Maunga Iti

Maunga Iti

Tutukaka Coast

Maunga Iti, meaning 'little hills' in Te Reo Māori, is a large bush block just inland from the stunning Tutukaka coastline. At an easy 3 hour drive from Auckland, this delectable slice of kiwi paradise makes the perfect escape for weary city folk looking to recharge and relax.

Maunga Iti is owned by Stefan and Ira Seitzer, who have spent the last 25+ years creating a private bushland retreat, complete with bush tracks, a pristine freshwater stream and native birds.

The luxury tent is perfectly positioned on the top of a small hill, with dreamy views out over bushland to the ocean and islands beyond. The interior incorporates hand-crafted furniture and a queen-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and natural bedding. A wood-burning tent stove makes the space warm and cosy. Access from the back of the tent takes you straight out to your enclosed ensuite bathroom and camp kitchen with on-tap hot water. 

An outdoor bath is set at the front of the deck, perfectly positioned for taking in the amazing views out toward the Hen and Chicken Islands.

At night, enjoy a glass of wine and some toasted marshmallows over the brazier coals... When it's warm, sleep with the tent open, and soak up the sounds of the bush and the view of the moonlight on the ocean.

FROM $290 p/n

Adults Only

  • Sleeps 3

A $75 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times. 

ADDRESS

399 Waiotoi Road, Ngunguru, Northland 0154

DIRECTIONS

Do not attempt to use Google Maps to find your way to Maunga Iti. The directions are incorrect.

From Auckland (approx 3 hours drive):

  • Head North to Whangarei on SH 1. Stay on SH 1 bypassing Whangarei town.
  • You will see a golf course and turn off on your right to the Tutukaka Coast. Take that turn off and follow the road for about 1km.
  • Go straight through a small roundabout, and another couple of hundred metres straight through the next roundabout.
  • At this point you'll have a Mobil petrol station on your left and be heading out of the eastern suburb of Tikipunga. You'll see a big sign directing you towards Tutukaka, Matapouri and Ngunguru. Driving time from this point to Ngunguru is approximately 25 minutes.
  • The next settlement you will get to is Ngunguru. Drive along the estuary past the shop and over the second one lane bridge. Immediately after the bridge is a turnoff to your left. This is Waiotoi Road. 
  • Head straight down Waiotoi Road. This will turn into a gravel road after about 3km. Continue on the road, passing a one lane bridge. 
  • The road will fork. Stay on the bottom road.
  • Continue over another one lane bridge until you come to the end. A council maintenance sign and a house with a wooden fence is straight ahead. Maunga Iti's private road leads you up the hill and past the wooden house.
  • Take the second drive on your left, and you will see the Maunga Iti sign. About 20 meters up the driveway you should see a traffic cone, please take the driveway immediately to the right. This will take you straight up to the tent, passing the aviary on your right.

Maunga Iti

What time is check in and check out?

WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

WHAT ARE THE KITCHEN AND COOKING FACILITIES?

WHAT ARE THE BATHROOM FACILITIES?

IS THERE POWER?

IS THERE MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION?

WHAT SORT OF HEATING IS THERE?

CAN I HAVE an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT MAUNGA ITI?

can i bring my dog or horse?

HOW PRIVATE AND REMOTE IS maunga iti?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

Will I come across creatures and critters during my stay?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

ARE THERE ANY SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum Stay Periods

RATES

GIFT VOUCHERS

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Maunga Iti is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the BBQ and equipment provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage and feel like a meal out, Stefan and Ira recommend Oceans, Schnappa Rock, or Marina Pizzeria in Tutukaka.

    The nearest supermarket is in Tikipunga, an Eastern suburb of Whangarei about a 25-minute drive away. The nearest store for basic supplies is the Ngunguru 4 Square, just a 5-minute drive away. 

  • Things to Do

    Maunga Iti is the ultimate place to stay for rest and relaxation. 

    If you can tear yourself away from the comfort and tranquillity of your tent, you'll find a range of things to do on and around the property. There is a variety of bush walks at Maunga Iti - tracks ranging from 20 - 45 minutes in length. Spot the amazing array of native birds!

    Off the property, but nearby, you have the choice of some other great walks. The Sandy Bay to Whananaki coastal walk or the local coastal walk from Ngunguru Beach to Whangaumu Bay (both sections of the Te Araroa walking track).

    There's a raft of other activities in the area to take advantage of too; diving or snorkelling at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, surfing at Sandy Bay, even big game fishing at Tutukaka. The Tutukaka Marina has some excellent local art, retail, cafes and restaurants.

  • Your Hosts

    Stefan and Ira Seitzer will be your hosts while at Maunga Iti. They're a fantastic couple with an interesting background - both personally and professionally.

    Stefan, originally from Germany, arrived in New Zealand in 1985 after studying 5 years of classical music. His first job in New Zealand was as a possum trapper where he quickly fell in love with the native bush and environment. After a few years he decided to study Environmental Science, and after graduating set up his own freshwater consultancy. As well as this he's written several articles for the NZ Geographic, set up an outdoor environmental educational programme and eventually decided on a major career change by training as and becoming a teacher.

    Stefan bought Maunga Iti in 1995 after seeing the potential of the bush surrounds, stony bottomed stream that ran through the property, and North Island Brown Kiwi in the area. He met the lovely Ira not long after on Ngunguru beach - and the rest was history as they say!

    Ira's whakapapa is Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahungungu and Ngati Maru. She's had an equally diverse and interesting career, having had worked in the fitness industry, studied tourism and hospitality, worked with Stefan with their freshwater education programmes and eventually training as a primary school teacher.

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