at Little River Campground, and the Love Shack cabin is lit by candles only. Loos are long drops and facilities are described as rustic, it sounds like camping as it used to be, reviewers rate their experience well. You can visit just for the day in the warmer months and ride the Scary Slippery Slides (see Facebook for photos). Camp from $15pp, cabins from $75 per night.


Gunn's Camp

Te Anau

Gunn's Camp

Hollyford Valley
Te Anau
     www.gunnscamp.org.nz     Gunn's Camp Tripadvisor Reviews

Get away from it all at Gunn's Camp - there is no phone coverage or wi-fi, but a generator provides electricity in the evenings and mornings. Some cabins date from the late 1930's when they housed men working on a roading project. There is a modern communal kitchen with gas cookers but you need to take your own crockery etc.    Read and see more...

Gunn's Camp
Gunn's Camp
Gunn's Camp