Maunga Iti, means 'little hills' in Maori, is a large bush block just inland from the stunning Tutukaka coastline. At an easy 2 1/4 hour drive from Auckland, this delectable slice of kiwi paradise makes the perfect escape for weary city folk looking to recharge and relax.

Maunga Iti Wellnes Retreat is owned by Stefan and Ira Seitzer, who have spent the last 20 years creating a private bushland retreat, complete with bush tracks, a pristine fresh water stream and native birds.

The luxury tent is perfectly positioned on the top of a small hill, with dreamy views out over bushland to the ocean and islands beyond. The interior incorporates hand-crafted furniture and a queen-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and natural bedding. At night, a wood-burning stove makes the space warm and cosy. When it's warm, sleep with the tent open, and soak up the sounds of the bush and the view of the moonlight on the ocean.

An outdoor bath is set in a prime position at the front of the deck, looking out toward the Hen and Chicken islands. Access from the back of the tent takes you straight out to your enclosed ensuite bathroom and camp kitchen with on tap hot water. Now that's luxury accommodation.

If you can tear yourself away from the comfort and tranquility of your tent, you'll find a range of things to do on and around the property. Maunga Iti has a number of bush walking tracks to enjoy, ranging from 20 - 45 minutes in length. Just down the road is a ridge-way section of New Zealand's famous Te Araroa walking track (which runs the entire length of the country). There's a raft of other activities in the area to take advantage of too; diving or snorkeling at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, surfing at Sandy Bay, even big game fishing at Tutukaka.