We recently stayed at Unyoked cabin Aatea, an off-grid glamping accommodation in Raglan. In this article, we’ll review our stay at the Aatea cabin, its unique features, and why it stands out as an eco-friendly retreat for nature-lovers travelling to Raglan.
Disclaimer: my stay at the Aatea cabin was offered to me by Unyoked as a field correspondent. However my thoughts below are entirely my own since a blog post was outside the scope of deliverables.
Last weekend, we hit the road north to Raglan for our stay at the Aatea cabin. I always look forward to these off-grid nature stays. To honour my mental health, it’s important that I’m consistently taking a reprieve from the clamour of life.
Plugged into a mountaintop on private land, Aatea felt like we were on top of the world, far from the worries of every day.
The location is a quick drive to Raglan, one of my favourite towns in New Zealand. Raglan is known for its bohemian vibe, surfing community and band of small, local businesses. It was also a little oasis during a time of cyclone activity in New Zealand, offering clear blue skies and gentle winds.
Read below about our experience at the Aatea cabin and whether it’s the glamping accommodation for you in Raglan.
Read also:
- Experience Raglan, New Zealand’s little bohemian hub
- Nature escape at Maia – accommodation in the Bay of Islands
- 10 best small towns in New Zealand for slow travel
- Rustic charm at Musterer’s Rest – Hawke’s Bay
- Psychedelic retreat at Boho Bach – Wellington
Our scenic stay at Aatea cabin – Unyoked’s glamping accommodation in Raglan
The Unyoked Experience
Unyoked is a company that offers a series of off-grid accommodation around the world. Their cabins facilitate a nature-focused escape with a sense of distance from the modern world.
The brand aims to make nature more accessible so that more people can get unplugged. They design their spaces to lower your cortisol and rekindle your creativity.
These folk speak my language so it’s always a delight to go on assignment for them, to hide away at one of their nature cabins and click my camera away.
Since they offer a few places to stay in Raglan, I quickly pencilled in Aatea for a weekend.
As always, Unyoked delivered on their promise and I can say I spent a few successful days getting… well, unyoked.
The Cabins – Accommodation in Raglan
Currently, Unyoked offer three off-grid accommodation in Raglan: Aatea, Marama, and Whetu. They are all on the same property, perched at varying heights on the mountain.
Compared to traditional accommodation (like hotels or motels), these cabins are an opportunity to be in complete solitude. Here, the priority is silence. Serenity. Unfurling landscapes.
All three cabins are sustainably built, a good option if you’re making efforts to be a more eco-friendly traveller in New Zealand.
The rural setting offers scenic views in every direction, and you get a chance to explore some of its acres up close. Far from the noises of traffic, the cabins are only accessible on foot.
So bring some proper shoes and get your quads ready. It’s an uphill journey to reap the rewards of those views.
About Aatea Cabin
The Aatea cabin is an off-grid accommodation in Raglan, New Zealand, designed to offer a tranquil nature-immersive retreat that encourages relaxation, creativity, and connection with the environment.
The first perk of Aatea is that it’s perched at the lowest incline compared to the other two cabins. The hosts provide you with a wheelbarrow so you can roll your belongings to the top. Pack only the essentials to keep your trek as leisurely as possible. The cabin is equipped with many essentials, ensuring a worry-free stay.
Aatea commands views of a meadow that curves up into a hill and the wild coast beyond. The cabin is built with sustainability in mind, powered by solar panels to minimise its environmental impact.
Consistent with the hallmark Unyoked design, large windows frame the bed, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. I especially enjoyed watching the ocean from bed, and all the changing colours of the sky as the day rolled lazily onward.
The tiny cabin is equipped with a wood stove and cooking utensils, a luxurious shower, and a compost toilet. A table folds out for meals, and the cabinets are stocked with various goods, like wine, gin, and materials to run the outside fire.
Our Experience Staying at Aatea Cabin
Aatea is tucked away in a secluded spot, its land open for exploration. Among the beauty of the surrounding nature, serenity washed over us and we ran around like children. The silence was delicious to our ears, no traffic, no construction, and no people. It was only us and the swaying trees and a chorus of cicadas.
We particularly enjoyed cooking over the bonfire, an experience that always feels rustic and cozy.
Our stay was also guilt-free, gentle on mother earth. With solar-powered amenities and the use of natural materials, Aatea is a prime example of eco-friendly accommodation in Raglan. The cabin aims for simplicity and functionality, and we had everything we needed for our stay.
Life was at low simmer, reading books in the hammock, watching birds swoop over the valley, gazing out at the surrounding hills and big blue ocean.
In the evening, we enjoyed curling up in bed, sipping hot tea, and counting stars as they dotted the sky in magnificent numbers.
Things to Do in Raglan
Raglan is a quaint bohemian village, one of my favourite places to hide away in New Zealand. Its stunning coastlines and tight-knit community of surfers and entrepreneurs makes me feel right at home.
The town is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. Studios teem with paintings and jewelry by local artists. Notably, the Raglan Arts Weekend is a famous three-day event in October if you’re keen on perusing a diverse collection of art by local artisans.
Be sure to try Raglan Roast, a renowned kiwi coffee company. And plenty more locally-operated businesses churning out artisan bread, turmeric lattes, and avo toast.
Or pair a pizza and beer at George’s Beach Club, an eclectic space with a colourful Balinese flair.
For a quieter meal, drive out to Solscape. This cafe also features an eco-friendly yoga retreat with sweeping views of the coastline.
Speaking of the coast, one of the most popular activities in Raglan is surfing. Ngarunui Beach is the local hang-out, where you can rent surf boards, take lessons, or simply amble along the beautiful sands.
Conclusion – our review of Aatea – glamping accommodation in Raglan
If you’re planning a trip to Raglan and looking for a unique and sustainable accommodation, the Aatea cabin offered by Unyoked is an ideal choice. Surrounded by lush forests, it offers a nature-focused escape perfect for those who value slow travel and reconnecting with nature.
