Where the ko¯kako r Roam

Tucked away on a quiet corner of a rolling Rotorua farm, Jo Wilson and Dean Dew have a secret little spot. It is like visiting nature’s hospital. The air is fresh, the birds sing loud, and you can’t see any humans.

Most of us spend an enormous amount of time playing internal volleyball with our thoughts, but this is the kind of place that quietens the mind.

Wilson and Dew would jump on their quad bike, head down to their little slice of paradise, enjoy a glass of wine, and try to solve the world’s problems. One day, they created a new one: should they build a place to stay so people can enjoy their spot too?

They toyed with the idea of putting up a safari tent, but Wilson wanted something more luxurious – with power, a shower, heating and, most importantly, a flush toilet.

So, they kept thinking. Rotorua is known for its innovative tourism – after all, it is the birthplace of the Zorb and luge – could they come up with a unique place to stay?

They settled on creating a tiny home escape and, after searching nationwide for a builder, settled on The Little Big Tiny House Co, based in Rotorua, to make the country’s first rounded tiny homes.

An no, these aren’t boxes: the main wall is curved to create striking little pods.

They had the plans sorted and the money deposited just before the first wave of Covid hit, shutting the world and sending tourism into disarray.

‘‘We got really stressed about it,’’ Wilson says. The irony of their peaceful place causing so much stress wasn’t lost on them.

But testament to their determination, almost two years later, I’m one of the first guests to share the secret spot. It’s the same place they always loved gathering at, but now, it has a luxury twist.

After a self-guided drive across the farm, guests are greeted by three pods.

The first is relaxation central. It has a comfy couch in front of a fire, beanbags, and a swing chair with sweeping views.

The second pod, joined by a wooden bridge, has a neatly appointed kitchen and bathroom, complete with a shower and flush toilet. It also has fresh homemade bread, jam, muesli, eggs, cookies, macarons, and marshmallows for the fire pit waiting for you.

The last cabin is my favourite, home to a large plush bed, overlooking the bush, with a clawfoot bath out front.

The most remarkable thing about the pods is that

you can enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. It’s named after the ko¯ kako, which live nearby. The birds are known for their incredible array of sounds, and you may hear them, particularly at dawn.

One of the main motivations for creating the escape came from Wilson’s daughter, Aleisha, who has struggled with mental health issues, and is now

in a better place. She suggested the retreat could give back, by helping those in need, so a portion of each stay will be used to provide a free getaway for families who have lost loved ones to suicide, or who are going through a tough time.

It’s something close to the family’s heart, and they hope their happy place can spread a little happiness.

Venturing out

The pods are designed as a relaxation retreat, so you are unlikely to want to leave. But if you do, here are some equally unique adventures in Rotorua to try.

Shweeb

The Shweeb is a cycle-powered monorail. What exactly is that? Well, it’s a clear plastic capsule that you lie down in, then pedal like a bike. Except, you don’t need to steer as you are suspended below a monorail track.

Google was so excited about its potential use for public transport, the internet giant selected it among 150,000 applications to invest more than a million dollars in.

The world’s first Shweeb track is based at Velocity Valley in Rotorua, and it is hoped to one day be used as a means of public transport in congested cities like New York and Tokyo.

In the meantime, you can race two capsules around a 200-metre track, and thanks to a little electric assistance, you can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour.

Rail cruising

The world’s first self-drive rail cruiser can also be found in Rotorua, along a beautiful stretch of track that runs through the Dansey Scenic Reserve and rolling farmland.

The track was designed in the 1800s to provide a rail link to the Pink and White Terraces. Despite the eruption and destruction of natural wonder, the railway finally reached Rotorua in 1894. The passenger line ran for 108 years until 2001.

Neil Oppatt and a group of friends got together a few years later to develop the world’s first self-drive rail car, which heads along 20km of the old track. If you are finding it hard to picture, it is a little like a super-advanced golf cart that is strapped to the track.

Each cruising car, which can take up to four people, is automated. And there is a specially designed anti-collision system in case the cars come too close.

If you are a fan of rail, then you can’t miss this journey through lush native forest, which culminates with views down towards Lake Rotorua.

Monster trucks

Combine parts of a Jeep, Holden and Toyota Landcruiser into one giant offroader, and you have Rotorua’s version of a monster truck.

It’s a thrill ride, with a professional driver who will take you on a rollercoaster dirt track down drops, over jumps, through bush mazes, and on obstacles such as The Widow Maker and the Roll Me Over.

The jeep is steered by a four-wheel system, so alongside the front wheels, the driver is also changing direction with the rear wheels using a specially designed handle.

If 15 hair-raising minutes tearing around the track isn’t enough, you can have a go yourself, on a separate 4WD Bush Safari.

On the 45-minute course, you will steer a Suzuki Jimny down obstacles such as the The Luge, an 80-degree drop down a six-metre face. Don’t worry, you will have a guide to give you instructions on how to get through each obstacle.