Kauri Mountain, east of Whangarei, is a haven for native flora and fauna, and you can get in among it by booking a night or two at Ara Roa.
Ara Roa is private and secluded on 36ha of land. It's set high on the mountainside with views of the oceanand countryside, and at night you can hear the occasional kiwi call.
The two-bedroom studio is suitable as a romantic retreat or for a family break, with enough room for six. It makes for a perfect winter hideaway, positioned in a sheltered spot with north-facing decks to catch the winter sun.