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River Bothy

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River Bothy

Mangōnui, Northland


River Bothy is set in the Far North, approximately 4 hours from Auckland and just 5 minutes from nearby Mangōnui Village. It's set on the same property as Green Rabbit, a beautiful tiny house.

Nestled amongst 500 Olive trees, the bothy is far from the basic Scottish hut it’s named for. The off-grid riverside cabin is beautifully decorated – with all the comforts of home at hand.

Made from materials reclaimed from the nearby 1890s settler's farmhouse, the kitchen is a covered space, giving year-round cooking facilities and a relaxing area to soak up the uninterrupted countryside views. The bathroom and shower are right next door, and the outdoor bath is perfectly positioned to enjoy the river views as it meanders gently past.

If you want to get out and about – the scenic Northland area offers lots to see and do with coastal walks, scenic lookouts and white sandy beaches.

At the end of your day, let nature be your companion. Soak up the views over the olive grove, watch dusk settle across the water, and relax by the brazier under the stunning night sky.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The River Bothy is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly-bin and cook your meals using the facilities provided in your outdoor camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

The nearest shop selling necessities is Mangōnui - a 5 minute drive away. There is a large foursquare in nearby Coopers Beach and a New World Supermarket in Keri Keri, 46 minutes drive away.

If you want a night off cooking, there are some great eating out or taking out options nearby. And don't forget to make a visit to the famous Mangōnui chip shop!

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

A stay at the River Bothy is a chance to relax and unwind. Explore the collection of vinyl records on the record player, soak in the outdoor bath and take in the unique surrounds of your olive grove riverside setting. If you have a kayak or paddleboard - bring it along and explore the river from the water.

There's plenty to do off the property as well. Visit the local winery or the Butler Point Whaling Museum for a bit of history, or explore the stunning nearby beaches that Doubtless Bay has to offer. The famous Coopers Beach is just a short drive away - gorgeous swimming and miles of white sandy shores.

TESTIMONIALS

“ A lovely quiet setting, next to a lazy river, with plenty to look at from nature. The bothy had everything we needed, in the form of a comfy bed, bath with a view, kitchenette, cozy sitting area including a record player and good recommendations for winery and where to take our dogs for long walks. ”

- 2022-12-20

20 / 20

“ Marc and Julia have a beautiful spot on their olive farm, with amazing views of the river and farmland. Also had a nice swim in the river. Such a cute little bothy! Will definitely be back. ”

Travis Peapell- 2026-03-17

1 / 20

“ Second visit back, love the location and the fact we can take our dog. A great experience. ”

Sheryl Quin- 2026-02-02

2 / 20

“ Magical setting and delivered everything we had hoped and required. The dog loved it too. ”

Tanya Crook- 2026-01-07

3 / 20

“ We loved our stay at River Bothy, it has a calm and tranquil setting with everything you need and nothing you don't. ”

NAOMI Hughes- 2025-12-09

4 / 20

“ River Bothy was just what we needed, beautiful and peaceful, immersed in nature, giving the opportunity to switch off and unwind. The river setting was great for morning swims too. Highly recommended. ”

Richard Ashlin- 2025-11-29

5 / 20

“ River Bothy was simply the best place ever to spend our anniversary. Deeply relaxing looking over the river and we loved the outdoor bath! ”

Madison Riddell-Cross- 2025-03-10

6 / 20

“ Really enjoyed our stay here and the doggo loved it. Cosy spot with a nice view. ”

Lachlan Murdoch- 2024-11-23

7 / 20

“ Beautiful location and scenery, close to Doubtless Bay and other great spots up north. Brilliant to be essentially off-grid, with a very helpful host. ”

Jamie Hayes- 2024-07-01

8 / 20

“ What a great getaway!! Easy, great location and very cosy. ”

- 2024-02-27

9 / 20

“ Just amazing, you truly just need to give it a go. It's the prefect birthday present for the one you love. ”

- 2023-08-30

10 / 20

“ River Bothy was the perfect escape. No pictures could capture how beautiful and idyllic the setting is. The cabin was perfect and all of the details had been thought through. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting a Northland escape. ”

- 2023-06-06

11 / 20

“ Our stay at River Bothy was perfect, it's such a special spot with a very peaceful atmosphere. Maggie and Brooke are amazing hosts who were so welcoming to us. This was the perfect spot for our engagement and we are so glad it happened here. Thank you again both for the clear communication and hospitality! ”

- 2023-05-01

12 / 20

“ A wonderful way to disconnect and reconnect with nature. So nice to find this and dog friendly too! ”

- 2023-04-29

13 / 20

“ Loved every element of this stay. Superb. ”

- 2023-03-28

14 / 20

“ Total time out and R&R needed, the setting is delightful and the holiday all the better being able to bring my young dog along for the adventure. ”

- 2023-03-16

15 / 20

“ My wife and I needed a break away to ourselves, and River Bothy was the perfect escape for us and our dog Aroha. Beautiful setting, beautiful accommodation, and it gave us the perfect weekend getaway. We will 100% go again. ”

- 2023-02-24

16 / 20

“ Warm welcoming, amazing views and a cute riverside cottage amongst the olive trees. It's the perfect place to switch off and unwind. Excellent collection of records and games. The whole experience was absolutely perfect! ”

- 2023-02-07

17 / 20

“ My friend Brooke and I came to stay at River Bothy for my 23rd birthday for a getaway in nature, and this is the best spot for this! It was a beautiful environment, provided all the necessities and was only a short drive from the nearest town giving it a perfect balance! Thank you so much Margaret and Brooke for our stay! ”

- 2023-01-30

18 / 20

“ Our stay at River Bothy was nothing but magical. From the fog rolling in over the river in the morning to sipping on a coffee outside and relaxing in the outdoor bath. Maggie was incredibly welcoming and informative to ensure we enjoyed our stay and then left us to it, exactly how it should be! ”

- 2023-01-09

19 / 20

“ A lovely quiet setting, next to a lazy river, with plenty to look at from nature. The bothy had everything we needed, in the form of a comfy bed, bath with a view, kitchenette, cozy sitting area including a record player and good recommendations for winery and where to take our dogs for long walks. ”

- 2022-12-20

20 / 20

“ Marc and Julia have a beautiful spot on their olive farm, with amazing views of the river and farmland. Also had a nice swim in the river. Such a cute little bothy! Will definitely be back. ”

Travis Peapell- 2026-03-17

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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