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Kokako Retreat

Bay of Plenty


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Eating and Drinking

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

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

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

“ They are amazing, helpful, friendly people and I had an amazing time. ”

Jan Neale- 2025-07-21

20 / 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

1 / 20

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

Zoe Harvey-White- 2026-02-16

2 / 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

3 / 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

4 / 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

5 / 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

6 / 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

7 / 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

8 / 20

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

Nicole Remkes- 2025-11-06

9 / 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

10 / 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

11 / 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

12 / 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

13 / 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

14 / 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

15 / 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

16 / 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

17 / 20

“ Wonderful stay, lovely setting, beautiful and serene, very tranquil. Personable touches made our stay very welcoming. The hosts also went above and beyond with a hiccup I had after we had left. Definitely deserves a medal for helping me solve an issue. Would highly recommend this retreat 110%. Looking forward to returning. ”

Kris Leckner- 2025-08-18

18 / 20

“ We really did feel that we had this magical spot all to ourselves. The views, the birdsong, the stars, the cosy fire all made for the most wonderful getaway. I would highly recommend Kokako Retreat. ”

Sally Lassally- 2025-08-01

19 / 20

“ They are amazing, helpful, friendly people and I had an amazing time. ”

Jan Neale- 2025-07-21

20 / 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

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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