Inside the Secret Cabins of New Zealand's Most Exclusive Coastal Resort (Cabin Tour)

Inside the secret cabins of New Zealand's most exclusive coastal resort, architecture is shaped by an extraordinary coastal setting where rolling dunes, open skies and distant ocean views define the experience. Located at Te Arai Links in Tomarata, the villas by Studio John Irving Architects are designed to settle quietly into the landscape, becoming increasingly embedded within the planting as it matures. Positioned along the edge of the 18th fairway of the North Course, the villas respond to both the ocean and the expansive golf landscape. Their design differs from a conventional residential brief, allowing spaces to be closed off and used independently. This flexible arrangement supports a range of guests and group sizes, creating an experience that sits between a private residence and a refined hotel. Inside the secret cabins of New Zealand's most exclusive coastal resort, this adaptability is fundamental to how the architecture functions. Arrival is carefully choreographed through two solid walls and a floating glazed gable. A cedar entrance door creates a sense of enclosure before opening to reveal the dunes and horizon beyond. The contrast between compression and release establishes an immediate connection to the landscape. The central living space is organised around a kitchen, with separate sitting areas positioned to capture morning and evening light. At its heart, a dark fireplace developed with Stoke Fireplace Studio anchors the room. Designed to recede when lit, the structure allows the glow of the flames to become the focus. Strong chimney forms rise above the villas, creating a repeated rhythm across the wider site. Inside the secret cabins of New Zealand's most exclusive coastal resort, these fireplaces bring warmth, permanence and a distinct architectural identity. Filtered skylights are integrated into the roof, casting dappled light through the interiors as the sun moves overhead. Cedar is used extensively across exterior cladding, internal walls and ceilings, bringing variation in colour, texture and tone. Its bandsawn finish adds a tactile quality that complements the rugged coastal character of Te Arai. Interior design by Jenni Kayne introduces a calm palette of warm neutrals, natural fibres and oak. The material selection supports the architecture without distracting from the views, creating spaces that feel relaxed, grounded and connected to place. Across the site, six villas and 19 smaller two-bedroom cottages are arranged with varied orientations, levels and spacing to establish a village-like quality. Inside the secret cabins of New Zealand's most exclusive coastal resort, the relationship between built form and landscape continues to evolve. As planting grows around the buildings, the roofs appear increasingly scattered through the dunes rather than placed upon them. The result is a thoughtful coastal retreat where architecture, interiors and landscape work together with quiet precision. Inside the secret cabins of New Zealand's most exclusive coastal resort, each detail reinforces a sense of seclusion, warmth and belonging. 0:00 - Intrduction To Inside the Secret Cabins of New Zealand's Most Exclusive Coastal Resort 1:37 - A Coastal Retreat Shaped By The Landscape 3:03 - A Central Piece Anchoring The Home 4:37 - Materiality That Creates Calmness For more from The Local Project: Instagram –   / thelocalproject   Website – https://thelocalproject.com.au/ LinkedIn –   / the-local-project-publication   Print Publication – https://thelocalproject.com.au/public... Hardcover Book – https://thelocalproject.com.au/book/ The Local Project Marketplace – https://thelocalproject.com.au/market... For more from The Local Production: Instagram –   / thelocalproduction_   Website – https://thelocalproduction.com.au/ LinkedIn –   / thelocalproduction   To subscribe to The Local Project's tri-annual print publication see here – https://thelocalproject.com.au/subscr... Photography by Ricky Robinson. Architecture by Studio John Irving Architects. Interior design by Jenni Kayne. Build by Vivian Construction. Fireplaces by Stoke Fireplace Studio. Filmed by Paul Brandon. Edited by HN Media. Production by The Local Production. Location: Te Arai, Tomarata, New Zealand The Local Project acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands. #NewZealand #Architecture #CabinTour