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Awatuna Yurt

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Awatuna Yurt

Whangārei, Northland


Awatuna Yurt is located on the beautiful Tutukaka coastline, about a 40-minute drive from Whangārei.

The yurt is located 100m from the road on a pretty corner of the 25-acre property. It's set near a stream, amongst mature Totara trees. Decking and boardwalks connect the kitchen, bathhouse and outdoor bath.

The interior of the yurt is stylish and restful. The timber latticework and creamy canvas cocooning its inhabitants ignite a warm glow feeling. The king-sized bed, along with a sofa, armchair and large jute rug create a spacious and comfortable sleeping and living space.

From the yurt, you'll hear the trickle of water over rocks from the pretty stream nearby, fringed by native bush and inhabited by tame and treasured tuna kuwharuwharu (long-fin eels). Rest in the shade of the Totaras, listen to the birds and enjoy the gentle breeze coming down the valley. And when you're ready, head to the beach. Beautiful, pohutukawa-fringed, Sandy Bay Beach is just an easy 10-minute walk away.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

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

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, your hosts recommend Schnappa Rock Cafe and Wahi Restaurant in Tutukaka, a 15-minute drive away. Whangārei is a 40-minute drive away and also has lots of good eating-out options.

The nearest supermarket is in Whangārei.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

A stay at Awatuna Yurt is a chance to kick back, relax and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy an outdoor bath, visit the tame eels in the nearby stream or battle it out over a board game.

Private yoga and sound healing sessions with Sharon are available to book during your stay. It's a beautiful way to connect with the peaceful forest surroundings. For more details, click the 'Rates and Extras' button.

If you're feeling energetic, enjoy walking one of the many coastal tracks on or near the property. A walk from your yurt, in the valley, to the top of the hill, will offer expansive views of the coast and sunset to the west.

On a hot day, hit the beach - just an 800m walk from the yurt. If you're keen to try surfing, lessons and board hire are available at Sandy Bay Beach.

If you'd like to try some watersports beyond surfing, game fishing, SUP hire and scuba diving or snorkelling are all on offer in nearby Tutukaka.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Kiley, Dylan Pullman and children Paige and Sonny are your hosts at Awatuna Yurt, along with 8 horses and 5 dogs - Syd, Brownie, Bolt, Roxy and Bluey.

Originally, the property was a dairy farm owned by Dylan's Grandparents and Great Grandparents. Kiley and Dylan and their children are the 4th and 5th generations to live on the land.

Over the last 11 years, Kiley and Dylan have been reestablishing the native trees and plants that once would have covered the property. Of particular pride to the family are the kuwharuwharu tuna (long-fin eels) that thrive in their valley. They're an ancient species who have lived in the stream on the property for over 20 years. They are very much cherished and protected by the family who regards them as pets.

Kiley's day job is her business, Sandy Bay Horse Treks, and Dylan works in landscaping contracting. They love their beach locality, the beauty and the warm climate of their Northalnd location.

Setting up glamping on their land has been a dream for a long time and they look forward to welcoming you to enjoy it!

Awatuna translates as 'eel stream' in Maori.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Awatuna Yurt is truly a lovely place to spend time. We had plans to go places but ended up lounging around on the lawn and reading instead because we didn’t want to leave! ”

Dylan Ward- 2025-01-14

20 / 20

“ Very relaxing stay beside a stream and native bush. The facilities where excellent would highly recommend a stay. ”

Janet Summerville- 2026-04-17

1 / 20

“ Awatuna Yurt, in my opinion, surpasses many 5‑star hotel stays in the country. The hosts have created an incredibly cosy and tranquil atmosphere, with every detail thoughtfully crafted. From the beautifully designed interior layout to the subtle touches of native wood throughout the exterior facilities, everything felt top‑tier. I would genuinely recommend this stay to anyone. ”

Mitchell Watts- 2026-03-02

2 / 20

“ A very special place to stay. The yurt was amazing and the bed was super comfortable. Everything was perfect. ”

Debra Yearsley- 2026-02-26

3 / 20

“ Beautiful quaint spot by the trickling stream with cosy county vibes. All facilities were clean and of great quality. Highly recommend this spot for an idyllic retreat. ”

Hayley Budulis- 2026-02-03

4 / 20

“ The place was a perfect spot to bring in 2026. The setting was fantastic and had all the great touches. Will definitely be back! ”

Michael Allan- 2026-01-08

5 / 20

“ It's hard to leave as one night is not enough to feel the place. But we really had a romantic night and it's close to Sandy Beach. ”

Fatima Paclar- 2026-01-02

6 / 20

“ We loved our stay. It was beautiful, relaxing and had everything we needed. ”

Ingrid Oneill- 2026-01-01

7 / 20

“ No words really. The entire place was just magical. Everything about it including the surrounding bush, the area, was all amazing. I will be back there again, next year hopefully. ”

Jess Smith- 2025-12-17

8 / 20

“ Relaxing space, quirky and well-designed. A beautiful setting. ”

Louisa Cleave- 2025-09-25

9 / 20

“ This venues facilities and location was outstanding. A fantastic weekend! ”

Matt Hockey- 2025-08-05

10 / 20

“ Everything about Awatuna Yurt is perfect. Absolutely loved every moment. Gorgeous, relaxing, peaceful setting, really comfy bed, beautifully designed yurt, restful, surrounded by nature, close by to stunning Sandy Bay. Amazing. Thank you. ”

Davina Birss- 2025-07-01

11 / 20

“ Lovely atmosphere, beautiful setting and environment. ”

Josefine Bennien- 2025-06-23

12 / 20

“ ”

Craig Whatford- 2025-06-15

13 / 20

“ Awesome setup and location. ”

Craig Coyle- 2025-06-03

14 / 20

“ This was our first time staying in a yurt, and the couple that runs the property have done an excellent job thinking about the design and every small detail to make it a positive experience. The yurt itself has a great bed and lovely furniture with a lot of space and cosy touches. The kitchen is well equipped with dishes and cookware, and the bathroom has plenty of hot water. Sitting out in the tub with a drink, looking at the setting sun, was particularly memorable. ”

Laura Ledray- 2025-05-17

15 / 20

“ Great stay. So secluded and relaxing with the stream close by. Highly recommended. ”

Nick Grainger- 2025-05-05

16 / 20

“ It was so worth getting out of the city and relaxing, taking a quiet couple of days to unwind. Beautiful scenery, and an easy booking process. ”

Briar Weaver- 2025-03-12

17 / 20

“ Unforgettable experience. Best spot, definitely stay here! ”

Simon Phillips- 2025-01-22

18 / 20

“ Great location, very secluded, and excellent accommodation. Highly recommend. ”

Peter Miles- 2025-01-19

19 / 20

“ Awatuna Yurt is truly a lovely place to spend time. We had plans to go places but ended up lounging around on the lawn and reading instead because we didn’t want to leave! ”

Dylan Ward- 2025-01-14

20 / 20

“ Very relaxing stay beside a stream and native bush. The facilities where excellent would highly recommend a stay. ”

Janet Summerville- 2026-04-17

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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