Ever had a song stuck in your head? Like “Copacabana,” but somehow you keep singing “Coco Cabana”? You’re not alone! And while you might be playfully misremembering the Barry Manilow classic, there’s a real “Coco Cabana” you absolutely need to know about – the Coco Cabana Eco Cabin in Kerikeri, New Zealand. Forget the lyrics for a moment, and let’s talk about a place that’s truly unforgettable.
Just like stumbling upon a hidden gem, our weekend adventure led us to discover the Coco Cabana Eco Cabin. Tucked away from the main roads near Kerikeri, it offered the perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to local attractions. We were in the area for a family engagement party in Waipapa, and my birthday provided the perfect excuse to find a unique place to stay nearby. Forget generic hotels; I was searching for somewhere with character, and Coco Cabana delivered in spades.
For me, charm and quirkiness often win over pristine, modern comfort. My partner, James, usually leans towards the latter. But Coco Cabana managed to bridge that gap, enchanting us both with its unique appeal. It’s the kind of place that immediately feels special, starting from the moment you arrive.
The entrance to Coco Cabana sets the stage for the experience. Booking through Airbnb, the owners had mentioned a potentially messy driveway, but honestly, it was part of the adventure. Think rural Northland charm – a working landscape with intriguing rustic touches. An old car here, a shed filled with fascinating bits and pieces there. It’s a shared driveway, hidden off the main Waipapa Road, giving it a wonderfully secluded feel. Word to the wise: finding it in the dark, guided by slightly tipsy navigators in a taxi, adds an extra layer of fun, or perhaps a slight challenge!
About 600 meters down the driveway, a small sign clearly points the way to the Eco Cabin. Past the owners’ house, where we received a friendly wave, we arrived at a tranquil clearing. Surrounded by trees, with the gentle sound of a nearby creek, the mooing of cows in the distance, and birdsong filling the air, there it was – Coco Cabana. Weathered, inviting sofas sat on the porch, fairy lights twinkling softly, creating an instantly welcoming scene.
Coco Cabana Eco Cabin Porch with Sofas and Fairy Lights
Stepping onto the property, I felt like a kid in a candy store, overwhelmed with delightful details to explore. The lure of the hidden stream won out initially, especially with the threat of rain looming.
Secluded Stream near Coco Cabana Eco Cabin
The stream, with its gently cascading water flowing through lush greenery, opened into a larger, inviting water hole. Perfect for a summer swim, perhaps, although a fleeting thought of a local eel encounter gave me pause. Still, the allure was strong.
Back at the cabin, exploration continued. Coco Cabana is proudly eco-friendly, powered by solar energy and featuring a long-drop toilet (but definitely not the unpleasant kind!). The cabin’s information sheet cheerfully reminds guests that this isn’t a five-star resort – and that’s precisely its charm.
Coco Cabana has resisted any temptation to become overly polished or generic. Built from reclaimed materials, it boasts a wonderfully eclectic, thrown-together style. Everywhere you look, there’s color and texture, creating a visually rich and inviting space.
Eclectic Interior of Coco Cabana Eco Cabin
With both an indoor and outdoor fireplace, staying warm was never a concern, even on cooler evenings. The wardrobe, crafted from a natural branch, is a testament to the cabin’s resourceful and artistic design. The sofas? The kind of deeply comfortable pieces that only years of use can create. Even the slightly oversized cutlery tray adds to the quirky, lived-in feel.
Rustic Wardrobe Made from a Branch in Coco Cabana Eco Cabin
The bed is generously sized and wonderfully comfortable, and the shower offers a warm, refreshing experience thanks to an ionic power shower filter – essentially, shower head with “cool balls” as I discovered through a quick online search!
Comfortable Bed in Coco Cabana Eco Cabin Bedroom
Coco Cabana is spacious, comfortable, quirky, rustic, and wonderfully off-grid. And perhaps the best part? It’s incredibly affordable, offering a unique escape for just $63 a night. If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable Kerikeri experience, ditch the “Coco Cabana Song” in your head for a moment and book a stay at the real Coco Cabana Eco Cabin – you won’t be disappointed.
Exterior View of Coco Cabana Eco Cabin in Kerikeri
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