Āta Retreat

Whangārei, Northland

Āta Retreat is 30 minutes drive from Whangarēi and just under 2 hours from Auckland City.

Āta is set on a small ridgeline amongst hundreds of hectares of steep native bush-clad hills and gullies. Surrounded by lush tropical plantings, there's a stunning panoramic view of native bush, Maunga Manaia, Te Whara and Ruakākā Beach.

The accommodation is made up of two 10m2 cabins, joined by a covered deck. The first cabin is dedicated to lounging complete with a loft with piles of books, cushions and space for yoga. The other cabin contains a queen-sized bed.

In between the two cabins is a covered, semi-outdoor kitchen. A totara bar leaner and stools are the perfect place to eat alfresco and soak up the views.

Within 2-3 metres of the cabins, there is a bathroom hut - and a separate extra-long outdoor cast-iron bath, set amongst native and subtropical plantings.

The bush on the property is pristine and in some parts, ancient. There are a number of stands of kauri, with a few around 1,000 years old. You'll see and hear many varieties of birdlife as they pass through the canopy or stop for a while. The local bird population is thriving and the resident tūī and ruru will almost always respond if you give them a call!

There are two spring-fed creeks on the property, where you'll see Kōura and tuna, waterfalls and swimming holes.

A stay at Āta Retreat is food for the soul... a modern sanctuary, with the bush, the birds, and the ever-changing views. It's cool and shady... it's warm and cozy... it's close if you want to be close, but it's far enough away to really be away.

This is a place where people can step out of their busy world, slow down, take nature in and reset... A place to consider and to be thoughtful.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

The kitchen is located between cabins on a covered deck with roll-down gauze blinds on each end for protection from the weather. There is a small fridge, induction plate and sink with endless hot and cold filtered water. You'll find all the pots, cutlery and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating.

There is also gas BBQ grill and an open fire with BBQ grill.

Some pantry basics are provided - teas, Nespresso and plunger coffee, salt, pepper and olive oil.

All water is captured from rainfall and is filtered and safe to drink from all taps. Please be mindful of water usage - especially over summer months.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**2.1** If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. **2.2** Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process. **2.3** If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment. **2.4** If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

**3.1** Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. **3.2** Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged. **3.3** Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. **3.4** Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: - **Road closure**. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by [Waka Kotahi](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. - **Metservice RED Weather Warning.** If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the [Metservice](https://www.metservice.com/) has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. - **Natural disasters in New Zealand.** Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

**4.1** Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as: (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest. (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property. (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. **4.2** Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.

**5.1** Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. **5.3** To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay.

**9.1** Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. **9.2** You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. **9.4** You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. **9.5** You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. **9.8**The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted. **9.9**You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.

If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.

To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes. If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking. Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.

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

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

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

“ Fantastic host in a beautiful location. ”

Cara Barron- 2025-01-18

20 / 20

“ We were blown away with this sanctuary. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Ian and he had the fire blazing, jug boiled ready for a cuppa, and gave us the rundown of the place, and showed us the walks on the property. This place is absolutely stunning, and the pictures really don’t do it justice! Little nooks in the cabins, outdoor bath, cooking on the roaring fire under the stars, super comfy warm bed, and the nice homely touches around the place, what more could you ask for. Āta Retreat really is a magical place, and you can see all the hard work Ian and his whānau have put into the place. Will definitely be back in the future to see all the native trees and rare species once they are established! Once back in the real world, we didn’t realise how much we needed that break! 10/10 stay, thank you so much for having us. We had such a relaxing time away from technology and the hustle bustle. ”

Tiana Matthews- 2026-05-11

1 / 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

2 / 20

“ Great facilities and friendly hosts. ”

David Gribble- 2026-02-19

3 / 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

4 / 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

5 / 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

6 / 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

7 / 20

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

John And Naomi King- 2025-10-29

8 / 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

9 / 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

10 / 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

11 / 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

12 / 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

13 / 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

14 / 20

“ It was beautiful. ”

Tracy Dahlberg- 2025-05-26

15 / 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

16 / 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

17 / 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

18 / 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

19 / 20

“ Fantastic host in a beautiful location. ”

Cara Barron- 2025-01-18

20 / 20

Tiana Matthews- 2026-05-11

1 / 20

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Āta Retreat

GETTING THERE

FAQS

RATES AND EXTRAS

BOOKING TERMS

ADDRESS

DIRECTIONS

EATING AND DRINKING

THINGS TO DO

YOUR HOSTS

TESTIMONIALS

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