About Us
Arohanui Tiny Homes was founded in 2021 with a deep passion for creating affordable, stylish, and innovative tiny homes on wheels. ("Aroha nui" translates to "deep affection" in Māori.) Our mission is to design homes that are not only functional but also full of love, providing affordable housing solutions with a personal touch. Tiny Homes, Big on Love.
We primarily serve the Tasman and Nelson regions and are proud to partner with housing charities to help low- to mid-income whānau achieve homeownership. Currently, we’re working on an exciting project in Blenheim—building four new homes, including two specially designed for disabled residents.
At Arohanui Tiny Homes, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, comfortable, and affordable place to live. We strive to provide housing solutions for people who wish to:
- Own their home with minimal debt, mortgage, or rent.
- Generate additional income through tiny house rentals or land leasing.
- Downsize to a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle—living closer to nature.
- Share land with like-minded people and build tight-knit tiny home communities.
- Live independently off-grid, free from traditional utilities like water and electricity.
- House extended family members, such as children, parents, or grandchildren.
Our vision is to build homes that inspire and empower individuals and communities to live more sustainably, affordably, and with purpose.
3 Reasons To Choose Us
1. Affordability
New Zealand’s housing and rental crises have made affordable living increasingly difficult. High property prices and rising mortgage rates are pushing homeownership out of reach for many.
Arohanui Tiny Homes offers a practical solution—stylish, functional homes at a fraction of the cost of traditional housing. By going tiny, you can reduce debt, avoid high rents, and take control of your financial future.
2. Innovative & Stylish Design
Our tiny homes stand out with features that enhance both style and functionality, including:
- Slide-out sections and folding decks that expand living space and enhance the outdoor experience.
- Durable aluminium cladding on the Golden Bay model offering both modern aesthetics and long-lasting protection.
- A walk-in wardrobe in the Little Giant, maximizing storage without sacrificing style.
- Off-grid, self-contained options for ultimate independence.
- Bedroom skylights in the Golden Bay for natural light and stargazing.
These thoughtful features make our homes both unique and practical for everyday living.
3. Land Sharing
Finding the right spot for your tiny home can be as challenging as finding the home itself. That’s why we’re partnering with local landowners in Tasman & Nelson to offer land share solutions.
We connect clients with landowners willing to lease land for your tiny home, providing an affordable and flexible option for those who may not have the resources to buy land.
This way, you can enjoy the freedom of tiny home living without the burden of land ownership.
Testimonial
Katy's Story
" I’m Katy, I’m 42 and solo Mum to River, who is 9. We’re from the Manawatu originally.
We’ve been living in our little van for two years. It’s been ‘pretty cosy’ in the van, you could say. We’ve been travelling around looking for a place to live. We packed up our stuff two years ago and were searching for the place that felt like home.
For two years, I walked the length of New Zealand in that time, whilst River had some time with her Dad. Once I got back from walking, River was like “I cannot live in that van anymore Mum”. It was not a good situation for her.
The van was tiny and freezing, there was a lot of condensation, a lot of mould, and we drove each other crazy living in a small space. We felt like we were always moving but it never really felt like home. We didn’t have connections. We were isolated and I had no support - unless I parked up next to family, which we did often. But it was really hard as a solo Mum - in a mouldy van.
I always had a dream of living in a tiny home. I think renting a place is throwing your money away, basically. So, I never wanted to rent, I just wanted to own my own home. But didn’t have enough finances for an actual house AND land but I could afford a tiny home. So, we didn’t know what to do.
It felt overwhelming to look for lease on my own. I was just stuck. But that was what drew me here.
When we walked into the Redwood, it just felt like home. We liked the spaciousness, after being in such a tiny space - it felt like a mansion, and it still feels like a mansion.
We now have a land lease in Lower Moutere. We just love it. It’s an idyllic spot for the tiny house. We have the community there, that my daughter feels a part of. And we just have everything we need in the tiny house. After having to go to the dump-station every 3 days, and we couldn’t even cook in our van. So, we barely leave our tiny house at the moment.
I got so much help - getting the transportation arranged and help with moving it, getting the plumber - someone was there doing everything and I didn’t have to worry. I actually felt you lived up to your name - Arohanui. "
Be part of the sustainable
Tiny House Revolution
Which of the following best describes you?
With today’s housing market challenging first-time buyers, tiny homes present a smart, affordable solution.
Our tiny homes offer a cost-effective way to get on the property ladder, with a much lower entry cost than traditional homes.
They come fully equipped with all the essentials, providing a comfortable and practical living space without the need for a large mortgage.
Plus, with options to place your tiny home on a variety of properties—whether in a backyard, on leased land, or shared land—you get the flexibility to live sustainably while owning your own home.