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Maunga Iti

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Maunga Iti

Tutukaka Coast, Northland


Maunga Iti, meaning 'little hills' in Te Reo Māori, is a large bush block just inland from the stunning Tutukaka coastline. At an easy 3 hour drive from Auckland, this delectable slice of kiwi paradise makes the perfect escape for weary city folk looking to recharge and relax.

Maunga Iti is owned by Stefan and Ira Seitzer, who have spent the last 25+ years creating a private bushland retreat, complete with bush tracks, a pristine freshwater stream and native birds.

The luxury tent is perfectly positioned on the top of a small hill, with dreamy views out over bushland to the ocean and islands beyond. The interior incorporates hand-crafted furniture and a queen-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and natural bedding. A wood-burning tent stove makes the space warm and cosy. Access from the back of the tent takes you straight out to your enclosed ensuite bathroom and camp kitchen with on-tap hot water.

An outdoor bath is set at the front of the deck, perfectly positioned for taking in the amazing views out toward the Hen and Chicken Islands.

At night, enjoy a glass of wine and some toasted marshmallows over the brazier coals... When it's warm, sleep with the tent open, and soak up the sounds of the bush and the view of the moonlight on the ocean.

Adults Only

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Maunga Iti is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the BBQ and equipment provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage and feel like a meal out, Stefan and Ira recommend Oceans, Schnappa Rock, or Marina Pizzeria in Tutukaka.

The nearest supermarket is in Tikipunga, an Eastern suburb of Whangarei about a 25-minute drive away. The nearest store for basic supplies is the Ngunguru 4 Square, just a 5-minute drive away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Maunga Iti is the ultimate place to stay for rest and relaxation.

If you can tear yourself away from the comfort and tranquillity of your tent, you'll find a range of things to do on and around the property. There is a variety of bush walks at Maunga Iti - tracks ranging from 20 - 45 minutes in length. Spot the amazing array of native birds!

Off the property, but nearby, you have the choice of some other great walks. The Sandy Bay to Whananaki coastal walk or the local coastal walk from Ngunguru Beach to Whangaumu Bay (both sections of the Te Araroa walking track).

There's a raft of other activities in the area to take advantage of too; diving or snorkelling at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, surfing at Sandy Bay, even big game fishing at Tutukaka. The Tutukaka Marina has some excellent local art, retail, cafes and restaurants.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Stefan and Ira Seitzer will be your hosts while at Maunga Iti. They're a fantastic couple with an interesting background - both personally and professionally.

Stefan, originally from Germany, arrived in New Zealand in 1985 after studying 5 years of classical music. His first job in New Zealand was as a possum trapper where he quickly fell in love with the native bush and environment. After a few years he decided to study Environmental Science, and after graduating set up his own freshwater consultancy. As well as this he's written several articles for the NZ Geographic, set up an outdoor environmental educational programme and eventually decided on a major career change by training as and becoming a teacher.

Stefan bought Maunga Iti in 1995 after seeing the potential of the bush surrounds, stony bottomed stream that ran through the property, and North Island Brown Kiwi in the area. He met the lovely Ira not long after on Ngunguru beach - and the rest was history as they say!

Ira's whakapapa is Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahungungu and Ngati Maru. She's had an equally diverse and interesting career, having had worked in the fitness industry, studied tourism and hospitality, worked with Stefan with their freshwater education programmes and eventually training as a primary school teacher.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Beautiful peaceful location, very private—perfect for a much-needed getaway. We enjoyed the views, hearing the kiwi and morepork at night, the short bush walk, the outdoor bath (including the effort of heating it up!), and the well-thought-out facilities. The cosy indoor fire was perfect as we had chilly nights. Great space, would stay again. ”

- 2023-11-27

20 / 20

“ Maunga Iti was the perfect getaway to relax and have some time in nature. Loved our stay. ”

Samantha Fistonich- 2026-05-23

1 / 20

“ The most stunning, peaceful location. Perfect place to recharge and reconnect with what is important. ”

Mark Sole- 2026-05-22

2 / 20

“ Peaceful, lovely view, everything you needed. Would stay again. ”

Jono Lawrence- 2026-04-07

3 / 20

“ Could not recommend this stay more. The hosts had incredible communication and everything was available to ensure we had a comfortable stay. Such a peaceful stay in beautiful surrounds. ”

Courtney King- 2026-03-31

4 / 20

“ The environment is very quiet and peaceful creating an awesome atmosphere for relaxing. The host was very friendly and communication was great. I highly recommend. ”

Richard Kane- 2026-03-24

5 / 20

“ Amazing slice of heaven. ”

Mona Monazahian- 2026-01-12

6 / 20

“ It was so nice to escape to a little isolated slice of paradise, slowing down and living simply in a beautiful natural environment with a view of the Poor Knights. Waking up to a beautiful sunrise and bird song made us stay an extra night. ”

Jenae Turner- 2025-12-09

7 / 20

“ Great location with good facilities and birdlife. ”

Debbie and Dennis Warrington- 2025-01-16

8 / 20

“ Relaxing stay. Really enjoyed all the kiwi calls at night! ”

Rebecca Moyle- 2024-07-15

9 / 20

“ An amazing setting with all you need for an extremely comfortable and relaxing time away. Hearing lots of kiwi nearby is just fantastic. Would love to go back. ”

Rena Nicholson- 2024-07-06

10 / 20

“ Loved our introduction to glamping at Maunga Iti. Lovely serene setting, walks, and the area in general. The tent and facilities were fabulous. In love with the wood burner! ”

Megan Maher- 2024-06-29

11 / 20

“ We had an amazing few nights at Maunga iti. The kiwi calls at night were just magic, and the outside bath was well worth getting the fire going for it! ”

Rhonda Brodie- 2024-05-20

12 / 20

“ The host was amazing. Really enjoyed the private setting. Facilities were clean and tidy. ”

- 2024-04-16

13 / 20

“ A view and atmosphere that you share with no-one but nature of NZ at its very best. ”

- 2024-03-12

14 / 20

“ Maunga iti is a very special spot with a beautiful outlook. We loved being able to hear the native birds day and night. The kiwi sounded like they were in the tent with us! ”

- 2024-02-27

15 / 20

“ We had a lovely time at Maunga Iti. A place to remember. Love the stars at night and the serenity of the place! Totally recommend it to friends and family. ”

- 2024-02-18

16 / 20

“ The setting in native bush with ocean views was spectacular. We appreciated the privacy but were comforted by the knowledge that our hosts were only a text away. We loved the features of the accommodation being a huge tent, and especially the outdoor fire-heated bath. We also appreciated being luxuriously off-grid, eco-friendly and sustainable, with a whistling kettle, BBQ cooking. Tino pai. ”

- 2024-02-13

17 / 20

“ Blissful escape in a peaceful setting. Everything you could need in terms of facilities. ”

- 2023-12-06

18 / 20

“ Was a serene, peaceful setting. Just what I needed after the recent death of my Dad and the demands of running a business. We were able to tune out and really relax, catch up on sleep and enjoy the beautiful surrounds. The hosts were so welcoming and helpful. The tent and facilities were fantastic - we were not glampers prior to this, but after this experience can't wait to go back. Everything was spotlessly clean, and attention to detail was great. The sound of birdsong during the day and Kiwi at night was spectacular. ”

- 2023-12-01

19 / 20

“ Beautiful peaceful location, very private—perfect for a much-needed getaway. We enjoyed the views, hearing the kiwi and morepork at night, the short bush walk, the outdoor bath (including the effort of heating it up!), and the well-thought-out facilities. The cosy indoor fire was perfect as we had chilly nights. Great space, would stay again. ”

- 2023-11-27

20 / 20

“ Maunga Iti was the perfect getaway to relax and have some time in nature. Loved our stay. ”

Samantha Fistonich- 2026-05-23

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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