Take the tour
Experience the Airstream
Inside the fully refurbished Airstream, the cedar hot tub, and the private fire pit tucked into the hillside.
Airstream Tour 1 min · sound onA polished American Airstream, restored from the shell up, parked on its own hill with the bush on three sides and the valley below. Fifty acres, off grid, and no neighbours to speak of.
Airstream glamping is a particular kind of stay: small, warm, well made, and a little bit 1950s. The cedar hot tub sits on its own deck a few steps from the door, and the fire pit looks out over the Matakana valley. The village is seven minutes back down the hill.
The Airstream
Inside, a custom bed with good linen, a day bed, a table that seats three and a mini kitchen. Polished aluminium, warm light, festoon lights and the neon sign on outside after dark. It sleeps three, and it is properly insulated, so it holds its temperature all year.
Outside is where you will spend the evening: the hot tub, the outdoor kitchen, a hot shower shielded from view, an off-grid composting toilet, and the fire pit with the whole valley in front of it.
It runs on sun and rain. No power lines, and no wifi in the caravan, which most people stop noticing by the second morning.
Nearby
Almost everything worth the drive is fifteen to thirty minutes away. Omaha and Pakiri for long open beaches. The Leigh Sawmill for a beer and live local music. Goat Island Marine Reserve, New Zealand’s first, where you can snorkel straight off the beach.
Tāwharanui Regional Park is the one people come back talking about: golden beaches through the day, and a real chance of spotting a kiwi after dark.
“It is beautifully done with great attention to details. It’s stylish and original. The view from there is stunning. The hot tub went down a treat!” (Anaïs)
“The caravan is warm and insulated as described and we especially enjoyed the fire pit and hot tub.” (Jade)
“Among the trees and bush, away from civilization but close enough to get to Matakana shops within a 5 minutes drive!” (Rebecca)
Highlights
- Fully refurbished American Airstream™
- Cedar hot tub soak under the stars
- Private outdoor kitchen and fire pit
- Off-grid and solar powered
- Sweeping views over native bush and valley
- 50s Americana charm, quiet comfort
Take a look around
Gallery
Plan your stay
Airstream Retreat availability
Live availability from our booking system – weekends and holidays book out well in advance.
Available Booked Check-out only
What our guests say
Reviews
★★★★★5.0 · reviews across Airbnb, Booking.com & Google
★★★★★
via AirbnbAmazing
This glamping get away was amazing, my wife and I used this place as our honeymoon get away and we had an awesome time.The facility was amazing, comfortable bed, great shower, bathroom and kitchen area, cozy campfire and amazing outside bathtub. We will definitely be coming back (:
★★★★★
via AirbnbOne of the best
This was by far one of the best air BNBs I have stayed in. location was amazing and so private. comfortable bed and well appointed kitchen . the hot tub and out door shower were absolutely amazing. would definitely stay again in the future.
★★★★★
via Booking.comEpic weekend escape
Being in the forest, it is a stunning property
★★★★★
via AirbnbRecommend it
We loved our stay at the airstream. It is beautifully done with great attention to details. It’s stylish and original. The view from there is stunning. The hot tub went down a treat! We went with our 3 year old daughter and it worked out great. We will go back and recommend it!
★★★★★
via AirbnbLovely and quiet
Just had an amazing weekend away for our anniversary all hunkered down in the airstream. Was anticipative about going during the cold but the rain held off for us and wouldn’t have been a deterrent of a good time! The caravan is warm and insulated as described and we especially enjoyed the fire pit and hot tub. Would definitely recommend this luxury glamping experience! Thanks Damon 👌🥂
★★★★★
via Booking.comExceptional
The location was epic! Among the trees and bush, away from civilization but close enough to get to Matakana shops within a 5 minutes drive!
★★★★★
via Booking.comWe will cherish forever
My partner and I shared some special memories there we will cherish forever. It was just magical. We had the best time there. Was just perfect
★★★★★
via GoogleThe Highlight our own hot tub
Me and my girlfriend had such a great stay at Matakana Retreat. We stayed in the caravan, which was really cosy and had everything we needed. The highlight was definitely having our own hot tub, sitting in it at night surrounded by the bush was honestly so relaxing.The whole place has such a nice, quiet atmosphere and it was the perfect little getaway for us. Everything felt really well looked after, and we loved being surrounded by nature while still having all the comforts we needed.Would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it for those looking to slow down and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle.
★★★★★
via AirbnbCool place
Cool place away from any crowd.
★★★★★
via AirbnbUnforgettable magical experience
My partner and I stayed at the Airstream campervan, and it was an unforgettable, romantic, and magical experience. Cosy and tucked away in nature, it felt like our own private world. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s peaceful, secluded, and the perfect place to unwind and disconnect. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, and we loved the eco-friendly touches like the clean, no-waste toilet, reflecting the hosts’ thoughtful, sustainable approach. There are plenty of books to enjoy and board games for some fun, competitive nights in. The cedar bathtub was a real highlight, soaking under the stars with its divine woody aroma was pure bliss. We even had a special encounter with a Morepork (Ruru) perched nearby, a truly unique moment. Damon and Dee were warm and attentive hosts. Nearby, Matakana markets and Tawharanui offer great exploring and swimming. It’s a wholesome and rejuvenating escape we can’t recommend enough. We’ll definitely be back!
Good to know
About the Airstream Retreat
How many people does the Airstream Retreat sleep?
The Airstream Retreat sleeps up to 3 guests, across 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom, in 20 square metres.
Is there wifi at the Airstream Retreat?
No, and deliberately so. The Airstream Retreat is off-grid and solar powered, with no wifi – it is built for a digital detox. There is cell coverage, so you are not unreachable, and if someone in your party needs to be properly online the Scandinavian Eco-Lodge has Starlink.
Is the driveway difficult to drive up?
It is steep, and its steepness makes some guests nervous the first time. It is sealed concrete the whole way to the top, though, and taking it slowly is genuinely all there is to it. There is plenty of parking at the top and room to turn around, so you will not be reversing back down it.
Is there heating in the Airstream?
No. The solar array will not carry a heater, so there is no heating inside. The caravan is well insulated and generally stays warm, there is an extra blanket under the bed, and the cedar hot pool outside is the best way to take the chill off on a cold evening.
What can we run on the solar power?
Enough for the lights, charging your devices, a cup of tea and some toast. It is not a large system, so power-hungry appliances – hair dryers, heaters, anything with a heating element – will eat through the reserve quickly and leave you short in the evening. Best to leave the hair dryer at home.
Where is the bathroom?
In its own small building just beside the caravan, with a shower and an off-grid composting toilet. Instructions for the toilet are inside, and there is a separate bin for anything that should not go into the composting chamber.
Why is the hot pool water slightly coloured?
That is the cedar, not a cleanliness problem. It is a cedar hot pool run without chemicals, and the faint colour comes from the natural oils in the timber. Do keep the lid on when you are not in it – that holds the temperature, and saves the solar power that would otherwise go into reheating it.
What is provided in the Airstream?
Kitchen basics including tea, coffee, oil and vinegar, a plunger, kettle and toaster, and cooking utensils with a pot, pan and mixing bowl, split between the caravan and a waterproof box on the front. Outside there is a gas BBQ and a spare gas element. We make the bed up with fresh linen and leave two sets of towels, one for the shower and one for the hot pool, plus books and games.
Everything you need Amenities
Kitchen & dining
- Coffee machine
- Cooking utensils
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Water purifier
Entertainment
- Stereo system
Facilities
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Fire Extinguisher
- Smoke Detector
Bathroom
- Shower
- Hot Tub
Sleeping
- Bed linen
- 1 Queen bed
- 1 Sofa bed
Parking
- Parking Included
More ways to stay
Explore our other retreats
Scandinavian Eco-Lodge
A large, open-plan off-grid lodge with an entertainer’s kitchen and a covered deck overlooking the Matakana valley – sleeps 8 across four bedrooms.
View details →
African Safari Glamping
Our hugely popular safari tent on an elevated deck with 360° views – soak in the outdoor bath under the stars in complete privacy.
View details →Your stay
- 25% deposit at booking, balance due 10 days before arrival
- Free cancellation up to 10 days before arrival
Select your check-in and check-out dates to book.
2 night minimum
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Check-in 3:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM Booked Check-out only