The warmer months are almost here. That means it’s time to start plotting those spring and summer weekends away! And if you’re looking for somewhere a little more special than your standard hotel, we’ve got you.
We’ve teamed up with Canopy Camping to bring you 10 of the best places to stay in New Zealand’s North Island, from cosy cabins in nature to beautiful glamping and secluded escapes made for switching off. Consider your next few weekends away sorted.
Elevate Escape, Bay of Islands
Perched high above the Bay of Islands, just 15 minutes from Russell, Elevate Escape is all about the view, stretching across vineyards, native bush, islands and ocean. The luxurious cabin sleeps two and comes with plenty of special touches, including an outdoor bath on the ridge, a double shower with floor-to-ceiling views and a queen bed that can be rolled onto the deck for sleeping under the stars. Spend your days exploring nearby beaches and historic Russell, or simply stay put, soak in the scenery and listen for kiwi calling in the surrounding bush.
Cottle Hill Creek, Kerikeri
For something a little different, Cottle Hill Creek is home to The Ark, a floating houseboat tucked into a private lake on a 16-acre farmlet just five minutes from Kerikeri. The cosy stay has a queen bed tucked into the loft, a wood burner and its own wharf shaded by a willow tree. You can row or kayak across the lake, wander the property and meet the resident goats, sheep, pigs, horses and chickens, then light the outdoor fire pit and settle in for an evening surrounded by birdsong and nature.
Skyhut, Helensville
Just outside of Auckland, Skyhut feels much further away, tucked among native trees with views across farmland, pine forests and out towards the Kaipara Harbour. The cosy macrocarpa hut sleeps two, with skylights above the bed made for stargazing and a deep stone outdoor bath for soaking with a glass of wine. There’s plenty to keep you happily tucked away, from vinyl and board games to slow mornings on the deck, while Muriwai Beach, regional park walks, wineries and swimming spots are all within easy reach.
Blackjack Cabin, Otama Beach, Coromandel
Beach lovers, this one’s for you. Set on a hillside above native bush and sand dunes, Blackjack Cabin is just a minute’s walk from the white sands of Otama Beach. The two-storey cabin makes the most of its sweeping ocean views, with a super king bed upstairs and plenty of sunny spaces to relax. The real highlight is the open-air circular stone bath, big enough for two and perfectly positioned for an evening soak. Swim, wander the beach, rinse off under the outdoor shower and settle in for a blissfully slow Coromandel escape.
Koru Kabin, Tairua, Coromandel
Hidden among native bush just 12 minutes from Tairua, Koru Kabin is an off-grid escape with some seriously impressive views. Huge windows look out across the Coromandel landscape towards the Aldermen Islands, Mount Paku and Tairua township, making the scenery part of the stay. Inside, there’s a cosy queen bed, kitchen and wood burner, while outside a spacious deck and sunken bath are waiting for a long soak. Wake for the sunrise, spend the day exploring the coast, then settle in and watch the landscape change as evening rolls around.
Heartwood Hollow, Tauranga
Straight from the pages of a storybook, Heartwood Hollow is a magical earth house tucked into a hillside surrounded by mature trees and native bush. Just 20 minutes from Tauranga, the handcrafted hideaway is filled with beautiful details, from its circular entrance and carved timber beams to a handmade recycled tōtara kitchen and cosy wood burner. Outside, twin bathtubs offer a dreamy spot to soak beneath the stars. With a king-size bed, plenty of privacy and beaches and bush walks nearby, this one is made for a romantic escape.
Kārearea Nest, Rotorua
Adventure and relaxation come together at Kārearea Nest, a glassy hideaway perched high in the Rotorua hills above Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park. The cabin has sweeping views across Rotorua, its lakes and Mt Tarawera, best enjoyed from the outdoor bath or hammock on the deck. Inside, there’s a cosy bedroom, kitchen and wood burner for slow evenings in. Mountain bikers have some of the country’s best trails quite literally on their doorstep, while those looking to switch off can simply settle in, listen for native kārearea and soak up the scenery.
The Willows, Napier
Just 10 minutes from Napier, The Willows gives you the best of both worlds, a peaceful hideaway that’s still close to everything Hawke’s Bay has to offer. Two connected yurts sit among native trees beside a crystal-clear eco-pond, which doubles as your own natural swimming hole on warm summer days. There’s also an outdoor hot tub and a covered pergola perched on a little peninsula over the pond, perfect for evening wine and nibbles. When you’re ready to explore, Napier’s wineries, restaurants, markets and Art Deco sights are all within easy reach.
Hawkhill Cottage, Napier
A little taste of Tuscany, just 15 minutes from central Napier. Hawkhill Cottage has a distinctly Mediterranean feel, with terracotta tiles and plaster walls surrounded by lavender, rosemary, olive and cypress trees. Its elevated position brings expansive views across Ahuriri Lagoon towards Napier and the Pacific Ocean, with beautiful sunrises by morning and twinkling city lights after dark. Spend your days exploring Hawke’s Bay’s wineries, beaches and galleries, then retreat to the cottage gardens, where you can pick seasonal fruit and watch the abundant local birdlife.
Joe’s at Glentui, Hawke’s Bay
Travelling with friends or the whole family? Joe’s at Glentui is made for a group getaway, with two modern, minimalist cabins sleeping up to eight among peaceful forest surrounds. Large folding glass doors open the main cabin to the outdoors, where you’ll find a spacious lawn, twin outdoor baths, an open-air shower and a large outdoor fireplace made for long evenings together. There are indoor and outdoor kitchens for shared meals, plus farm walks to explore when you feel like stretching your legs. It’s an easygoing Hawke’s Bay escape with plenty of room to settle in and stay awhile.