Highfield Forest Retreat

Highfield Forest Retreat

Kauri Coast, Northland

Highfield Forest Retreat is set on the lush Kauri Coast, 25 minutes from the Northland town of Dargaville and 2.5 hours from Auckland.

The campsite is set in a dappled glade, in a mature native forest on the edge of Highfield Farm. A large, luxury tent is accompanied by a delightful old kauri hut - providing a charming kitchen, dining and lounging area. A boardwalk through the tall native bush connects the two. A short walk away from the site sits a private outdoor bath in a rocky grotto, nestled amongst the bush and fern-covered ground.

Highfield Forest Retreat, along with its sister site, Highfield River Retreat, offers truly unique and romantic couples accommodation. 

Surrounded by nature, you can lie back in the outdoor bath and see native birds like tomtits, tui, grey warbler and native pigeon dart about the campsite in the early evening. A pretty stream meanders through the bush nearby. At night you'll hear the sound of water trickling over the rocks and the morepork calling from the treetops and if you're really lucky, the kiwi calling from the bush. 

FROM $250 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

Directions

Highfield Forest Retreat

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  • Eating and Drinking

    Highfield Forest Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly-bin and cook your meals using the facilities provided in your private camp kitchen, the Kauri Hut. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need. 

    The nearest shop selling necessities is Kaihu Motors - an 8-minute drive away. There is a Countdown Supermarket in Dargaville, a 25-minute drive away. 

    Kaihu Tavern, just 5 minutes away is a great place to have a meal if you want a night off cooking!

  • Things to Do

    Unplug from technology and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of New Zealand native forest. 

    Reconnect over a board game, explore the nearby rocky stream, wander the bush track - or simply lie back in the steaming hot outdoor bath, and gaze through the canopy of trees to the sparkling night sky above.

    There's plenty to do off the property as well. Visit Trounson Kauri Park to take in the magnificent kauri trees, or visit the Kai Iwi lakes. Check out Nelson's Kauri Shop and Mill at Kaihu, just down the road. Explore the nearby beaches! There's miles of white sandy shores to walk along.

    At the end of the day, stop off on your way home for a drink and delicious meal at the Kaihu Tavern.

  • Your Hosts

    Tracy and Simon Hayward are the owners and farmers of Highfield Farm. They'll be your hosts during your stay.

    Tracy, Simon and their 5 children bought Highfield Farm in 2004. It's a dairy farm, milking 160 cows, and covering 90 hectares of farmland. A further 70 bush-covered hectares of the property were put into QEII protection by Tracy and Simon, along with a section of land on either side of the main river that runs through the property. Highfield Forest Retreat is nestled in a part of the QEII protected part of the farm.

    With the combined effort of Hancocks Forestry, Northern Regional Council and DOC, Tracy and Simon have been trapping pests on their QEII block and up the valley. Through 'kiwi listening' they have established that they now have a moderate population of kiwi - which they look forward to seeing grow annually.

    The Haywards felt that there was no better way to share what they've achieved on their farm, than by inviting people to stay on it. In March 2015 they purchased a 100+ year old kauri hut and started developing their first 'forest retreat' glamping site to open in December that same year. In 2016, they opened their second 'river retreat' glamping site.

Testimonials

  • "

    Due to the weather conditions, the hosts Tracy and Simon recommended changing from the Forest to the River retreat, which provided a bit more light. The setting and cleanliness of the retreat were 10/10, providing for a truly delightful 'away from the hustle and bustle' experience. The fireplace and outdoor bathtub allowed for exceptional warmth and relaxation during the winter months!

    "

    Ryan Pollock - 01 Jul 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful time at Highfield Forest Retreat. It was very memorable, and we enjoyed every second of it. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    "

    - 19 Feb 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    We really enjoyed our stay! The privacy and tranquillity of the setting were lovely, with a super comfortable bed and great facilities. A great place to get away from it all, relax, unplug, and get closer to nature.

    "

    - 14 Feb 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    I think our stay at the Retreat may turn out to be the highlight of our 7-week trip to NZ. Set in the perfect location to visit some of the greatest wonders in the North Island, we couldn't have chosen better. The setting is awesome, allowing us to feel like pioneers discovering a new land and setting up home (except the building and homemaking was done for us). Tucked in the verdant bush, which opens out onto rolling hills, lies a little complex of buildings and a canvas-tented room which have been curated to give them the feel of a characterful and well-appointed home of a previous era. Every fixture and fitting was carefully chosen, of quality. Favourite things were the kitchen tiles, the vintage fridge, and the most snuggly bed I have ever slept in. Scrabble and a puzzle kept us amused in the evening, and the night was filled with wonderful sounds and sights of nature. The natural bush complemented by paths and planting fed the soul as I passed from place to place each day. Bathing facilities were a delicious experience, whether it was the bath or the shower – a simple life but nothing simple in the design or achievement of this place. We simply couldn't fault this place and found it very hard to leave. We take our hats off to the owners – they have created magic.

    "

    - 13 Feb 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    A perfect little escape surrounded by a gorgeous forest and farm. It was the picture of peace and serenity, a true balm for the soul. The tent and cabin were spotless, inviting, and cosy. The outdoor hot tub just added an extra touch of luxury. Thanks to Simon and Tracy for a wonderful stay.

    "

    - 22 Nov 2023

    5 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful location and perfect little getaway to just switch off and disconnect.

    "

    - 11 Oct 2023

    6 / 12

  • "

    It was such a beautiful off-the-grid spot with everything we needed. Facilities were clean, and the addition of heating in the room and the fireplace in the kitchen area was perfect, as the weather wasn't great during our stay. Would definitely stay again!

    "

    - 28 Sep 2023

    7 / 12

  • "

    We had an awesome stay at Highfield Forest Retreat. It was top notch in all ways. Clean, comfortable, great communication from the owners, and the forest was just beautiful. I loved all the fine details as well!

    "

    - 15 Sep 2023

    8 / 12

  • "

    My stay at Highfield Forest Retreat was incredible. Gorgeous setting, quiet and peaceful. This is the perfect place to unwind from city life. I will be returning very soon!

    "

    - 22 Aug 2023

    9 / 12

  • "

    Amazing, secluded and romantic forest getaway with the best bathtub in NZ.

    "

    - 21 Aug 2023

    10 / 12

  • "

    Enjoyable stay in such a beautiful remote part of the country.

    "

    - 24 Jun 2023

    11 / 12

  • "

    It was cosy and quiet! We loved it!

    "

    - 09 May 2023

    12 / 12

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