Whether you’re a nature lover, an eco-warrior, or just someone looking for a unique getaway, I’ve curated a list of the most eco-friendly places to stay in the North Island for any time of the year.
Discover hidden gems in the forest, where sustainability meets comfort, and where your travel choices contribute to preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty.
See Also: Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in the South Island
Location: North Island | New Zealand
Type of Accommodation: Eco-friendly and Organic | Stargazing
Bookings can be made at: Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
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1. Nightsky Cottage | Tongariro National Park
Ambiance: Luxurious, secluded eco-retreat surrounded by native forest, perfect for stargazing and reconnecting with nature.
Location: Nightsky Cottage is in Horopito, near Mount Ruapehu.
Rooms: A 5-star private cottage on one hectare of bush bordering the Tongariro National Park. Nightsky Cottage has two bedrooms, king-sized beds, a cosy living area with a fireplace, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Special Features: Imagine soaking in the indoor side-by-side baths after a day of exploring, with nothing but the tranquil view of the Manuka forest for company.
Watch the sunset over Mount Ruapehu from your front-row seat in the forest.
There is no need to step outside to admire the stars. With a skylight in the lounge, you can gaze up at the southern constellations from the warmth of your retreat.
Sustainability: Zero waste policy, composting, recycling, natural cleaning and bathroom products, 100% renewable energy, and LED lighting. Awarded for its sustainability efforts.
Book your Starry Night Adventure with Expedia
2. The Hideout | Mangawhai
Ambiance: Nestled in a serene valley, The Hideout offers a tranquil escape in Northland, surrounded by native bush, designed with an ecological conscience.
Choose from four rustic cottages on a rural property, close to streams and waterfalls. The perfect retreat for those seeking peace and an intimate connection with nature.
Location: On a rural property 17 minutes drive to Mangawhai, and a 1.5 hours drive north of Auckland.
Rooms: Each cottage at The Hideout is a private sanctuary, featuring modern comforts, spacious interiors, and thoughtful eco-friendly touches. Enjoy underfloor heating, a mini kitchen, and stunning bush views.
Special Features: Emphasis on increasing bird life through native planting and pest control, a short walk to a nearby stream and falls, and the opportunity to unwind or explore the farm.
Things to Do: Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach for swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, and water sports. You’re also close to Te Arai Beach.
Go winetasting at the local Mangawhai vineyards. Visit Mangawhai’s Chocolate Factory, the weekend market, the museum, and art galleries. Eat out at the many restaurants and cafes near The Hideout.
Book your idyllic eco stay at The Hideout with Agoda and unlock your deal
3. Heartland Eco Retreat | Ahipara
Ambiance: A tranquil glade within the Herekino Forest, offering complete peace, privacy, and serenity. Heartland Eco Retreat is the epitome of getting back to nature, surrounded by fresh water and native bush.
You have this off-grid property all to yourself. Depending on your group size (minimum 2 guests – max 10 guests) you can stay in the Main House, the Bush Hut, the Guest House, and the Lake View House. Kids love the Bush Hut!
Location: Heartland Eco Retreat is in Northland at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.
A Dark Sky Sanctuary popular with astrophotographers and stargazers!
Rooms: The holiday home is a homely space split into four spaces. With 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests, a living room with a fireplace, and a kitchen. It’s perfectly set up for families or groups seeking an off-grid experience.
Special Features: the buildings are made of earth cement, in the same bohemian style made famous by Northland’s Kawakawa-based artist Hunderwasser.
Things to Do:
- Relax in the outdoor earth cement hot tub fed by a stream
- Sit under the stars by the outdoor fireplace
- Dine outdoors on the large Spanish-style patio of the main house
- Make the most of the pizza oven, and make your own delicious wood-fired pizzas
- You can even sunbathe on the white sand beach next to the large pond
- Experience Te Araroa Trail with a walk on nearby Ninety Mile Beach.
Book your escape at Heartland Eco Retreat with Agoda
4. The Dome | Waikino
Ambiance: A quirky eco-cabin set in the lush Waikino landscape, The Dome offers a unique stay under the stars with all the comforts of home. Ideal for eco-conscious travellers looking for a cool experience.
Location: 23km west of Waihi and at the base of the Coromandel, near Karangahake Gorge, and a 17-minute drive to the Lemon and Paeroa Bottle!
Rooms: The Dome features a beautifully designed space with a queen-size bed (or 2 single beds), eco-friendly amenities, and panoramic views of the surrounding nature from the deck.
Guest Review
Feels so secluded and a great get away spot. Had everything we needed, absolute calm.
Special Features: Off-grid living with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and a composting toilet. The property encourages guests to explore the nearby hiking and biking tracks and enjoy the simplicity of sustainable living. You’re near the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Book your North Island eco escape at The Dome with Agoda and unlock your deal
5. Earthbridge | Hikutaia
Ambiance: A peaceful permaculture eco-sanctuary focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Earthbridge offers an off-grid serene retreat in the heart of the forest, inviting guests to reconnect with nature.
Location: just north of The Dome at Waikino and near the Coromandel and Waihi.
Guest Review
This is a really cool, quirky place. Very inspirational. The view is great and we enjoyed the bush walks. Our host brought us freshly baked sourdough bread!
Rooms: The cottage for up to 5 guests is crafted with natural materials, featuring comfortable beds, eco-friendly toiletries, and views of the lush gardens and native bush.
Special Features: Organic gardens, native reforestation projects, and eco-friendly practices throughout.
Things to Do: You can join gardening activities, and explore the Wires Track, the Hauraki Rail Trail, and other hiking and biking trails. In summer cool off with a swim in the Maratoto and Hikutaia streams.
Escape to this permaculture eco retreat – see the best prices at Booking.com
See More Unique and Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in the North Island
These Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in the North Island offer a unique blend of comfort, sustainability, and connection with the natural world, perfect for eco-conscious travellers exploring New Zealand, weekends away, and holidays any time of the year.
