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Tui Hilltop

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Tui Hilltop

Maungakaramea, Northland


Tui Hilltop is 20 minutes from Whangarei and 2 hours and 15 minutes from Central Auckland. The property also features a second charming escape called Tiny Tui.

Tui Hilltop is made up of three small cabins - a bedroom cabin, a kitchen cabin and a bathroom cabin. Completely private, it's the ideal couple's paradise. Complete with a distinct Balinese flavour to the styling and interiors.

Set in an elevated position on the side of an extinct volcano, the cabins are interlinked with landscaped areas and decks. New Zealand native trees and subtropical plants surround the cabins, making you feel as if you're in a completely different, faraway land. It feels even more magical while soaking in the luxurious outdoor bathtub surrounded by sparkling lights that illuminate your surroundings.

You'll enjoy expansive views over farmland, orchards, bush reserves and mountain ranges. The elevated position makes for stunning sunsets - all year round. The lush plantings and old grove of native forest on the property attract many native birds, including tui, kereru, pihipihi, kotare and sometimes kaka. On a clear night, the stars at Tui Hilltop are breathtaking.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Tui Hilltop is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook your meals using the facilities provided in the kitchen cabin. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Whangarei, a 20-minute drive away, has lots of good eating out options. Your hosts highly recommend Aqua at the Hundertwasser Art Centre for a delicious meal and/or cocktails. The Fat Camel and Whang Thai are just a few of the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine options nearby.

The nearest supermarket is in Whangarei, but if you're coming from Auckland, it's recommended to stock up on supplies in Warkworth.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

A stay at Tui Hilltop is a chance to rest and recharge. Soak up the sunsets and sunrises, and take in the beautifully landscaped tropical garden.

With board games and a fire pit provided - you'll find there is plenty to keep you entertained. Then end the day with a hot soak in the outdoor bathtub with a view.

If you're keen to get out and about, the Waipu caves are a 30-minute drive away (with stalagmites, stalactites and glow worms). The beautiful white-sand Ruakaka beach is a 25-minute drive away.

If you are interested in art, the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei is well worth a visit. They showcase contemporary Maori art as well as an exhibition of Friedrich Hundertwasser’s fantastic work. In Whangarei, you can also find an outdoor Camera Obscura which is worth a visit.

TESTIMONIALS

“ A unique and charming place. The view out over a beautiful valley goes for miles. We loved sitting in the shade in the late afternoons, reading or just soaking up the atmosphere. ”

Debbie Dunsford- 2025-01-25

20 / 20

“ What a place. Idyllic location with views and absolute privacy. Even with poor weather, it was such a special, fabulous stay. Roaring fires and a restful stay. Thank you Greg. ”

Andrew Simons- 2026-05-12

1 / 20

“ Lovely spot and it had everything needed for a great weekend away. The outdoor bathtub was a real highlight. Squeak the cat was a great bonus! ”

Madeleine Mills- 2026-05-04

2 / 20

“ Hands down the most beautiful place we have stayed at, the views are unmatched and the little cat Squeak is the best company one could hope for. Greg was a lovely host, greeted us and showed us the place, and then we weren’t disturbed once. It felt like we were all by ourselves on the hill, with Squeak of course, which was great. The view and Squeak were the highlight for us. ”

Alison Penn- 2026-04-30

3 / 20

“ I can not begin to say how utterly spectacular and special Tui Hilltop is. My partner and I were speechless on arrival. Wonderful host too. Thank you so much Greg and Canopy Camping. ”

Catherine Grey- 2026-02-10

4 / 20

“ Everything was beautiful from the nature views, the stars, the sunsets to the exceptional décor and the facilities. Best place to unwind and enjoy the peace!! Greg is an amazing host and so is Squeak! ”

Anisha Mohammed- 2026-01-07

5 / 20

“ Romantic, peaceful, quiet, elevated, clean, welcoming, everything we had hoped for in a weekend away! Greg is a fantastic host and we highly recommend staying at Tui Hilltop! Cannot wait to book again! ”

Anya Alexander- 2025-11-12

6 / 20

“ A fantastic stay in a great location! We loved relaxing on the deck and enjoying the sunset. Would highly recommend! ”

Emily Taylor- 2025-10-07

7 / 20

“ Lovely place, very peaceful. Wish we'd stayed longer. ”

Jayde Brickhill- 2025-09-15

8 / 20

“ My partner and I had the most magical night at the Tui Hilltop. It was such an awesome place to go to feel totally relaxed and escape from the world. Squeak the cat was such an awesome addition to the vibe as well. ”

Riana Froger- 2025-09-15

9 / 20

“ Tui Hilltop is stunning!!! So peaceful and relaxing (even in a cyclone!) Greg was fantastic to deal with but a special shout out to Squeak the cat for looking after us! ”

Kylie Dwight- 2025-04-18

10 / 20

“ The perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature. Wonderful views, fantastic host. ”

Christopher Reed- 2025-04-16

11 / 20

“ ”

Rachelle Mercado- 2025-04-09

12 / 20

“ ”

Stephen Boles- 2025-04-09

13 / 20

“ This is a stunning location with breathtaking views, which you will never get bored of. ”

Jasleen Giarn- 2025-03-31

14 / 20

“ Fantastic views and great set-up with a brilliant host. ”

Steve Thompson- 2025-03-17

15 / 20

“ We loved our stay! The views were even better than the photos. The highlight was Squeak the cat. An amazing place to truly switch off and take in the beauty of nature. We’ll be back for sure! ”

Khym Bennett- 2025-03-01

16 / 20

“ The peace and quiet. The natural beauty. Tui, Kereru, Piwakawaka and Ruru were all seen and heard. Amazing sunsets. Great hosts, Greg, and Squeak, the beautiful tabby cat, is irresistible! ”

Erin Judkins- 2025-03-01

17 / 20

“ Lovely place, nice and quiet. We just stayed at the cabin to relax. But if you wanna go out Whangarei, it's not far away. ”

Julie Bindzus- 2025-02-24

18 / 20

“ Great stay, amazing view! ”

Bethany Clapham- 2025-02-23

19 / 20

“ A unique and charming place. The view out over a beautiful valley goes for miles. We loved sitting in the shade in the late afternoons, reading or just soaking up the atmosphere. ”

Debbie Dunsford- 2025-01-25

20 / 20

“ What a place. Idyllic location with views and absolute privacy. Even with poor weather, it was such a special, fabulous stay. Roaring fires and a restful stay. Thank you Greg. ”

Andrew Simons- 2026-05-12

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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