Little Tin Shed

Mangawhai, Northland

Little Tin Shed is 1.5 hours from Auckland City and just 5 minutes from Mangawhai township.

The purpose-built glamping cabin is set on a 50-acre farm, looking out over gentle hills and pastures.

The cabin has been a passion project for the owner, Julia, and this is evident in the beautiful interior decor and careful design. Every detail has been thought about and expertly executed - from the stunning tiled shower to the crockery on the kitchen shelves.

Enjoy a cuppa on the verandah in the morning while watching the sheep grazing in the neighbouring paddocks. Pheasants often lurk in the long grass, and fantails flit in and out of the surrounding Manuka trees. When the waves are big, you'll hear them crashing onto the nearby beach.

During the day, explore all that Mangawhai has to offer! After a day of adventure, follow the paved path from the cabin through the manuka to an outdoor bath – the perfect spot for stargazing on a clear night.

Bring your furry friend along too!

Last updated 9 Sept 2026

EATING AND DRINKING

Little Tin Shed is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Mangawhai is just a 5-minute drive away and has a variety of cafes to choose from. Bennetts Cafe or Brewed As are recommended by your hosts for brunch. The Mangawhai Tavern or Gringas Street Food are both good spots for dinner.

If you're after somewhere for dinner for a special occasion, head to Oceans Restaurant at Te Arai Links. Mangawhai also has a Four Square and a New World supermarket for stocking up on supplies.

THINGS TO DO

Little Tin Shed is a beautiful and easy escape from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy a cuppa on the verandah with a good book, soak in the outdoor bath surrounded by manuka or battle it out over a board game.

Why not explore all that Mangawhai has to offer, head to the beach or the market, or explore the local winery? The Mangawhai Cliff Top Walk is known as one of the best coastal walks in New Zealand and a must-do if you're visiting the area. You can access this from Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach. Head in for a dip in the ocean afterwards!

For something a little less active and a little more decadent, visit Bennetts of Mangawhai - home of delicious hand-crafted chocolate.

Another weekend-must-do is the Mangawhai Tavern Markets.

YOUR HOSTS

Julia, Tim and Remi the orange Cavoodle are your hosts at Little Tin Shed.

Julia and Tim both grew up and lived in Mangawhai their entire lives, so when the opportunity came up in 2019, purchasing the property and building Little Tin and Big Tin Shed felt like the natural next step. They love having the freedom of 50 acres of space, yet only being 5 minutes from the bustling town of Mangawhai. The local beaches are amazing, and they both have a love for all things outdoors.

Tim is a beekeeper and also works as a shepherd on local farms, while he and Julia run their 50 acres as a hobby farm. They aim to keep things as organic as possible, using no sprays anywhere on the property and growing many of their own vegetables.

Julia was a flight attendant for 6 years, until being made redundant in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. It was a chance to reset, and she poured her energy into creating the Little Tin Shed. With her love for interior decorating and hosting guests, it was the perfect opportunity to create a space where she could welcome like-minded glamping guests to their slice of New Zealand paradise.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Little Tin Shed was just what we needed. Tucked away in its own private spot, the location and setting were great. The vibe inside was so nice, making it easy to relax. We really liked how private it felt, but you're still super close to town and other attractions in Mangawhai, which is handy. And big bonus points for being dog friendly. Our fur baby loved it too. Highly recommend this little gem. ”

Polly Ortiz- 2025-11-19

20 / 20

“ We loved our stay. The outdoor bath every night was pure relaxation and bliss, amazing in the winter as the little cabin was kept nice and warm with the tiny fireplace. Everything was just perfect, thank you. ”

samantha stretch- 2026-08-14

1 / 20

“ This was our second stay at the Little Tin Shed and we will continue to return. It’s such a cosy and inviting place to stay. It’s perfect for an escape out of Auckland for us, both during the summer and winter. ”

Caitlin Begbie- 2026-08-09

2 / 20

“ Super peaceful stay with all you need for a weekend away in Mangawhai. The fire and outdoor bathtub were great for a winter getaway, and the lambs were so cute! ”

Andee Raven Kenept- 2026-08-08

3 / 20

“ Love this place! It’s our second time staying here and we always have the most relaxing time. It's also great that we could take our dog. Would highly recommend!! Perfect little getaway. ”

Charlie Ritchie- 2026-08-05

4 / 20

“ Great weekend, I love it! Beautiful and calm place. Very inspiring. ”

Shani Lehman- 2026-07-01

5 / 20

“ The perfect stay for peace, quiet, and tranquility. Perfectly located with a short trip to shops if need be. We love that it’s fur baby welcoming too because where we go, she goes. ”

Candace Cole- 2026-06-30

6 / 20

“ It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot that feels completely private while still having everything you need for a comfortable getaway. The setting is stunning, the accommodation has been thoughtfully put together, and all the little details make it feel really special. It was the perfect place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the surroundings. ”

Daryl- 2026-06-19

7 / 20

“ Great place, absolutely loved it. Will go back. ”

Elton Hunter- 2026-05-29

8 / 20

“ What a beautiful little gem and thoughtfully designed space, just perfect for our BFF getaway! Julia was so accommodating and allowed us to have a late check-in so we could enjoy the bath and chill on the deck before! Would definitely come back again. What a special place to unwind and reset. ”

Vicky Chan- 2026-05-04

9 / 20

“ Couldn't imagine a more idyllic and gorgeous experience. The hosts were so wonderful and the whole experience left myself and my partner relaxed and refreshed. ”

Robyn Minns- 2026-04-20

10 / 20

“ I enjoyed the place, so quiet and comfortable. It was a rainy night, but I felt warm and safe. Very recommended to escape and be far from the routine. ”

Johana Orellana- 2026-04-20

11 / 20

“ What a relaxing retreat into nature with amazing beaches nearby to wander at sunset. The place was so beautifully decorated with reclaimed and natural materials. If I could live here, I would! ”

Agustina Cortina- 2026-04-17

12 / 20

“ Wonderful location with all the amenities you could ask for. Perfect summer or winter getaway. It was amazing hearing the waves crashing on the beach nearby! ”

Morgan Keen- 2026-04-03

13 / 20

“ Great place to go unwind and recharge, we will be back. ”

Tarsh Boobyer- 2026-03-23

14 / 20

“ Lovely relaxing space. ”

Claire McNally- 2026-03-13

15 / 20

“ Little Tin Shed was perfectly rustic but also so lush. Highly recommend this stay. ”

Kirsty Ford- 2026-03-10

16 / 20

“ The perfect spot to spend a weekend away from the city. The cabin is GORGEOUS, completely private, and only a five-minute drive from Mangawhai. ”

Jessica Perenara- 2026-03-09

17 / 20

“ We loved staying at the Little Tin Shed. It was cosy, comfortable and the perfect place to bunker down and escape a few days of bad weather. It was perfect! ”

Makayla Wells- 2026-01-28

18 / 20

“ Such a lovely little place to get away, filled with the sounds of various bird calls and farm animals. Absolutely loved it. ”

Molly Shaw- 2026-01-13

19 / 20

Polly Ortiz- 2025-11-19

20 / 20

samantha stretch- 2026-08-14

1 / 20

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