We arrived in Raetihi and were instantly charmed by its quirky main street and creative community vibe. On the outskirts of town, the A-frame cabin sat quietly among the trees, inviting us to slow down and switch off. The whole area has a strong focus on sustainability, which really resonated with us. One of our favourite finds was the ethical waste shop in nearby Ohakune, where we spent a good while hunting for recycled treasures.

The nearby National Park snow capped mountains made for an epic backdrop to our days. We laced up our boots and explored some great local trails, with highlights including the powerful Taranaki Falls and the peaceful Lake Rotokura.

Back at the cabin, life moved at a slower pace. We cooked, read books, played cards, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of being tucked away in such a cosy space. We left feeling grounded and refreshed, exactly what we’d hoped for from this little escape.