Auckland
is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the gas cooktop and BBQ provided in your kitchenette. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.
If you want a break from cooking, you'll find Tipi and Bob's Restaurant and Irish Pub ’The Currach’ (both 10-minutes away), and the My Fat Puku cafe, 30-minutes away in Claris.
If you need to pop out for supplies, the Stonewall Store is a 10-minute drive away.
Restful and restorative, Fantail Stories is the ideal place to base yourself while exploring Great Barrier Island.
The cabin itself has a range of games, some books, yoga mats for guest use and of course, the outdoor bath to while away the hours. But if you're keen to get out and about, there are lots of sights to see - and some fun ways to see them!
Motu Bikes is an electric motorbike hire company. The bikes have a moped classification so anyone can hire and ride them. Or if you're keen to explore via water - the Shiny Paua has stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for hire.
Your host Chris is a qualified surf instructor and offers private lessons with board and wetsuit, so if you've ever had the urge to try surfing, this is the perfect opportunity! Or, if you're already a surfer, Chris has boards and wetsuits for hire. Check the Rates and Extras button for more information.
One of the highlights of the island is the Kaitoke Hotsprings - a 40-minute drive away and easy 45-minute walk to the natural springs.
“ While everything was "upcycled" nothing felt out of place and actually it it was one of the most well equipped places we've stayed. The BBQ was great for grilling vegetables and the outside bath was relatively unfussy compared with many other places! ”
April Clark- 2020-12-13
20 / 20
“ Magic place to stay. One of a kind and truly special. Peace, quiet and stars, absolute heaven on earth. ”
Carolyn Langenhoven- 2026-03-27
1 / 20
“ The perfect place to escape from it all. ”
Simon Jones- 2026-01-09
2 / 20
“ Truly blissful escape. It was lovely to be unplugged from the world. ”
Pawel Najgeburski- 2025-11-18
3 / 20
“ We loved our stay at Fantail Stories. It is a magical place on a beautiful island and we'll definitely be back! ”
- 2023-11-06
4 / 20
“ A beautiful spot in paradise! We had the best time here and will definitely be back! ”
- 2023-03-31
5 / 20
“ Amazing and tranquil stay with an awesome host. Perfect place to base yourself for Great Barrier Island adventures. ”
- 2023-03-08
6 / 20
“ Beautiful space for a getaway! ”
- 2023-02-28
7 / 20
“ Absolutely stunning little haven away. Great hosts, 10 out of 5 stars! ”
- 2023-02-20
8 / 20
“ This was an incredible experience. From the cosy cabin the serene setting, to the more than hospitable host. I couldn't recommend this place more. If you haven't been to the Barrier, you MUST. It's rugged and raw, yet also completely compelling and stunning. Fantail Stories is such a wonderful place to set out on your journeys and return back to relax and unwind. 11/10! ”
- 2023-02-12
9 / 20
“ This is the place for you if you want to feel like you're staying in the middle of the stunning bush on Great Barrier Island, but with the comfort of a nice and well setup cabin. ”
- 2023-01-09
10 / 20
“ Fantail Stories offers perfect and much needed seclusion. It has everything you need to unwind and reset. Friendly helpful hosts nearby are a bonus. Would highly recommend. ”
- 2022-04-27
11 / 20
“ Absolutely amazing spot for our honeymoon. Tucked away in a private and special part of the bush, with the only noise coming from the birds in the trees. Loved the outdoor bath and will definitely be back! ”
- 2022-04-26
12 / 20
“ A wonderful cabin nestled in the Great Barrier bush. It had an outdoor bath and everything else you need, as well as lots of friendly birds. One of the most peaceful places we have been. Thank you. ”
- 2022-04-11
13 / 20
“ Fantail Stories was the perfect place to get off the grid, reset and connect with nature again. It was secluded, private, tranquil and completely surrounded by bush and birdsong. Chris and JJ are the nicest people, the most down to earth hosts you will meet. Their friendliness and hospitality (and that of the locals) was a highlight, making our trip to Great Barrier Island one of our favourite trips of all our NZ adventures and Canopy Camping stays to date. ”
- 2022-04-04
14 / 20
“ What an incredibly special place. It’s not often you find somewhere so off grid where the only sounds are native birds and cicadas, and the night sky is brighter and more brilliant than ever. Relaxing in the bath in the evenings and basking in the sun with a book during the day. It is a spot to come if you want to get away from it all and really relax and reset. We fell in love with the island and can’t wait to come back. ”
- 2022-02-24
15 / 20
“ Blissfully relaxing. Just what we needed. Thank you. ”
- 2021-08-04
16 / 20
“ A little slice of the Great Barrier night sky all to ourselves! Loved eye-spying native birds too. ”
Cherry Sun- 2021-02-02
17 / 20
“ We stayed two nights at Fantail Stories and such a lovely relaxing time- it's the perfect place for stargazing from the lawn or outdoor bath. The decor was lovely and calming and it's very peaceful. Perfect place to get away from it all! ”
Cheryl Lovell-Gadd- 2021-01-14
18 / 20
“ Beautiful, sheltered oasis in the middle of the native bush, with Kaka and Tui and fantails for company. ”
Dale Gerrand- 2020-12-17
19 / 20
“ While everything was "upcycled" nothing felt out of place and actually it it was one of the most well equipped places we've stayed. The BBQ was great for grilling vegetables and the outside bath was relatively unfussy compared with many other places! ”
April Clark- 2020-12-13
20 / 20
“ Magic place to stay. One of a kind and truly special. Peace, quiet and stars, absolute heaven on earth. ”
Carolyn Langenhoven- 2026-03-27
1 / 20
Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.
A family holiday.
Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!
Find your escape