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Orape Riverside Retreat

Northland


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Orape Riverside Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the single gas burner and BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you're in the mood for coffee, Kafé is right across the road from Orape Riverside Retreat. They serve delicious coffee with a scenic riverside seating option.

The Wayward Italian is a mobile pizzeria, specialising in woodfired Neapolitan style pizza, only a 5-minute walk away.

The Quay is a great restaurant located on the Hatea River at the heart of the marina in the Town Basin. Aqua Restaurant and Bar at the Hundertwasser Art Centre, also at the Town Basin.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Whangārei, a 15 minute walk or 5 minute drive.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

Orape Riverside Retreat has an array of activities to keep you entertained.

Play board and card games for some indoor fun. Take a leisurely stroll through the property, and check out the giant Kauri trees and glow worms at night.

Venturing beyond the property, the Whangarei region offers a range of attractions and activities. Take a scenic walk along the 4.8-kilometer Hatea Loop along the river, where you can admire sculptures along the way. Or explore the natural wonder of Whangārei Falls for more of an adventure. For sweeping vistas of the city, make the journey to the top of Mount Parihaka.

Try something different, check out the Hundertwasser Museum and dine at the Aqua Restaurant and Bar while you're there.

If you're craving the sun and surf, the region boasts numerous beautiful beaches, all within a convenient 20-minute drive, including Ruakākā Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Orape Riverside Retreat are Melanie, Turi, Gemma, Chloe & Elijah, accompanied by their furry companions, Taz, Shadow, and Daisy

For the past eight years, their family have called this property home. They love the property's unique blend of convenience, nestled close to town amenities, and the serenity of being amongst the beautiful lush bush. The sound of the native birds singing and streams flowing adds to the magic.

In its earlier days, back in 1919, this place was known as the "strawberry grotto gardens," a beloved social hub in Whangārei.

Turi, a skilled handyman, and Melanie, who remotely manages accommodations, discovered glamping after acquiring the property. For Turi, it has always been a dream.

The name 'Orape' comes from a local Māori legend, a place of special significance up the creek where Māori women received their traditional tattoos, and a place that was tapu to men.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Quaint little home away from home. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay! ”

- 2023-11-03

11 / 11

“ Beautiful little retreat set amongst the natives with the added bonus of friendly hosts! ”

Brittany Newman- 2026-03-30

1 / 11

“ Absolutely incredible. Every single thing. When you don’t want to leave a place, you know it’s good. Completely rested in nature. ”

Toni Crooks- 2026-02-15

2 / 11

“ Peaceful stay in nature. Loved it! ”

Chamilka Punchihewa- 2026-02-08

3 / 11

“ Amazing place to relax and unwind, we also enjoyed the location close to the town basin with great restaurants. ”

Bev Foster- 2025-11-16

4 / 11

“ This place was amazing, truly an experience not to be missed. The thoughtfulness of the owners is just outstanding. Absolutely filled my soul. ”

Hayley Goodall- 2025-11-11

5 / 11

“ So restful and relaxing, but a short walk to great cafes and restaurants. We loved that we could bring our dog too! ”

- 2024-02-01

6 / 11

“ Great location: private and secluded in a bush setting, yet still only walking distance from Town Basin. Loved our stay. ”

- 2024-01-22

7 / 11

“ Beautiful place to stay that is close to nature. It's a great place to reset. ”

- 2024-01-14

8 / 11

“ Loved our stay. Such a beautiful, peaceful setting amidst the bush with the sound of running water from the creek. The facilities were lovely, and lots of extra little things were thought about. Would highly recommend. ”

- 2023-12-18

9 / 11

“ We would definitely stay again; it was a wonderful place with a fantastic location. The hosts were super friendly as well. We had a fantastic time there. ”

- 2023-12-17

10 / 11

“ Quaint little home away from home. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay! ”

- 2023-11-03

11 / 11

“ Beautiful little retreat set amongst the natives with the added bonus of friendly hosts! ”

Brittany Newman- 2026-03-30

1 / 11

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!

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