Tiny Outlooks - Kokako Retreat - Kaharoa
Marshmellow roasting and story telling by the fire-pit saw the fading light turn to nightfall. A resident ruru swooped in and entertained us with its inquisitiveness as we headed back to the pods. Kokako Retreat is home to many native birds that are drawn in by the regenerating bush surrounding the site. The bird chorus here was a welcome change from the hum of traffic we are used to hearing at home.
This was the perfect little getaway for the four of us. Now that our kids are hitting teen years, we have to actively carve out time to spend together as a family. We often find that weekends can become a scattered array of seperate activities, drop offs, pickups, odd jobs and busyness. Times away like this become little gems that we (as parents) hold on to.
The private access road to Kokako Retreat took us deep into the 55 acre Bay of Plenty property, winding through hilly farmland, flanked by native bush. The final few hundred metres to the site had to be journeyed by foot which gave us an immediate appreciation for the remote nature of the retreat and the seclusion we found once we arrived.
You can see how owners Jo and Dean were attracted to the farm a decade ago and why they chose to create a tiny stay here… “The view at that corner of the farm is incredible and the bird life is stunning” shares Jo. Since adding the retreat to the land in 2021, Jo and Dean have planted 500 native plants around the site to help nestle the three pods into the environment.
Additional to their day jobs, the couple run a range of animals on the farm and manage Kokako Retreat as a business. The real heart behind the retreat however is one of charity. Jo and Dean give away a two night stay, providing a restful break to a different family each month who are supporting a loved one with mental illness. The retreat doesn’t often sit empty. Over the four years since opening, it has proven itself as a destination stay for paying guests and now averages 95% occupancy, helping hugely to cover the charity arm of the venture.
Kokako Retreat is made up of three curved back pods. There’s a bedroom pod, a kitchen and bathroom pod and a lounge pod with wood burner and pull out couch for additional guests. The unique structure of these pods gives a great point of difference and a cosy feel with the ply lined ceilings arching down into the floors. The effect creates a bit of a caravan vibe to each space. The 3x3m pods were constructed offsite by local Rotorua company ‘The Big Little Tiny House company’ and transported in. Verandahs were added and each pod has been orientated slightly differently maximising the view across the valley towards the pocket of native bush.
The off grid slow stay experience is so good for the wind down. In lieu of instant entertainment we took drawing pads and reading books, the travel guitar and card games; All of which were well used during our stay. From our elevated position we watched the golden band of morning sun creep into the valley, burning off the low hanging cloud. I thought back to my rural upbringing and the valley of farmland and native bush where I spent my early years. Nostalgia often hits me in places like this.
Without time pressure and the usual daily distractions, it’s easier to notice and enjoy the rhythms of the environment. There are a number of marked bush walks on DOC land in the area. We ventured along one of the trails near the property that Jo had told us about. She also shared about the efforts of The Kaharoa Kokako Trust who do a great job of breeding Kokako and pest management throughout the district. Although we didn’t spot any of the famed native birds, the whole area felt like a haven of birdsong echoing throughout the valley. We too will likely be drawn back in to this verdant corner of the region.
To find out more about the efforts of the Kaharoa Kokako Trust, head to https://www.kokako.org.nz/
To book your stay at Kokako Retreat, head to https://canopycamping.co.nz/kokako-retreat
