Mangawhai does not need much of an introduction, one of the most beautiful spots a stone’s throw from Auckland. We recently stayed at the Arohanui Cabins, a few minutes from the village, and we were super impressed. So much so, it has inspired a new feature for the Roomie Blog in 2019 – beautiful getaway spots, hotels, BnBs, around New Zealand and the world.
We caught up with Caroline from Arohanui Cabins and asked a few design and build questions.
How did concept for the cabins about and when.
We love rural country living, both having grown up in the country. We had been thinking about ideas to develop something on Dean’s parents land in Mangawhai when Dean found the ‘Doc Shed’ on TradeMe during a four month trip around the South Island in 2017. It all evolved rather organically from there, with a vision to develop something that echoed the early colonial NZ era, was off grid and eco conscious and would be an escape for us to spend time together as a family. This also led to the name of the cabins, Arohanui meaning ‘much love’ which is what we hope time at the cabins creates for our family and guests.
Did you have a focussed plan regards to style or did it just evolve naturally?
We worked with a great company, Love Shack, who build bespoke tiny houses to develop our bathroom and bedroom cabins. Together we evolved the design around wooden colonial style cabins that would be luxurious and fun to stay in year round. Each of the cabins have their own character, the bedrooms simple, clean and cosy, the bathroom quirky and sauna like, and a rustic kitchen cabin with the Doc shed. We weren’t sure how it would all look when it came together, but we loved the end result.
What amazing finds or deals did you come across during the build process?
The Doc shed started it all. This was a labour of love for a builder/artist made entirely of recycled materials from a Villa – this was such a character filled building which we then based our design around. The cabins are an eclectic collection of finds from TradeMe, Dean spent months finding gems from all over the country, rustic, preloved yesteryear finds, and scouring second hand and vintage shops every time we took a trip! Almost everything is renewable or up-cycled.
The cabins are off grid, what hurdles or successes did you have during this part of the fit out?
Having not done anything like this before it was all a steep learning curve to find out what the best options would be and how to make it work for us, the solar set up was a challenge as we wanted to provide luxuries like a fridge and toaster! Finding a company who was happy to take such a bespoke job at a reasonable price was difficult. Super pleased we persevered with it now though! We were pleasantly surprised with our eco friendly dehydrating toilet which is much nicer to use that we anticipated. 
What are your favourite features of the cabins?
It is hard to go past the cast iron bath with the big barn doors, makes bath time for the kids super fun and a brilliant spot to chill in at night with a glass of wine. We love lying in bed at night and being able to star gaze through the picture windows in the bedroom. Our bespoke macrocarpa kitchen, with the orange sink we found is tiny but has all you need, a lovely spot to make a morning stovetop coffee from. The private campfire area down in the bush reserve is a favourite for kids big and small alike to enjoy the native birds and bush, swings and toasted marshmallows. 
What can guests expect in terms of design and experience?
The best of both worlds! Something very unique and romantic, a secluded private spot to leave the world behind and connect with nature and people that are special to you, while not being deprived of modern conveniences and luxuries. Best of all Mangawhai is just down the road for a coffee fix, essentials and some beautiful beaches.
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Selected images by Helen Bankers
