Lakeland Station - Rotorima Retreat | Kai Iwi Lakes, Northland

Lakeland Station - Rotorima Retreat

Kai Iwi Lakes, Northland

Rotorima Retreat is 30 minutes from Dargaville and 3 hours from Central Auckland. Set on Lakeland Station, the same beautiful property as Waikare Cabin and Ripiro Sunset.

Perched on an elevated hill - the escape overlooks rolling farmland and the renowned Kai Iwi Lakes. Beyond the lakes the Tasman Sea twinkles in the distance.

The cabin has a simple yet tasteful interior design. Lined in birch ply - the space is light and calming. A kitchen and living room have large windows that frame picturesque views of the Kai Iwi Lakes. In a separate space, you'll find a cosy queen bed adorned with natural linens. Step onto the front deck to the perfectly positioned outdoor bath, and an outdoor fireplace.

Nowhere else will you enjoy such stunning views over Lakes Waikare and Taharoa. Take in amazing sunsets, sunrises and the moonlight shimmering over the lakes - all from your own private little glamping spot on the hill.

Last updated 18 Sept 2026

EATING AND DRINKING

Rotorima Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the 2-burner electric hob and Weber BBQ. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you fancy a meal out, . For Fish and Chips, head to Sharkeys at Baylys Beach, 35 minutes away. Over December and January, there is a food caravan at the campground at nearby Pine Beach. Hours vary, but it's generally open every day from Christmas to the end of January, then weekends through February and March.

Other options in Dargaville (30 minutes away) include The Northern Wairoa Hotel, Blah Blah Blah Café, Shiraz Indian Restaurant, Merkabah Dargaville and Pad Thai Café.

Good Life Store Dargaville - which is a General Store with Coffee and freshly made sandwiches and salads.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Dargaville, 30 minutes away.

THINGS TO DO

Rotorima Retreat is a spot to kick back, relax and take in the sparkling lake views.

If you are keen to enjoy the area, there's plenty to do, starting with the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes. These are amongst the largest and best dune lakes in New Zealand. If you are keen to enjoy the area, there's plenty to do, starting with the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes. These are amongst the largest and best dune lakes in New Zealand. Walk, run or bike around any of the three lakes and enjoy a swim anywhere along the trail. Or walk the [Kai Iwi Coastal Track] which starts at the roadside and goes across private farmland to Ripiro beach.

If you're keen to explore the local beaches, head out to Omamari (a 10-minute drive) and check out Ripiro Beach – the longest driveable beach in NZ (4WD essential!).

For keen walkers, Trounson Kauri Park is DOC’s first mainland island in Northland. It has an easy 40 minute loop track.

Maunganui Bluff Track is 2.6km and 1.5 hours each way. Climb up and over an ancient volcanic crater for some of the best views in the region. Mt Taranaki can be seen on the clear days!

Waipoua Forest and the mighty Kauris, Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere are a 50-minute drive north on State Highway 12. They are the two largest living Kauri trees in NZ.

If you are interested in the local arts and crafts, or history, Nelson’s Kaihu Kauri Gallery is a must-visit. The Dargaville Museum tells some fascinating stories of the Kauri Coast.

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Lakeland Station are Lee Greer and Jemma O'Donnell, along with children, Austin, Anya and Brooke.

Lakeland Station is a 600-hectare beef farm, with areas of forestry and native bush. The farm has been in Lee's family since the early 1980s, with Jemma and Lee moving from Auckland and purchasing the home block in 2016. The property was in a rundown state when they took it on, and they've worked hard to return it to a working farm. They take a lot of pride in seeing the improvements, particularly the environmental work they're doing in and around the Kai Iwi Lakes. They work closely with the Northland Regional Council carrying out pest control operations and working on restoring several wetland areas.

Lee and Jemma love being so close to the coast and the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes. Offering glamping to guests is a perfect fit with their farm and means they can share their special location with others. They now have three escapes on the same property – Rotorima Retreat, Waikare Cabin and Ripiro Sunset.

TESTIMONIALS

“ This lil gem is fantastic! Perfect for our weekend away. The views were incredible and that night sky!? Such a quiet, relaxing spot. Big thank you to our hosts for sharing their slice of paradise!! ”

Bex- 2025-08-26

20 / 20

“ Loved the setting, perfect to enjoy the sunset while looking at the valley with the lakes. A really great experience. ”

Francesco- 2026-09-16

1 / 20

“ Stunning place away from it all, solitude, clean and green, fresh air, superb views, cosy cottage. Loved the bath on the deck, even in the rain. Would definitely recommend. ”

Lyle Irwin- 2026-08-03

2 / 20

“ Unparalleled views in a beautiful location. You can sit in front of the fireplace and stare out at the vistas until the sun goes down. ”

Nikhil Prasad- 2026-08-02

3 / 20

“ It was secluded and quiet. ”

Iain Schoenberg- 2026-07-07

4 / 20

“ Amazing stay, super relaxing and such a treat to get away from the busy work life! ”

Rebecca Elliott- 2026-05-20

5 / 20

“ Rotorima Retreat is so dreamy. The location is so peaceful, and the views are stunning! There are lots of walks around the area as well. We would recommend the Kai Iwi Lakes for a beach walk. ”

Laura- 2026-05-20

6 / 20

“ Amazing views in a stunning location. ”

Lynda Fleming- 2026-04-22

7 / 20

“ Great place to just get away and enjoy the peace and the stars. ”

Sarah Smith- 2026-04-11

8 / 20

“ What beautiful views of beautiful lakes!! Loved the outdoor bath, and the bed and shower are both top notch. Our bad luck it was a bit windy to use the outdoor fire. Mother Nature's fault, not the accommodations. ”

Sharron Botherway- 2026-03-20

9 / 20

“ We had such a great stay, beautiful cabin with the most stunning views! Facilities were awesome and especially loved the outdoor bath, it was beautiful at night under the stars! Also felt super safe and secure. Easy communication with the host and clear instructions too! Overall, would recommend this cabin to anyone looking for an amazing getaway to the Kai Iwi Lakes! ”

Shelby Bennett- 2026-03-15

10 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at Rotorima Retreat! Beautiful location and lovely accommodation. Would definitely recommend! ”

Emma Rogers- 2026-03-13

11 / 20

“ What an amazing place. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth, easy, and perfectly organised. The retreat is absolutely spotless, beautifully maintained, and so thoughtfully set up. The views are simply breathtaking — waking up to that scenery every morning felt unreal. And the host? So kind, welcoming, and attentive, making sure every little detail was just right. Two nights of pure relaxation in a place that truly exceeds expectations. Can’t recommend it enough. ”

Roxana Lunev- 2026-02-26

12 / 20

“ This place was absolutely stunning, we only wish we had a longer stay. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend. ”

Ralph Ali- 2026-02-21

13 / 20

“ Unreal spot! Perfect getaway for a weekend. ”

Maisie Penman- 2026-02-04

14 / 20

“ What a super neat place to unwind from the world. Comfy bed, good-sized bathroom, plus it had everything we needed. Sitting in the bath watching the sun go down over the Kai Iwi Lakes was magical. ”

Marcelle Messenger- 2026-01-10

15 / 20

“ The location is truly breathtaking, and the outdoor fireplace was such a treat. Waking up in this quiet, remote setting feels wonderfully luxurious—like the best version of camping, but with all the comfort, warmth, and amenities of a well-designed home. ”

Mag K- 2025-11-21

16 / 20

“ Our stay at Rotorima Retreat was absolutely incredible — the location was peaceful, serene, and surrounded by nature’s beauty. With breathtaking views over Kai Iwi Lakes, it truly felt like a slice of heaven! ”

Bhupi Singh- 2025-11-08

17 / 20

“ Stunning venue overlooking the lakes. Very relaxing. ”

Dean Daly- 2025-11-07

18 / 20

“ The views were spectacular, the outdoor bath was luxurious and the communication from Jemma was clear and well explained. Highly recommend visiting this area of NZ. ”

Rebecca Dennis- 2025-09-22

19 / 20

Bex- 2025-08-26

20 / 20

“ Loved the setting, perfect to enjoy the sunset while looking at the valley with the lakes. A really great experience. ”

Francesco- 2026-09-16

1 / 20

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

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