The term "tino pai" in Te Reo Māori means "very good", and Tinopai - a small settlement in Te Tai Tokerau Northland - is indeed a very good place to escape from it all. Winding your way through lush rural vistas, past farmland and via quaint townships, you can reach Tinopai from Auckland in around 2 hours or less.

I arrived and wove up the hillside to the cabin perched atop; taking in the rich scenes below. Sun peeking through clouds and pouring over undulating landscapes, glistening across the harbour and brushing my skin along with the warm breeze. Breathing the sigh of contentment that only comes with fresh-air and escape. the cabin threw open its doors to welcome me.

Outside the deck is perfectly positioned to absorb the beautiful surrounds - with bees buzzing between the colourful lavender, swallows flitting in and about while Karearea circle overhead on the updraft. The pink outdoor bathub fills with warm water as steam rises against the view, another ideal location to sit back and take in the sights and sounds of nature - be it the crisp morning air, or the glowing afternoon sun.

Inside a cosy yet modern interior wraps itself around you, with every comfort you could need. A full kitchen (with a view!), internal bathroom with toilet and shower, comfy living area complete with TV, and snug loft bedroom. Beyond the cabin, there is so much to explore, especially in nature. I took a drive to nearby Piroa Falls - an easy walk down to a spectacular waterfall, where it will likely be just you, the birds, and perhaps a couple of locals cooling off.

Not far from there are the incredible Waipu Caves, where you can slip into another dimension; one that is filled with stalactites and beautifully laden with thousands of glow worms peering down at you. Cafes are also dotted around in the different townships - but I chose to grab a bite at Haven Cafe and Curios in Paparoa. Great easy food, combined with unique and intriguing objects for sale and friendly staff and clientele.

So whether its reading books on the couch with hands hugging a cup of tea in the morning as the sun breaks over the horizon, exploring nature and eateries in the light of the day, sipping a glass of wine from the deck in the evening as dinner sizzles on the BBQ, or laying back in the outdoor bath under the light of a thousand stars - your days spent here will be both gloriously empty and also remarkably full, all at the same time.