Tiny Outlooks - The Swingbridge Huts - Kauaeranga Valley - Coromandel

I’ve learnt that there are certain things my soul needs to thrive. High on my list is time in creation. So much about it is enriching: slowing down enough to notice the sounds around me - native birds singing, wind ruffling the trees, the hush of moving water replacing the drone of traffic; the chance for adventure, exploring new landscapes and being active outdoors; a break from routine and domestic distraction; space to embrace creative thought and imagination. Wilderness stays are the perfect starting point for these experiences, and our time at the Swingbridge huts was definitely a cup filler.

Nestled in the Kauaeranga Valley, en route to the Coromandel Forest Park and the Pinnacles hiking track, this little oasis feels beautifully remote whilst being quite accessible, just 15 minutes from the township of Thames.

The Swingbridge huts are a labour of love made by the creative duo Kirsty Winter (cabinet maker and designer) and Louise Purvis (professional sculptor). Both of their signature styles are stamped all over the tiny stay, from the immaculately crafted wooden bed frame, sliding drawers, shelves and cabinetry that Kirsty has constructed to Louise’s robust metal work that provides the huts’ base along with various artistic and practical features throughout the site. Louise explains “It has evolved over the five years it’s taken to complete, as we came to understand the land here through the wet and dry seasons. We added on smaller huts once the sleeping / lounge hut was built and connected them with a deck. Kirsty and I have an understanding of space and materials. We are both makers and it’s a collaboration of our ideas and skills.”

Along with the main 11 square metre sleeping hut, there’s a kitchen hut with a gorgeously framed view of the jagged hills beyond the valley and a bathroom hut. Then there’s a repurposed sculpture turned outdoor lounge /fire-bowl zone with swinging chairs which is perfect for star gazing and marshmellow roasting.

Our two-night stay here gave us a taste of the area’s tranquility along with a full day’s window to make a return hike up the Pinnacles. If you’re less keen to hike and more keen to just slow down, the invitation is here for that too. Framed by the surrounding hills with the river at your doorstep, you can relax into your surroundings. Resident ruru call out by night and parties of tuis swoop in by day. Louise and Kirsty have designed the site with its multiple huts to encourage interaction with the outdoors and make the most of this wilderness setting.

After a beautifully clear night, the morning of our Pinnacles hike saw dark clouds rolling through the valley. The forecast wasn’t great but we didn’t want to miss our chance for the adventure. Armed with a decent packed lunch, water and plenty of snacks, we set off into the hills.

As we expected, during our ascent, the heavens opened and streams formed on the track as the rain pelted down. We were thankful for our rain coats (and the plastic bag lining my daypack to keep my camera dry). Once we reached the DOC hut en route, we joined the other soaked hikers and ate our lunch under shelter while we waited for a window in the weather to tackle the summit track. Thankfully, the rain stopped long enough for us to reach the peak and absorb the vista before setting off again for the descent.

When we’ve ventured up the Pinnacles previously, we’ve stayed in the DOC hut near the top which has been a fun communal experience. Having our own little haven in the valley to get back to this time though felt like luxury. The nighttime calls of the ruru and swooshing sounds of the river definitely trumped the chorus of snorers. The Swingbridge huts gifted us the perfect level of escape.

To book your stay at The Swingbridge Huts head to airbnb . You can also find more information at https://coromandelcabins.co.nz/‍ ‍