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Checking In | The Huts

Photography By Nest Journal

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We arrived at The Huts just as the sun was setting over the horizon. Warmly greeted by our host Adam, and in his wonderfully thick Irish accent, he spoke to us about his life, family and his biggest project, The Huts. The Huts provide a refreshing take on what eco-living means and where we can expect to see sustainable living headed in years to come.

Adam now works on The Huts full time, to ensure their guests can experience a getaway like no other. His efforts will be far from unnoticed, from the fresh and local produce placed on your doorstep each morning, down to the organic cotton bedsheets - every detail had been considered and everything had been thought through with the utmost attention and care. The act of their dedication to looking after Aotearoa is what makes this place a haven for all.

The homes sit on a large site, surrounded by native forestry and fauna. Materials used to build the huts were sourced from local New Zealand suppliers and are designed so that minimal energy is required to run them. The large double gazed windows keep the chill out at night.

Behind the huts, a permaculture garden thrives. Permaculture is a system of conscious design that mimics the patterns and relationships of nature to provide for local human needs. It is a living and evolving practice that Adam and Kelly have dedicated many hours to, to ensure a deeper understanding of the bond between human and land, and how to integrate ecological integrity into all aspects of their life.

We ventured about half an hour around Shipwreck Bay's point to scope out the best local surf spot. A tricky area to get to if not well versed in the terrain - but manageable with courage and determination. We were lucky enough to catch Adam on his day off as we piled in his ute to experience the real Ahipara.

Along the way we drove past the infamous seaweed huts, a strip of homes that surfers and locals come to live in in the warmer months, though some residence live there year round. We coined it 'New Zealand's best driveway.' The locals waved and we waved back. I remember thinking how lucky we were to call Aotearoa home.

To us, we were in unknown territory, to Adam, this was his backyard. We'd lost cell reception a few kilometers back, so Adam and his ute were our only means of direction, the adventure was a thrilling bond between us and the land. Along the coastline roam around 50 wild horses. Grazing off the surrounding vegetation, they are unfazed by the trucks that commute down the beach daily. A rare sight to see this wild animal so graceful and placid, in a distinctively different environment than what we're used to.

We cooked up our final meal, and made our way over to Adam and Kelly house. The night was crisp and the smell of the ocean awash with childhood memories of sticky days spent at the beach. We drank, we laughed and we talked about our lives to one another. As night fell, we sat on the deck looking out over the bay, discussing ideas about a better tomorrow. Their two girls slept soundly to the evening songs of crickets and breeze.

Adam and Kelly’s mission for The Huts is strong and visionary. Regenerative and conscious. It is clear that both of them care deeply about what a brighter future looks like for them and for their two girls. Everything they do is thoughtfully considered and at no expense to the land they call home.

Book your stay at The Huts here