Discover nooks of the North Island that will make you never want to leave. From cabins nestled in breathtaking valleys to retreats perched on the edge of the coast, these are the escapes that capture the essence of a Kiwi getaway, with no comprise on comfort and luxury. Arrive at your stay in an ATV, listen to native birdsong from your treehouse or lap up the most incredible sunset from an outdoor bath. Special, unique touches make these North Island places to stay bucket-list locations. Experience a getaway that doesn’t require a full itinerary of activities – the main event is the accommodation.
From retreats in Northland to perfect escapes on the Kāpiti Coast, these unique stays across the North Island showcase some of the best scenery in New Zealand.
1. Ripples Retreat
Even better than the photos, Ripples Retreat is a soul-soothing escape where nature meets luxury. Nestled beside a private river, each hand-built cabin blends comfort with sustainability, crafted from upcycled materials and surrounded by birdsong, dark skies, and dreamy views. Soak in a private outdoor bath, stargaze in silence, or explore the farm’s tracks, kayaks, and swimming in the river. Families, couples, and older kids love the mix of pampering and adventure. Book 4+ nights for a free farm tour, and receive an exclusive 14-day North Island itinerary to make this magical stay part of something unforgettable.
2. Tunapo Escape
A shortcut to stillness, just minutes from the main route in and out of Wellington. Set high on a coastal ridge on a fourth-generation working farm, Tunapo Escape is a luxury off-grid hideaway for adults only, with complete privacy, big skies, and sweeping views out to D’Urville Island, Kapiti Island, and even Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu on a clear day. From the oversized swing to the outdoor bath with a front-row seat to the sunset, everything here is designed to help you slow down and unwind. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including quality furnishings, a fully equipped kitchen, and all-day sun. Add on a chef-prepared dinner or picnic basket and explore the coastline just beyond the doorstep.
3. Te Awa Glamping
Taumarunui, Manawatu-Whanganui
Relaxation and recreation combine at this riverside haven. Te Awa Glamping is more than glamping; it’s an immersive experience. Set on a working family farm, this proudly Kiwi escape connects you to the land, the river, and the rhythms of rural life. Lean into its unique features – arrive by jet boat, canoe, road, or even air and settle into a custom-built, off-grid tent. Nestled beside the Whanganui River, you’ll have direct access to fish, swim, kayak, or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. Explore adventures like jet boating, bike trails, or a trip to the Tongariro National Park just 40 minutes away. This is Taumarunui’s only luxury stay, offering rare comfort, rugged beauty, and space to truly escape.
4. Kapia Lodge, Henare
Perched on the cliffs of Pouto in Northland, Kapia Lodge offers a private, romantic retreat with sweeping views across Kaipara Harbour. Soak in the hot tub under a sky full of stars, unwind on the deck with a glass of wine, or curl up indoors for a cosy escape. Adventure awaits with nearby coastal horse treks, the towering Pouto sand dunes, and the iconic lighthouse walk. There are three lodges on the property, each with its own entrance, planting for privacy, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s luxury pared back to what matters; serenity, comfort, and connection to nature.
5. Te Kouma Heights Glamping
Te Kouma Heights Glamping offers a private hilltop escape with sweeping views of the Te Kouma Harbour, Waiheke Island and beyond. Tucked just five minutes from Coromandel Town, this safari-style stay blends rugged charm with refined comfort. Arrive to unbelievable views that set the scene for a unique experience. Park your car and self-drive the ATV, winding through farmland to a beautifully appointed tent complete with a king-size bed, wood fire, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Soak in twin outdoor baths as the sun dips below the horizon, shower under the open sky, or toast marshmallows beside the brazier. With 180-degree ocean views from nearly every angle, this North Island retreat is perfect for those craving serenity, luxury, and a dash of adventure.
6. Rekindle Treehouses
Experience a remarkable stay in the heart of the Opua native bush in the Bay of Islands. This treehouse escape offers peace, quiet and utter privacy for guests to truly ‘relax, renew and rekindle’. Set across four acres of lush native forest, Rekindle Treehouses is a place where nature does the talking. A short bush track leads through the property and connects to the Opua cycle trail and marina, perfect for a gentle stroll or ride. Inside your treehouse, you’ll find cosy comfort, with a window seat and deck offering the perfect vantage points to take in the forest surrounds. While it feels worlds away, Paihia’s shops, restaurants, and island adventures are just a 5-minute drive away, making this the perfect base to enjoy the best of both worlds.
7. Escarpment Domes
Escape to the coast at Escarpment Domes, where off-grid luxury meets purpose-driven travel. Perched above Pukerua Bay with panoramic views of Kāpiti Island, these four architecturally designed domes (three private, one communal) offer stylish comfort complete with kitchenettes, outdoor baths, and ensuite bathrooms. Every stay supports native forest regeneration and biodiversity, with nearly 2,500 trees already planted. Through curated art installations and audio storytelling tied to the land, guests are invited to slow down, reflect, and connect. Whether it’s soaking in the views or exploring the creative expressions woven throughout the site, this is a stay that feels good, inside and out.
8. Kingsbury Cottage
Kingsbury Cottage is an off-grid farm escape in the heart of rural Waikato, offering peace, simplicity, and a slower pace. Crafted using repurposed kauri from the farm, the interiors are warm and character-filled, with exposed beams, a hand-built kitchen, and a fireplace nook perfect for cooler nights. Guests are welcomed with unpasteurised milk from the farm’s cows or sheep, fresh eggs from pasture-raised chickens, and the kind of heartfelt hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home. Soak in the outdoor bathtub under the sky, listen to birdsong, and unwind in total tranquility, just a short drive from Hamilton or Auckland.
9. The Mahaanui River Cabin Retreat
The road to Mahaanui winds through Gisborne’s rugged hill country, building anticipation for a stay that feels truly special. At its heart is the Mahaanui River Cabin Retreat, a private, off-grid haven made for two, nestled beside a gentle river and framed by rolling farmland and native bush. This is joy in its purest form. Swim in the river, stargaze from the outdoor bath, and wake to the glow of the East Coast’s famous sunrise. Spend your days completely at ease, or join your hosts for authentic farm experiences from feeding animals and exploring walking tracks to beekeeping, eeling, or helping out on the land.
10. Ridgeview Forest Retreat
Te Henga (Bethells) Beach, Auckland
Hidden deep in the lush, untamed wilderness of Auckland’s wild west coast, Ridgeview Forest Retreat delivers a spellbinding escape in the heart of the Waitākere Ranges. This award-winning tiny home by Shayes Tiny Homes is cleverly designed to feel surprisingly spacious, warm, and inviting. Guests are welcomed by birdsong and a sense of serenity that sets in the moment you arrive. Curl up in front of the fireplace or on the covered deck, unwind in the hot tub under dazzling night skies, and spot glow worms twinkling in the nearby rock face. It’s a magical escape, with Tui, Kererū, Ruru, and Pīwakawaka as your neighbours.
11. Underhill Valley
Straight out of a fairytale, Underhill Valley is a hidden escape tucked among the rolling green hills of the Waikato. Built into the hillside with timber and iron, its rustic charm and whimsical setting immediately transport you somewhere magical. What began some time ago as a secret getaway on the family farm, is now an enchanting destination welcoming travellers from all corners of the world to retreat & relax. From the peaceful pond to the surrounding farmland, everything adds to its quiet, storybook atmosphere. Inside, earthy textures meet comfort, with plush linen, a cosy bed, and glowing candlelight. Unwind in the outdoor bath, feast under the stars, and settle into a slower pace. Private, mysterious, and utterly memorable, this is a stay to treasure on any North Island getaway.
12. The Huts
Find everything you’re looking for in a North Island escape, warm salty air, uninterrupted views over Shipwreck Bay and 90 Mile Beach, and earthy, grounding shelter in one of the region’s most unique stays. The Huts offer a stripped-back, elevated experience where calming natural interiors are paired with thoughtful touches of luxury. Whether you’re soaking in the scenery from the private decks or waking up to the horizon from your cosy bed, the connection to the coastal landscape is ever-present. Choose between two distinct huts, each with their own feel, and settle into slow mornings with a well-stocked breakfast pantry filled with local, organic produce. Whether you’re chasing waves or craving stillness, The Huts deliver seclusion, soul, and simplicity.
Looking for more unique stays across New Zealand? Check out our list of 12 of the Best Unique Stays in the South Island here.
This article was created in paid partnership with Rekindle Treehouses, Tunapo Escape, Henare, Te Awa Glamping, Ripples Retreat, Te Kouma Heights Glamping, Escarpment Domes, Kingsbury Cottage, Mahaanui, The Huts, Underhill Valley & Ridgeview Forest Retreat.
Cover Image: Escarpment Domes
