Kārearea Nest

Kārearea Nest

Rotorua

Nestled high in the Rotorua hills, Kārearea Nest offers a truly exceptional escape. Just a brief 5-minute drive from Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty, this hidden gem is perched above the Te Pūtake O Tawa Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park (you'll see and hear people biking the trails during your stay). Accessed via the mountain bike car park, getting to the cabin requires a 20-minute uphill ride, a 30-minute walk, or opt for a convenient vehicle transfer for your arrival and departure times.

With sweeping vistas of Rotorua city, Lake Rotorua, Lake Okareka, and the majestic Mt Tarawera, this glassy retreat is tailor-made for couples, especially those with a passion for mountain biking. Inside, you'll find all the amenities for a cosy stay – a well-equipped kitchen, a snug bedroom, and a small but relaxing lounge with a wood burner. Outside, a deck beckons with a hammock and an inviting outdoor bath. Immerse yourself in the warmth and witness nature's captivating spectacles, from the ethereal dance of fog over the lakes to the breathtaking sunrise painting the hills.

The air resonates with the calls of the Kārearea, our native falcon, and the gentle rustle of leaves. Here, you have the freedom to unwind and recharge or embark on a thrilling mountain biking escapade. The choice is entirely yours.

FROM $360 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
ADDRESS
 

Mountain Bike Park at Te Pūtake o Tawa, Tarawera Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3076.

LOCATION
 

Kārearea Nest is located above the Te Pūtake O Tawa Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park in Rotorua. Only 5 minutes from Rotorua and just over 1 hour from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.

Please note there is no public vehicle access directly to the cabin.

The access to the cabin is from the Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park. You'll need to park in the designated car park area, directly after the Lake Okrareka turn-off. The car park is open between 7am - 9pm and locked outside these times and monitored via CCTV. For late arrivals and early departures, you can park your vehicle outside the car park gates on the left just as you exit Tarawera Road (which is also monitored by CCTV cameras).

From the car park, here are your options for reaching the cabin:

  • Bike: Mountain bike to the cabin in 15-20 minutes (10 minutes by e-bike). 
     
  • Walk: Walk to the cabin in 30 minutes via the biking route or Te Putake o Tawa walking track (a gentle incline). 
     
  • Host transfer: Take a private transfer from the car park to the cabin. This costs $80 for the lift-up or $150 return. You will need to select the private transfer option during the online booking process.
     
  • For keen mountain bikers, you can take a 3-hour private mountain bike shuttle. Your shuttle will take you and your bikes to and from the different tracks in the forest and finish at the cabin. This costs $140 per hour for a minimum of three hours. Bookings will need to be made directly via New Zealand Mountain Biking. Please email [email protected] with the dates and times you would like to book to coincide with your stay at Kārearea Nest.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Kārearea Nest

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What time is check-in and check-out?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

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Minimum stay periods

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3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

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14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    Kārearea Nest is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the 2-burner gas hob provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you need a quick coffee fix, there's a coffee shop near the car park. Rotorua is packed with local restaurants and cafes, so you've got lots of choices right nearby. Eastwood is a gem with great coffee, wood-fired pizzas, and a fantastic vibe to top it off.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Rotorua, just a 5 minute drive away.

  • things to do

    Kārearea Nest is set in the heart of nature's playground, right at the doorstep of Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Bike Park - one of the country's oldest and most cherished mountain bike trail systems.

    If you want to hire bikes, there is an electric and non-electric bike hire store in the car park with Mountain Bike Rotorua. Please note this bike hire store is only open for bike hire on weekends and public or school holidays from 9am-3pm. There are other bike hire shops in Rotorua town.

    But it's not just about mountain biking here; for the walkers, there are also fantastic walking tracks throughout the park.

    If you want to get out and about, Rotorua offers an array of exhilarating activities to satisfy every adventurer's craving. If you're brave enough, try river rafting down the Kaituna River. If that's not enough to get your heart racing then give the Rotorua Ziplines a go.

    A visit to The Redwood Tree Walk is an absolute must! The Nightlights Treewalk, in particular, is truly mesmerising as you wander amidst the glowing trees lit with light and colour.

    For those moments of relaxation, there are board games and cards available.

    Convenient mountain bike shuttles are on-site (with the choice between a private or public bus) and can take you to any area within the park.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Kārearea Nest are Stefan, Nicola, Theo, and Greer, along with their furry friends Penny and Gingy.

    By day, Stefan builds tiny houses, while Nicola is an abstract painter. Their journey into the world of glamping was inspired by their shared love for camping in unique and picturesque locations. Stefan often mused to his family, "We'd rather be here than in 5-star accommodation." It was this feeling that sparked the idea of combining the best of both worlds - luxurious accommodations in epic camping spots.

    Stefan and Nicola cherish the property, primarily for its location at the world-class mountain biking trails and the mesmerising views that surround it.

    The cabin is named after Christine, the local Kārearea falcon. Listen to her sharp cry or keep an eye out for her during feeding time, just down the hill.

Testimonials

  • "

    One of my favourite stays. Such a special spot with incredible views.

    "

    Tori Moore - 23 Sep 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    It was a magical little oasis. Even on a rainy day, the view of thick clouds over the hills made us feel like we were in heaven. The cabin was cosy and warm, and the sound of raindrops against the roof while we enjoyed a book by the fireplace was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Peaceful and serene. A total escape. Thank you for sharing it.

    "

    Kyla Solomon - 16 Sep 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    A serene escape with stunning lake views. The outdoor bath is luxurious, and the gas fire provides plenty of warmth and a cosy atmosphere. Would absolutely recommend!

    "

    Morgan Weastell - 13 Sep 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    We absolutely loved this little cabin! The view is incredible, and the cabin was cosy and warm. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a special escape. This is our most favourite place we have ever stayed. Such a treat!

    "

    Kate Moodie - 25 Jun 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    What a beautiful location and a beautiful cottage. We loved the art and set up and the hike into the cottage. Could not recommend highly enough.

    "

    Clare Beumont - 20 May 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    What a great spot! We biked all day then finished up at Kārearea Nest for the night. Beautiful views and very comfortable accomodation. Already talking about booking our next stay.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Absolute bliss. Gorgeous scenery, perfect spot in the forest. Access takes a bit of effort but that's what makes it so special - an epic little adventure. Warm and cosy, the perfect place to relax.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Just magical. Arrived in the dark not having the slightest clue just what a view we were going to wake up to the next morning. Everything has been carefully designed and considered to make this an idyllic spot for an escape from the world. Thank you.

    "

    - 09 Apr 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Amazing place, very unique. The ride up is extremely steep, but definitely worth it for the view.

    "

    - 09 Apr 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful spot for a relaxing getaway.

    "

    - 18 Mar 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Was amazing! Highly recommended!

    "

    - 15 Mar 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    The views, facilities, and cleanliness were fantastic. The walk-up was also very beautiful. I would stay again and highly recommend it.

    "

    - 28 Jan 2024

    12 / 12

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