Adventure Lovers Will Adore This Cabin in the Forests of Rotorua, NZ
Embrace life’s simple pleasures at Kārearea Nest, Rotorua.
“Watch out for the wildlife,” says Tracey Reid, caretaker of Kārearea Nest, a luxury cabin on the edge of forest outside Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui). She swerves her dad’s old ute to avoid a rut in the road. “Most importantly, watch out for Christine, a Kārearea falcon and the cabin’s namesake. She’s a rare breed of bird. You might just see her gliding the wind currents.”
Arriving at this hilltop property is far from straightforward but that’s partly what makes the place so special. From the car park, you could walk the 30-minute trail that weaves through beautiful native bush. You might choose the 15-minute bike ride via road or along one of the Whakarewarewa Forest tracks, which attract adventurers from around the world. Or you could hitch a ride with Reid, one of the few people with a key to the forestry gates.
As our bags are laden with food and wine and we’ve had a three-hour drive from Auckland – passing through Rotorua township, with its bubbling pools, on the way – my partner and I take the easiest option. The $NZ150 return ute transfer means that when we crunch to a stop, we’re left with enough puff to gasp at the spectacular view stretching across a carpet of treetops to sparkling Lake Rotorua, glistening Lake Okareka in the distance and on to mighty Mount Tarawera.
We remain connected to the rhythms of nature during our stay, thanks to the building’s floor-to-ceiling glass. I watch the glow of the rising sun while the kettle boils then sip my tea in the hammock on the terrace. Sharp blue days come without a breath of wind before misty clouds roll in, bringing a soft drizzle.
Original art hangs on the walls, cushions and throws abound and the fully equipped kitchen comes with enough condiments to ensure our self-catering is as sophisticated as the accommodation. As we luxuriate in front of the fire, play boardgames fished out of the cupboard, drink wine and talk late into the night, it feels like we’re the only people on the planet.
While we could rejoin civilisation at Mountain Bike Rotorua for a free-wheeling workout followed by a soak at the Secret Spot Hot Tubs or visit the magical Redwoods Treewalk after dark, we end up doing nothing much at all which, experts say, is good for you. At Kārearea Nest it’s hard to disagree.'
