Skip to main content
Escape gallery image 1

Kokako Retreat

Escape badge

Kokako Retreat

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty


Kokako Retreat is 35 minutes from Rotorua and 40 minutes from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.

Kokako Retreat is designed as a luxurious, off-grid couples glamping escape. It's made up of three unique curved huts connected by boardwalks, steps and decks. At one end is the bedroom hut, with the kitchen and bathroom hut in the middle, and finally the lounge hut - which can accommodate an extra couple or two children on a fold-out sofa. An outdoor tub on the deck outside the bedroom hut is perfectly positioned to enjoy the stunning sunsets and sunrises from the elevated position.

The huts sit on a hill overlooking native forest and farmland. The native bush to the rear of the hut is rich with wildlife. You'll hear the rare and beautiful notes of the endangered kokako. And at night, if you're lucky, you'll hear the sound of kiwi calling and the sight of the native bats darting through the surrounding forest. The neighbouring DOC reserve has walkways to wander - one taking you down to a pretty waterfall. It's truly magical.

Escape gallery image 19 Escape gallery image 2 Escape gallery image 3 Escape gallery image 4 Escape gallery image 5 Escape gallery image 6 Escape gallery image 7 Escape gallery image 8 Escape gallery image 9 Escape gallery image 10 Escape gallery image 11 Escape gallery image 12 Escape gallery image 13 Escape gallery image 14 Escape gallery image 15 Escape gallery image 16 Escape gallery image 17 Escape gallery image 18 Escape gallery image 19 Escape gallery image 2
Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Kokako Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food (or purchase one of our catering packs) and cook meals using the equipment provided in the cabin kitchen. You'll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils.

If you want a break from cooking and feel like a meal out, Okere Falls Store, a 30-minute drive away, is an eco-friendly cafe offering all-day breakfasts and lunches until 2 pm. It's also a 30-minute drive to Rotorua where there are a number of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Tauranga, 40-minutes away, also has plenty of eating out places to offer.

Ngongotaha is 20 minutes drive away. It has a Foursquare, liquor stores, a doctors surgery and a pharmacy.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

With its outdoor bath and peaceful vistas, Kokako Retreat is perfect for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a walk through the farm and feed the friendly farm animals, mountain bike through the DOC reserve nearby, bird-watch from the hammock or stargaze around the firepit.

If you're planning to explore the local region, Rotorua has it all...The luge, Canopy Tours zip lining, the Redwoods Tree Walk and Polynesian Spa are just some of the things to do during your time here.

Rotorua, with 18 lakes on its doorstep, is also internationally renowned for trout fishing and geothermal activity and award-winning Māori cultural experiences. Check out Te Puia for a world-class geothermal and Māori cultural experience. On their Te Rā (day) experience you’ll see the biggest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere erupt, jumping mud pools, as well as master carvers and weavers at work at the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts institute. Te Puia comes highly recommended by your hosts!

If you're keen to hit the beach, Mt Manganui is about 40 minutes away.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Jo and Dean are your hosts at Kokako Retreat, along with their seven children (some still living at home) and Jo's mum Denise, who lives in her own tiny home on the property. They have four dogs, one cat and five horses who enjoy the rural life with them.

Dean is a manager and Jo is an Occupational Therapist. They brought the land six years ago, after deciding they needed more space for their horses... With more space, came more horses, and more dogs! They love the rural lifestyle it has given them - and enjoy the birds, bats and walks through the neighbouring DOC reserve.

They built their huts after discovering a secluded site on the farm with a beautiful view. They came up with an idea to share the spot with paying guests - and contribute some of the proceeds of the venture to both the DOC Kokako breeding programme and Mental Health Services. They offer two nights a month free to a family that is struggling with mental health to give them a chance to rest and recuperate in a beautiful place.

Kokako Retreat is named for the very special native birds they get to hear and see all the time.

Kokako Retreat has been awarded a Silver Qualmark award from Qualmark - New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance organisation.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Kokako Retreat, you did not disappoint. Very luxurious, the setting and atmosphere were calming and so beautiful. Feeling very relaxed and restored. ”

Stella Misirlakis- 2025-08-20

20 / 20

“ Such a beautiful spot to stay and relax!! Surrounded by bush and bird life! Bedroom and lounge areas were so cosy. We stayed with our four month old son and they kindly set up a portacot for us, as well as gifting us some yummy homemade bread! Such a treat! Would definitely recommend staying here! ”

Olivia Barchard- 2026-05-22

1 / 20

“ Amazing little spot hidden away from the busy spots, but not too far away. Comfortable spaces and amazing outlook. ”

Michael Connon- 2026-04-19

2 / 20

“ Lovely place with a beautiful setting. ”

Donna Walker- 2026-04-09

3 / 20

“ Our expectations were blown away. You really can’t appreciate the beauty until you experience it firsthand. We were also lucky enough to recognise a male kiwi call last night, which made our time at Kokako Retreat even more special. ”

Elissa Pollard- 2026-03-06

4 / 20

“ Wicked spot, very relaxing weekend was had. Well-equipped place and responsive host. Would highly recommend! ”

Zoe Harvey-White- 2026-02-16

5 / 20

“ Kokako Retreat is one of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed. Immaculately clean, every comfort you could wish for and just the best place to relax and get away from it all. And hearing Kokako in the Kaharoa forest opposite was amazing. ”

Karen Ward- 2026-02-12

6 / 20

“ We wished we had booked for longer. The retreat was set in the most scenic, peaceful spot we have ever travelled to. The spaces were beautifully furnished and all highly functional, making our stay both aesthetic and practical. We can’t wait to come back and are looking forward to booking again in the winter this time so that we can use the fireplace and outdoor fire pit. ”

Jodie Shaw- 2026-01-12

7 / 20

“ Fantastic views, very private location. Clean, tidy and great communication from host with clear directions of how to get to retreat. Highly recommend. ”

Kris Leckner- 2026-01-09

8 / 20

“ Kokako Retreat was amazing. Great place, clean cabins, amazing host. It was a perfect ten out of ten. Definitely worth visiting. ”

Darshit Jhaveri- 2026-01-05

9 / 20

“ ChatGPT said: Everything was perfect. I took a video of my girls walking up to the property just to capture the magic. They were amazing and kept saying, "Wow!" The ambience was very calming. I love the eco-friendly accommodation. I loved that we could enjoy the cool air but also be warm with the heater on. The rooms were very clean. The hosts were wonderful and responsive. I paid for the breakfast and s'mores pantry. Both were amazing and well worth the money. We ate the bacon and sausage for two days. I cannot wait to go back. ”

Tanida Vidhyarkorn- 2025-12-02

10 / 20

“ We had the most amazing weekend away. Pure bliss, such a beautiful spot, waking up to the most amazing views. And absolute perfect weekend, reconnecting as a couple without the noise and distractions of the outside world. Thank you! ”

Hannah Brown- 2025-11-11

11 / 20

“ Such a relaxing environment, just perfect. The accommodation is very well thought out and comfortable. ”

Nicole Remkes- 2025-11-06

12 / 20

“ Our stay at Kokako Retreat was simply perfect. Waking up to such a beautiful view, then listening to kiwi and watching Ruru catch moths in the evening by the fire was amazing. Our hosts were super friendly and welcoming and really had thought of everything we might need during our stay. We didn't want to leave. ”

Julia Brown- 2025-10-24

13 / 20

“ Beautiful, secluded setting. High attention to detail to make a comfortable stay. Freshly cut flowers, a welcome message on the chalkboard, milk and cereal, fresh bread, and packets of tissues made us feel welcomed and well catered for. The rooms were warm and cosy, and the bed and pillows were comfortable. We loved enjoying the beautiful sunset and view from the bath and hammocks. Listening to and observing the birdlife and nature was a real treat. We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely return. Communication from our hosts was friendly and welcoming. Well done and keep up the great work. This is a beautiful place to stay. ”

Michaela Spooner- 2025-10-22

14 / 20

“ Such a stunning location and view, the perfect place to recharge and reset. Very peaceful and relaxing, waking up to birdsong and so much greenery. Such cool accommodation, really unique setup. Loved the outdoor bath and hammocks. We didn’t want to leave. ”

Jessica Croft- 2025-10-14

15 / 20

“ Such a wonderful retreat. The bed was so comfy, and my daughter and I had such a fun stay. The only thing missing was a toaster, but perhaps that’s a safety thing. Loved it and will be recommending. ”

Susan Howarth- 2025-10-07

16 / 20

“ The kids and I absolutely enjoyed our stay! Beautiful nature, a beautiful home and lovely hosts. Everything was perfect! ”

Kristin Kögler- 2025-09-25

17 / 20

“ If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay where the only sounds you hear are the birds, with amazing and picturesque views, enjoying the night looking up at the stars from a bubbly outdoor bath, and clean accommodation with thoughtful touches and lovely hosts, then the beautiful Kokako Retreat is the place to be. Loved our stay and being off the grid. ”

Wai Bennett- 2025-09-14

18 / 20

“ We had such a lovely stay at Kōkako Retreat. The birdlife was beautiful. Waking up and having a bath with the beautiful outlook while listening to the birdlife was wonderful. ”

Samantha Eastwood- 2025-08-29

19 / 20

“ Kokako Retreat, you did not disappoint. Very luxurious, the setting and atmosphere were calming and so beautiful. Feeling very relaxed and restored. ”

Stella Misirlakis- 2025-08-20

20 / 20

“ Such a beautiful spot to stay and relax!! Surrounded by bush and bird life! Bedroom and lounge areas were so cosy. We stayed with our four month old son and they kindly set up a portacot for us, as well as gifting us some yummy homemade bread! Such a treat! Would definitely recommend staying here! ”

Olivia Barchard- 2026-05-22

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

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape