top of page

Whakatau Rainforest Retreat

retreat    relax    restore

Whakatau Rainforest Retreat
Luxury bush camps

Luxury bush camps

Play Video

Whakatau rainforest retreat

Nestled amongst native trees with views of the surrounding indigenous

rainforest, is our bushcampesque retreat. We have two Whare (glamping

structures) and two Tents (Canvas bell tents ) that can sleep up to 3.

Each site is surrounded by bush to give you privacy, it is a very special and

personal outdoor experience. On a clear night, the sky is second to none.

Whether you’re travelling with friends or  family, it is an ideal place to chill out

and relax in complete tranquility. It is also a great spot for small groups. 

Whakatau rainforest retreat is on private land and not open to the general public.

 

Facilities

Our Tent's are fully equipped and large, with queen air beds, pillows, sleeping bags, liners, towels and extra blankets if it's cool. The tents are good quality, Bell tents, that are spacious and comfortable.   Each tent sleeps two people.  An additional air bed or camp stretcher can be added for an extra person.  Each tent has it's own private site.  This is camping at it's finest!


Our unique Whare have proper beds and all linen provided. Both have queen bed's and a single day bed each.  They can comfortably sleep three, upon request.  Each Whare is timber framed, with a wooden deck, on it's own private section.  Canvas walls that can be independently rolled up, round off this glamping experience.  Relax in nature with style.

There is a communal meeting/cooking area with gas burners, tables, chairs, cooking and eating utensils.  Our Wharekai (kitchen/dining area) is open air.  Apart from the showers and toilet, Whakatau rainforest retreat is open air, with no physical walls to disrupt your connection with the environment.

The camp can be self-catering, or you can select the Manaaki package that includes a local to host you, provide and cook meals.  We are off the grid, so there is no power or internet - you can really disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself.  There are two gas hot water showers and an eco-toilet.

There are also a couple of short 10-20 minute walks available directly from the camp, and it is very handy to the myriad of walking tracks, mountain biking tracks and rivers in the area.

All you really need to bring are your personal items, clothing, and food if you are self-catering.

We are an indigenous family, descendants of Nga Tamariki o Te Kohu (Children of the Mist).  We take pride in our home of Te Urewera, and our traditions from our Ancestors.  We would like welcome you to share and enjoy these things with us, when you stay at Whakatau Rainforest Retreat.

Kaitiakitanga (Care and respect of Nature) -

We try to run the camp in a way that minimises its impact on the environment, so we ask that you use eco-friendly soaps (some are provided) and shampoos where possible.  We have a pack in and pack out policy, so please take any rubbish you bring with you, including recycling like bottles, plastic and glass.

Manaakitanga (care and respect of people and place) -

Whether you choose a package or the self-catered option, you will be meet and welcomed by us.  It is our duty as Tangata whenua (Native people) to ensure that our environment, our ancestors and our God's, know who you are and to look after you while you are here in our land.  We will also show you how to make the camp home for your stay and our particular cultural protocols

Nga Tikanga (Camp Rules)

There are a few essentials that are really important to practise while staying with us:

Please leave shoes on the deck or steps of the Wharekai (kitchen), Whare's and Tents.  We do not wear our shoes inside our homes or the homes of other people.  This symbolises leaving our "stuff"we carry around, at the doorway, and we take it when we leave.  It's pretty clear why for hygiene reasons too.

We don't ever mix food, food surfaces or preparation areas with our heads or our bottoms.  The Head is the most Tapu (special or sacred) part of our bodies and it can become nullified if place on a table.  Food can be used to take away Tapu and you wouldn't want to loose things that are special about you. This also includes your hair, so placing hats, combs, brushes, sunglasses on a food table or surface is a no no. 

We don't ever sit on Tables or food benches - I think you can guess why...

Our culture is about looking after the health and safety of our physical bodies and our spiritual or meta-physical beings.  Every tradition and protocol we have has a physical, mental and spiritual application to ensure your total Well being.  

Bookings are essential.  If you would like to combine your stay with one of our regular day walks, you will need to book a Sunday, Tuesday or a Thursday night.  Custom experience are bookable anytime between Oct - April.

new zealand treks north island camping .

Review us

bottom of page
Book Now