Sōlās

Sōlās

Matakana, Auckland

Sōlās, pronounced "so-lawss," is located just one hour north of Auckland and an 8-minute drive from Matakana. It shares the property with a sister dome, Sokoon.

Sōlās is a Gaelic term, meaning comfort and enlightenment, capturing the very essence of this retreat.

Inside the geodesic-structured dome, a sense of simplicity and serenity prevails. Ample natural light filters into the dome, casting a lovely warm glow throughout the space. The interior consists of a bedroom, lounging area and wood burner. Step just a few meters beyond the dome to the sheltered kitchen.

The wood-fired outdoor bath and outdoor shower are within a stone's throw. Immerse yourself in relaxation as you soak in the warmth overlooking Mount Tamuhanga.

Located near stunning beaches and vibrant Matakana village, the property offers a serene connection with nature while being conveniently close to the action. Situated along the Te Aroha Trail, it’s ideal for trampers heading to the Dome Valley or Tamuhanga trails.

FROM $300

  • Sleeps 2
ADDRESS
 

Govan Wilson Road, Whangaripo 0985

LOCATION
 

Sōlās is conveniently located just one hour north of Auckland and an 8-minute drive from Matakana.

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].

Sōlās

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

Can children stay at Sōlās?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Sōlās?

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

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Can I book for one night only?

MINIMUM STAY PERIODS

rates

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

    Sōlās is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the two-burner gas stove and Mini Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots, and pans that you'll need.

    Your hosts highly recommend Sawmill Brewery + Smoko Room for an indoor or outdoor dining experience. Matakana Market Kitchen is another excellent option. Both restaurants are just a 10-minute drive away.

    For wine enthusiasts, Omaha Bay VineyardHeron's Flight Vineyard, and Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail—a boutique winery with a glass house restaurant and a lovely 2km garden walk. These wineries are less than a 20-minute drive away. If you're craving takeout, try Viet Q Vietnamese food on Matakana Road.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is 4-Square in Matakana Village, just 8 minutes away. For larger supermarkets, head to Warkworth, just a 15-minute drive.

  • things to do

    Sōlās offers an opportunity to relax in nature's tranquillity. From board games, books, and puzzles to outdoor games like Kubb or Petanque, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Afterwards, unwind in the outdoor bath for another layer of relaxation.

    Nestled within the picturesque bush, there are plenty of lovely nature walks. The property lies along the Te Aroha Trail, heading towards the Dome Valley Summit Track and the Mt Tamahunga trail (a more challenging hike to the summit).

    Matakana Village lies just an 8-minute drive away, with its charming markets and local eateries. The markets run on weekends only: two Saturday markets that run year-round, and a Sunday market during the summer season only.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Sōlās are Rachael and Ario.

    After a nine-year search for the perfect spot, Rachael and Ario have called this beautiful property home for the past four years. The family includes their daughters, Emmie and Eden, and their three-legged cat named Marley. They also have three chickens: Chick Chick, Edith Eggar, and Goldie.

    The property has a rich history, originally subdivided by a fisherman who built a boat-style house and created the watering hole on the land. Over the past 30 years, the once farmland has flourished into a lush, verdant bush. Recently, Rachael and Ario undertook a renovation project to rebuild their home. Many of the salvaged materials from this rebuild have been thoughtfully repurposed into the glamping domes, giving them a unique and sustainable charm.

    Rachael, a dietitian specialising in pediatric nutrition, and Ario, an I.T. consultant, love the area’s outdoor activities. Rachael enjoys ocean swimming at the 16 nearby beaches. They appreciate the seclusion and birdsong at the property, yet the village’s restaurants, markets, and cinema are just an 8-minute drive away.

    The name "Sōlās" means comfort in Gaelic, honouring Rachael's Irish roots. The other dome on the property is called "Sokoon," meaning tranquillity and stillness in Farsi/Persian, a nod to Ario's roots in Iran. Both names eloquently capture their cultural heritage and embody the serene experience they aspire to offer their guests!

Testimonials

  • "

    Perfect place to unwind the body and mind!

    "

    JANAINA CHAVES AGUIAR - 13 May 2025

    1 / 11

  • "

    We were sad to be at Sōlās in awful weather, but I think it speaks to the beauty of the location and accommodation that we still loved it. Everything was clean, cosy and gorgeous. We loved toasting marshmallows in the fire inside at night and hearing the rain on the canopy. The hosts were available whenever required and easy to communicate with. Would visit again.

    "

    Maddie Jeffrey - 01 May 2025

    2 / 11

  • "

    Amazing stay, highly recommend! Lovely, attentive hosts, beautiful scenery, and nice and clean! Thanks so much for having us.

    "

    Lucia Hilder - 18 Mar 2025

    3 / 11

  • "

    Beautiful, peaceful retreat in the bush with a lovely outlook. All the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, and lovely hosts.

    "

    Jessica Cook - 24 Nov 2024

    4 / 11

  • "

    Sōlās was the most beautiful, cosy, perfect winter getaway. Features like the indoor fireplace and the outdoor bath make it the perfect romantic weekend spot. Watching the sunset from our dome was definitely the highlight. Thank you to Rachel and her husband for the excellent communication. I would thoroughly recommend it.

    "

    India Punturiero - 01 Nov 2024

    5 / 11

  • "

    We had such a lovely time at Sōlās, we will definitely be back again. It was such a cosy experience we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Can’t wait to come back!

    "

    Natasha Lelean - 28 Oct 2024

    6 / 11

  • "

    We had a wonderful stay at the Sōlās glamping dome in Matakana! Despite being off the grid, the facilities were impressively clean and cosy. The outdoor bath was incredibly romantic, and learning how to start a fire added an adventurous touch to our trip. Our hosts were exceptionally friendly and always ready to help, making our stay even more enjoyable. We can’t recommend Sōlās enough for a unique and relaxing getaway!

    "

    Rubyn Park - 30 Sep 2024

    7 / 11

  • "

    It was a really cool experience. Definitely recommend and would come again. I would love to come back in the summer.

    "

    James Holliday - 13 Sep 2024

    8 / 11

  • "

    The place was wonderful. We booked it for my birthday staycation, and it was so nice and lovely. Our host, Rachael, was so lovely and friendly. I would definitely recommend this to everyone.

    "

    Kunjal Dodiya - 13 Sep 2024

    9 / 11

  • "

    This stay was exactly what we needed: relaxing, clean, calm, and the perfect spot. The hosts were very friendly, and I would recommend this spot to everyone.

    "

    Nicola Andrews - 31 Jul 2024

    10 / 11

  • "

    We loved our stay at Sōlās! It’s clean and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hosts were lovely and very accommodating. Shops and everything else were also very close if we needed anything.

    "

    Amy - 24 Jul 2024

    11 / 11

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