RETREAT TO THE WILD HEART OF NORTHLAND
When Julie and Nick discovered this breathtaking 27-acre property tucked away in the rolling hills of Northland, they knew they had found something extraordinary.
The sweeping views across forested valleys, open pasture, and shimmering ponds immediately captivated them. But it was the striking Canadian-style log home at its centre – reminiscent of something straight out of a Montana dream – it was love at first sight!
As devoted fans of the Yellowstone TV series, the name came naturally. “Yellowstone Lodge” was both a nod to the show and their own travels through the American West, where they’d fallen in love with the log homes near Montana’s Yellowstone National Park. To Julie and Nick, this Northland hideaway felt like a little slice of that magic, transplanted to the Southern Hemisphere.
From the start, they envisioned the property not just as a home but as a destination, a luxurious lodge where guests could unwind, reconnect with nature, and even celebrate life’s big milestones. And so, the dream began to take shape. At the time of their discovery, Nick and Julie were still living in Whakatāne. Life there was good, but the pull of family in the north had grown stronger. It would take something truly special to draw them away. Then in June 2024, they found it: a property so unique it felt like destiny.
Keen to experience this one-of-a-kind retreat for ourselves, we, Doug and Carla Dukeson, along with three other couples, packed our bags and headed north.
The five-bedroom lodge, originally crafted by Sitka Log Homes in Canada from sustainably harvested white pine, had already travelled an incredible journey. After being precision-built in Canada, it was disassembled, packed into 14 containers, and shipped to New Zealand, an extraordinary logistical feat. Once it arrived, the home was painstakingly reassembled in a secluded valley near Okaihau. Today, it stands as a 736-squaremetre architectural masterpiece set on 11 hectares of pristine Northland landscape.
Every inch of the lodge feels alive with craftsmanship. The towering log walls, intricate joinery, and soaring ceilings speak to the artistry and engineering behind its creation. But it’s not just the building that impresses, the surrounding land teems with life. Wild goats roam the hills, native birds call from the forest canopy, and a pair of resident Highland cattle graze contentedly nearby. Peacocks occasionally strut through the grounds, and at night, the haunting call of the elusive brown kiwi can sometimes be heard echoing through the bush.
There are five spring-fed ponds scattered across the property and a short, tranquil bush walk winding through protected QEII-covenanted native forest. And while the setting feels completely remote, it’s surprisingly accessible – just 25 minutes from the vibrant heritage town of Kerikeri and only 15 minutes from the local airport. Yellowstone Lodge even offers airport pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient yet secluded getaway.
It’s also a trail partner with the Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail. The lodge is just a five-minute drive from the Okaihau entry point of this 87-kilometre Great Ride, which stretches from Opua on the east coast to Horeke on the west. Cyclists looking for a luxurious base before or after their ride will find it hard to beat.
We arrived late on a sunny Friday evening, quite excited, as we made our way up the long gravel driveway. It felt like entering another world. A charming ford splashed gently beneath our wheels, and the road meandered past thick stands of bush and open fields before climbing to the ridge where the lodge commands its view.
Nick and Julie greeted us at the entrance with big smiles and easy warmth. The moment we stepped inside, we were floored. The sheer scale of the interior, the scent of fresh pine, the warm glow of timber, it was hard to believe we were still in New Zealand.
The layout of the lodge is thoughtfully designed. The owners’ quarters are tucked away in the west wing, while guest accommodations are located upstairs in the east. The four guest rooms are all beautifully furnished with a relaxed, upscale style. Two of the rooms have large private balconies and ensuite bathrooms, with stunning views that make it easy to lose track of time just watching the mist rise over the paddocks in the morning.
Downstairs, the lodge features a communal Games Room stocked with classic board games, a pool table, and a large open-plan lounge with plush couches circling the impressive six-tonne stone fireplace. There’s also a BBQ and outdoor dining area, plus a cedar sauna that guests can book for a small fee, a dreamy way to end a chilly winter day.
That first evening, we gathered in the lounge, glasses of red wine in hand, and settled in for a night of relaxed conversation, music, and laughter. There’s something about the ambience here, perhaps it’s the natural materials, the isolation, or the vast starry skies, that makes it easy to unwind and reconnect.
The next morning, we woke after one of the best sleeps we’d had in months. The beds were sumptuous, and the silence, broken only by the occasional birdcall, was a rare treat for city dwellers like us.
Nick invited Doug and a few others to join him for a morning fishing trip out of Paihia. He towed his Fin Chaser 700HT down to the all-tide ramp at Waitangi, a straightforward 30-minute drive from the lodge. The sea was like glass as we cruised out toward Motumaire Island.
To my shock, Nick casually pulled out a whole 12kg tuna to use as bait. Over the next hour, we pulled in snapper after snapper. Tanya, who’d never fished before, landed the biggest one of the day and was grinning from ear to ear. With our bin full, we made the journey back, the morning sun now high and the harbour sparkling around us.
Back at the lodge, the others had returned from the local farmers’ market, their arms loaded with fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and artisan bread. Nick expertly filleted the catch, and we spent the afternoon prepping for a shared feast.
That evening, we dined family-style around the massive dining table, swapping stories, sharing wine, and enjoying the fruits of both land and sea. It was the kind of night that you want to bottle up and take home with you.
We played games late into the night, with spontaneous rounds of pool for the guys and some fiercely contested card games for the gals. Eventually, the long day caught up with us, and one by one, the fisherfolk and foodies drifted off to bed, lulled by the quiet and the comfort of their surroundings.
The next morning, reluctant to say goodbye, we lingered a little longer. We explored a few more local attractions and scenic lookouts before finally heading south. As we drove back toward the bustle of city life, one thing was absolutely clear – Yellowstone Lodge had given us something truly special. A place to breathe deeply, to laugh, to connect, and to remember what it means to feel rested and inspired.
We’ll be back – next time, for even longer.
