Tarata Cabin

Autumn Special | Stay 3 Pay 2
Book and stay between 12 May 2025 and 31 July 2025 and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Applies to bookings made after 12 May 2025. Does not apply to public holidays.

Tarata Cabin

Kāwhia Harbour, Waikato

Tarata Cabin is set on the edge of Kāwhia Harbour in Te Waitere. It's approximately a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Hamilton, and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Auckland City. It shares the same property as Tarata Tent.

Set on a bush-covered hillside, the cabin enjoys stunning views of the beautiful Kāwhia Harbour.

The little rustic cabin has been lovingly renovated into the ultimate glamping retreat. With an outdoor kitchen, bathroom and extensive outdoor living spaces - you'll feel immersed in nature. The cosy, enclosed bedroom has large glass windows and doors - connecting you to the outdoors. The interior decor is stylish and restful.

Many hours can be spent relaxing on the deck and watching the tides move in and out during the day. The wood-clad hot tub, perfectly positioned to catch the view, is available to use (other than in the event of extreme water restrictions)

Explore the native bush and pine forest on the property - and spot the kereru that make it their home. A stream runs through the small ravine and if you're lucky - you may even see a few glowworms hiding on the banks. 

Tarata Cabin is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life - and a truly peaceful place to rest and rejuvenate.

FROM $265

  • Sleeps 2

Directions

Tarata Cabin

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the cooking and kitchen facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

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Is there mobile phone reception?

Is there heating?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in Winter?

How does the hot tub work?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT Tarata Cabin?

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How private and remote is Tarata Cabin?

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

Will I come across creatures and critters during my stay?

What do I need to bring?

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Minimum Stays

Rates

MASSAGE BY TANZANITE BEAUTY

Extras

Gift Vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Tarata Cabin is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the mini pizza oven and facilities provided in the outdoor kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy a meal out, Toi Toi Cafe is a 25-minute drive away and has great coffee and Denheath Custard Squares. Make sure you ring ahead to check opening hours though! 

    A little further afield is the Kāwhia Fish and Chip shop.

    Taharoa has a dairy with very basic supplies, 15 minutes drive away. There is a convenience store in Ōpārau, 40 minutes drive away and the nearest full supermarket is in Otorohanga.

  • Things to do

    With board games, cards, and a stunning view to soak up, once you get to the cabin, you'll find you won't want to leave.

    If you want to get out and about though, there's plenty to explore.

    If beaches are your thing, check out the local options! Marokopa beach is a stunning black sand West Coast beach - about a 40-minutes drive away. Kāwhia Hot water beach is a bit further afield but a real gem. To experience the hot water, take a shovel and get digging. The hot water is accessible two hours before and two hours after low tide. Kiritehere Fossil Beach has 200 million-year-old fossils of shells in the rocks at the South end of the beach. If you're going fossil hunting, go when the tide is out. Finally, Waikawau Tunnel Beach is accessed by walking through a tunnel. The tunnel was originally used for exchanging goods with ships in the harbour. 

    A fantastic outing from the cabin involves a visit to the Marokopa Falls (about 30 minutes away) at sunset, followed by a walk to the Piripiri caves as it starts to get dark. When you arrive at the Mangapohue natural bridge, you'll walk along the river and see thousands of glowworms emerge as darkness falls.

    The famous Waitomo Caves are about 1.5 hours drive from Te Waitere.

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at Tarata Cabin are Kirstie and Michael.

    Kirstie and Michael bought the property on the edge of Kāwhia Harbour in 2019 as a peaceful retreat from their busy lives. They are both passionate about restoring the native forest and wildlife, experiencing the beauty of New Zealand's diverse landscapes and sharing this with others.

    Tarata Cabin started life as a very small cabin on the property. It was initially renovated by Kirstie and Michael as a dream project, for fun. But after inviting friends to stay and seeing how much they enjoyed it, they decided to widen the scope - and invite others to share it too.

Testimonials

  • "

    Loved this space! A fantastic place to unwind and escape the noise. The most fancy compostable toilet I’ve ever seen. Clean, tidy, and so cosy. Even the coffee provided is amazing. Don’t miss out on the wood log spa!

    "

    Cheyenne Robson - 19 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    An impressive glamping set up, everything was perfect!

    "

    Samuel Goodwin - 12 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Such a relaxing couple of days, the cabin was the perfect place to switch off and just chill. Loved the outdoor oven, wood-fired hot tub and outdoor shower – so beautifully created. Thank you for sharing the cabin.

    "

    Nicky - 25 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    We enjoyed an incredibly peaceful and relaxing stay. The pizza oven and hot tub were perfect to make the most of the beautiful outdoors.

    "

    Sarah Furtado - 28 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    My husband and I stayed at Tarata Cabin for three nights. When we first arrived, we were like giddy children. The setup was gorgeous—tucked away from the road but with a beautiful view of the harbour. The cabin itself was beautifully presented with lovely linen and fresh-cut flowers. Pizza oven and fire—loved it. Wood fire tub—loved it. This cabin is what we described as off-grid with a touch of luxe. Great, responsive communication from the hosts. I would say we will be back again in the future.

    "

    Rebecca Montford - 02 Apr 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Had a lovely time at Tarata Cabin. It was cute and quaint, kind of like a human-sized fairy house and garden. Enjoyed our stay a lot.

    "

    Jonelle Dowson - 16 Mar 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    We travelled five hours to be there and are so glad we did! Stunning views and area! Cooking on the fireplace, heating up the hot tub... we didn't venture out much during our three day stay, but when we did, we grabbed our fishing rods and easily found a place to throw a rod in!

    "

    Lisa Mills-Albert - 10 Mar 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    We loved the setting, so peaceful and quiet.

    "

    Michelle Blundell - 28 Feb 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Great place to go for a 'get-away' A great eco retreat! Very quite and peaceful. Activties around the area keep you busy. Recommend!

    "

    Bayley Sisson - 22 Jan 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    The place was quiet and beautiful. You can tell the owners really care about the property. If I’m ever back in New Zealand, I’d love to come back or check out another spot of theirs.

    "

    Robert Shanley - 14 Dec 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    My stay at this beautiful cabin was pure bliss. Surrounded by nature, it offered peace, comfort, and stunning views. Mornings with birdsong, evenings by the fire, and nights under the stars made it unforgettable. I can’t wait to visit again!

    "

    Lily and Dan - 24 Nov 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    I had a perfect getaway with my wife! The peace and quiet were amazing, with the perfect setting. We absolutely loved our stay!

    "

    Kris Loomans - 11 Nov 2024

    12 / 12

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