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Āta Retreat

Northland


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Āta is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook your meals using the facilities provided in the outdoor kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, there are plenty of good options for eating out in the local area. Your hosts recommend The Cove Cafe or The Pizza Barn in Waipu.

Āta is approximately 3.5kms away from a 4Square and 5kms from the nearest Fresh Choice supermarket in Ruakākā.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

With serene views, a good range of books, board games and an outdoor bath, there is plenty to keep you entertained at the cabins. For those that like a little gentle activity - check out the bushwalking and swimming on the property too.

If you're keen to get out and about, the Northland region has plenty to offer.

The Waipu caves are a 10-minute drive away - with stalagmites, stalactites and glow worms.

Check out the Red Door Art Gallery in Waipu and the Waipu Museum.

Enjoy a picnic on the hill at the Southern end of Waipu Cove. There's a popular coastal walk from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach if you fancy some exercise.

White-sand beach, Ruakākā Beach is an 8-minute drive away - beautiful for swimming and soaking up the Northland sun.

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Ian Pritchard and Muriel Willem along with children, Zoë and Fleur are your hosts at Āta Retreat.

Ian and Muriel have owned the land since 2015 and had their home and cabins built in 2017.

The whānau love the land and what it offers them. The peace, the sounds of nature, the ever-changing light, the feeling of being nestled into the bush while still having amazing views. They enjoy being close to amenities, cafes, restaurants etc, but also being away from the hustle and bustle.

Ian has a background in education, management, governance, facilitation, arts education, media, hospitality and mental health/wellbeing support.

He assists Muriel with her thriving company, New Focus NZ, where they offer holistic support for their clients - providing pathways to wellbeing, training and employment.

Muriel also has a background in education and specialist career guidance and enjoys supporting people of all ages, businesses and organisations to meet their full potential.

Āta is a Maori concept for consciously taking time to honour and action our closer relationship with all living things.

In providing this opportunity to include nature in our business, we acknowledge our (and our guests) impact on this ecosystem. We are very happy to give back via our contribution to local and national community-led planting, trapping and preservation initiatives.

Currently, we are leading the development of the Kukunui / Prescott Rd / Waiwarawara River Catchment Group and we hope to establish a place that reflects a thriving, diverse ecosystem.

You are most welcome to ask more about our local community environmental projects. Your interest, support and feedback are appreciated.

TESTIMONIALS

“ My partner and I hadn't had the opportunity to take a break from the busyness of life. When we finally had some time, we found Ata Retreat. However, we were truly amazed on arrival, making us so glad we chose to stay there. If the opportunity arises again, we will definitely be booking there again! ”

Dylan Allison- 2024-11-29

20 / 20

“ A wonderful relaxing place to stay. Lovely friendly hosts with fantastic pre-arrival communication, including having the outside fire lit for your arrival. It has all the amenities that you could think of. Everything is clean and such thought is taken to ensure all areas are comfortable. Close to Ruakaka and Waipu. We will definitely be back. ”

Linda Jamieson- 2026-03-03

1 / 20

“ Great facilities and friendly hosts. ”

David Gribble- 2026-02-19

2 / 20

“ We had a wonderful weekend at Ata Retreat, nestled in the native bush and lush gardens. Ian welcomed us and explained everything, then left us to our weekend. The walk to the creek was beautiful, and the outdoor bath was such a treat. We would definitely recommend a stay here. ”

Phil Oliver- 2026-02-16

3 / 20

“ This was a beautiful and relaxing spot with lots of great beaches nearby, caves to explore and picturesque coastal walks. Wish we could have stayed longer. ”

Nicky Smithies- 2026-02-06

4 / 20

“ Ian & Muriel were very welcoming upon our arrival, and we felt very cared for during our stay. The space was well looked after, and we could tell how much thought & care went into creating & maintaining a space for all to enjoy. If we, or any of our whānau, are looking for accommodation in Ruakākā, we will let them know to consider Āta Retreat as a home away from home. ”

Shauna Crosbee Wilson- 2026-01-09

5 / 20

“ Ian is an artist and his medium of choice is gardens and design. The cabins are so cute and well decorated, with thoughtful touches everywhere, like blankets on all the easy chairs for snuggling up in, chocolates, and marshmallows for toasting. Where other accommodations usually slightly disappoint in real life compared to the description and photos, this one exceeded them. We used the outdoor bath, cooked on the grill over the open fire, and even when the weather turned bad and we had to wind down the wind covers between the cabins, we loved it! ”

Helen Paul- 2026-01-04

6 / 20

“ This is a magical spot and we would return in a heart beat. ”

John And Naomi King- 2025-10-29

7 / 20

“ Thanks to Ian and Muriel for creating this beautiful paradise in the world. Good for escaping the city, very relaxing and close to nature. Recommend staying at least three days. We will come back there for sure. ”

Lin Deng- 2025-10-27

8 / 20

“ Beautiful cabins and outdoor area, lots of attention to detail and special touches. The hosts were so friendly and lovely. Especially loved the fireplace and the bath. We had a really relaxing stay! ”

Kim Collard- 2025-10-14

9 / 20

“ Second time staying here. Hosts are fantastic. Beautiful, relaxing, and private setting. Everything at Ata Retreat is thoughtfully prepared, not just the essentials but a number of delightful surprises that add to the experience. Waiting for us were little touches that made the difference, like chocolates, fresh fruit, fresh milk, and butter, the kind of things that make you feel instantly at home. Balances comfort, nature, and hospitality so perfectly, this place delivers. ”

Scott Gosnell- 2025-09-15

10 / 20

“ Lovely host, with such attention to detail with welcome snacks and juices on arrival. Loved the outdoor setting with the couch and fireplace amongst the native and exotic plantings. ”

Trisha House- 2025-08-26

11 / 20

“ We had a fantastic weekend at Āta Retreat. The rooms were cosy and the outdoor area was nicely laid out. Overall a very charming little retreat. The lofts in the top of the cabins were a highlight as were the outdoor fire and the outdoor bath. ”

Benjamin Sinclair- 2025-07-24

12 / 20

“ Āta Retreat was a beautiful spot for a weekend away together. It’s secluded and private enough to be intimate, but handy enough to anything that you need. Ian was a great host and made us feel super welcome. ”

Sam Dobson- 2025-07-08

13 / 20

“ It was beautiful. ”

Tracy Dahlberg- 2025-05-26

14 / 20

“ Beautifully restful stay. Hosts Ian and Muriel had thought of everything. Also loved nearby walks and beaches, a great getaway. ”

Kelly Dickson- 2025-05-12

15 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at Āta Retreat. The facilities are just gorgeous, and there are so many beautiful, personal touches. The night we arrived, it was raining, but it was still so pleasant sitting in the covered outdoor area in between the cabins. Ian was super lovely and very helpful, and the surroundings are gorgeous. No detail has been missed, even down to the hot chocolate and marshmallows. Such a nice, relaxing getaway, we loved our stay and couldn't recommend it enough! ”

Sofia da Silva- 2025-04-07

16 / 20

“ We had the best time at Āta Retreat. The property and cabins were gorgeous, cosy, clean, and well-stocked. We had everything we needed, and the hosts even supplied fresh fruit, onion, garlic, and herbs free of charge. Plus, marshmallows and hot cocoa for cosy nights by the fire! The high-quality speaker, a ukulele to play and enjoy, board games, books, and nature walks on the property were all so enjoyable we hardly wanted to step off the grounds. The thoughtfulness and care that the hosts put into this accommodation are unmatched. All we can say is wow! ”

Samantha Maza- 2025-01-22

17 / 20

“ Wonderful time in this property, which is a beautiful setting amongst native bush surrounds. Very peaceful. Excellent place with warm, welcoming hosts. ”

Diane Mimilo- 2025-01-19

18 / 20

“ Fantastic host in a beautiful location. ”

Cara Barron- 2025-01-18

19 / 20

“ My partner and I hadn't had the opportunity to take a break from the busyness of life. When we finally had some time, we found Ata Retreat. However, we were truly amazed on arrival, making us so glad we chose to stay there. If the opportunity arises again, we will definitely be booking there again! ”

Dylan Allison- 2024-11-29

20 / 20

“ A wonderful relaxing place to stay. Lovely friendly hosts with fantastic pre-arrival communication, including having the outside fire lit for your arrival. It has all the amenities that you could think of. Everything is clean and such thought is taken to ensure all areas are comfortable. Close to Ruakaka and Waipu. We will definitely be back. ”

Linda Jamieson- 2026-03-03

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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