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Lakeland Station - Ripiro Sunset

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Lakeland Station - Ripiro Sunset

Kai Iwi Lakes, Northland


Ripiro Sunset is 30 minutes from Dargaville and 3 hours from Central Auckland. It's set on Lakeland Station, the same beautiful property as Waikare Cabin and Rotorima Retreat.

Ripiro Sunset is situated near Kai Iwi Lakes, amongst beautiful rolling farmland, with breathtaking views overlooking Shag Lake and the Tasman Sea.

The modern minimalist accommodation consists of two cabins connected by expansive decking. Inside the first cabin is a kitchen, bathroom, and lounging area. The cosy olive-green sofa offers a front-row seat to stunning ocean and lake views, while natural light pours in through the large sliding glass doors. The second cabin contains a deluxe bed, adorned with natural linens.

Step out onto the inviting deck, complete with a stylish outdoor fireplace that adds warmth to cool evenings. As the sky transforms into shades of purple and gold, indulge in the outdoor bath for a truly unforgettable soak.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Ripiro Sunset is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the single induction cooker and Weber gas BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you fancy a meal out, The Kaihu Pub is a 15-minute drive away and open for lunch only. For Fish and Chips, head to Sharkeys at Baylys Beach, 35 minutes away. Over December and January, there is a food caravan at the campground at nearby Pine Beach. Hours vary, but it's generally open every day from Christmas to the end of January, then weekends through February and March.

Other options in Dargaville (30 minutes away) include The Northern Wairoa Hotel, Blah Blah Blah Café, Shiraz Indian Restaurant, Providence Café, and Pad Thai Café.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Dargaville, 30 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Ripiro Sunset is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the shimmering views of the lake.

If you are keen to enjoy the area, there's plenty to do, starting with the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes. These are amongst the largest and best dune lakes in New Zealand. Walk, run or bike the tracks around the three lakes and enjoy a swim anywhere along the trail.

If you're keen to explore the local beaches, head out to Omamari (a 10-minute drive) and check out Ripiro Beach – the longest driveable beach in NZ (4WD essential!).

For keen walkers, Trounson Kauri Park is DOC’s first mainland island in Northland. It has an easy 40-minute loop track. Guided Kiwi Walk tours at night are available to book through the Kauri Coast Top 10.

Maunganui Bluff Track is 2.6km and 1.5 hours each way. Climb up and over an ancient volcanic crater for some of the best views in the region. Mt Taranaki can be seen on the clear days!

Waipoua Forest and the mighty Kauris, Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere are a 50-minute drive north on State Highway 12. They are the two largest living Kauri trees in NZ.

If you are interested in the local arts and crafts, or history, Nelson’s Kaihu Kauri Gallery is a must-visit. The Dargaville Museum tells some fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Lakeland Station are Lee Greer and Jemma O'Donnell, along with children, Austin, Anya and Brooke.

Lakeland Station is a 600-hectare beef farm, with areas of forestry and native bush. The farm has been in Lee's family since the early 1980s, with Jemma and Lee moving from Auckland and purchasing the home block in 2016. The property was in a rundown state when they took it on, and they've worked hard to return it to a working farm. They take a lot of pride in seeing the improvements, particularly the environmental work they're doing in and around the Kai Iwi Lakes. They work closely with the Northland Regional Council carrying out pest control operations and working on restoring several wetland areas.

Lee and Jemma love being so close to the coast and the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes. Offering glamping to guests is a perfect fit with their farm and means they can share their special location with others. They now have three escapes on the same property – Ripiro Sunset, Waikare Cabin and Rotorima Retreat.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Loved the remote location and how peaceful it was. The houses were great and kitchen had everything we needed. ”

Hayley Prince- 2025-03-21

20 / 20

“ The views were beautiful with land and sea. We sat outside under the stars next to the fire cooking dinner in the BBQ. It felt safe and very private. The outdoor bath was an added luxury. 100% recommend. ”

Ronda Lough- 2026-05-17

1 / 20

“ Loved the stay at Ripiro Sunset, the accommodation was so clean and smelt so nice. The outdoor bath was also very clean. ”

Jasween Mala- 2026-04-29

2 / 20

“ Everything was great. We had great time. ”

Hiral Patel- 2026-04-23

3 / 20

“ We’d flown into NZ from New York and driven straight up to stay. Talk about immediately relaxing and feeling at home again. It was a really special welcome, and we loved every moment watching the view and cows. Just perfect! ”

Victoria Summers- 2026-04-20

4 / 20

“ We had a wonderful stay here. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful and secluded spot. The accommodation was lovely and very clean. ”

Susan Millard- 2026-04-18

5 / 20

“ A serene spot with beautiful views. We loved every minute of our stay. ”

Leonie McGregor- 2026-03-30

6 / 20

“ Everything was perfect! ”

Grey-An Keith Pascual- 2026-01-18

7 / 20

“ Beautiful peaceful and restful place to stay in an amazing location with lots to do. We'll be back. ”

Bruce Cotton- 2026-01-17

8 / 20

“ Absolutely stunning, looks just like the pictures. Beautiful view to watch the sunset. 10/10. ”

Emily Jones- 2025-11-14

9 / 20

“ Lovely accommodation with great views and surrounding area. Enjoyable and relaxing stay, a definite thumbs up. ”

Kaely Wilmer- 2025-10-17

10 / 20

“ Enjoyed staying here very much! Such an awesome place and would definitely come back. ”

Sam Dimock- 2025-10-07

11 / 20

“ That's a good place to spend time. It is very recommended to try it. In summertime it is more than a good place to stay. ”

Adrian Kustio- 2025-09-20

12 / 20

“ Peaceful setting with great views. Nice to have mains power! ”

Gavin Griffiths- 2025-08-11

13 / 20

“ What an incredible space! We loved the location and facilities, and had the best weekend. Highly recommend this space for a weekend get-away. We'll be back! ”

Jean-Luc Ellis- 2025-07-12

14 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at Ripiro Sunset. Spectacular views and great facilities which had everything we needed. Was great to get away from the hustle and bustle for a wee while. Will definitely be back in the near future. ”

Courtney Barbour- 2025-06-02

15 / 20

“ A fantastic spot! Very cosy getaway. The view is amazing and facilities have all you need to enjoy a quiet, relaxing trip. ”

Joe Crooks- 2025-04-25

16 / 20

“ Lovely place to just zone out and watch the world go by. Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your paradise. ”

steven lau- 2025-04-22

17 / 20

“ Stunning sunset views. Friendly hosts. Will go back again. ”

Nitin Patel- 2025-03-29

18 / 20

“ Gorgeous serene spot to relax and reset! And looks even better than the photos! Thank you. ”

Cara Botica- 2025-03-28

19 / 20

“ Loved the remote location and how peaceful it was. The houses were great and kitchen had everything we needed. ”

Hayley Prince- 2025-03-21

20 / 20

“ The views were beautiful with land and sea. We sat outside under the stars next to the fire cooking dinner in the BBQ. It felt safe and very private. The outdoor bath was an added luxury. 100% recommend. ”

Ronda Lough- 2026-05-17

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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