Strategy meetings, hui and away days
We welcome a wide array of businesses, organisations and other professional and educational groups to Waihōanga who are looking for an affordable, intimate and unique venue to hold strategy meetings, staff orientation, small conferences and symposia, writing retreats and field trips. Facilities include
- Exclusive use of Waihōanga venue
- 8 seperate sleeping areas
- Comfortable and spacious meeting room
- Additional break-out spaces of varying sizes
- Self-catering kitchen and full catering options
- Private and shared accommodation
- Glamping options
- Wifi internet and internet-enabled HD screen
- Trestle tables and whiteboards
- One hour’s drive from Wellington or Palmerston North
- Close train and airport options
- Charging point for electric vehicles
“We needed somewhere central for a dozen staff from all over the country to meet and plan together. Waihōanga was just right: only an hour or so from Wellington Airport; removed from distractions so we could focus; in a beautiful setting overlooking the Otaki Gorge; pleasantly informal with sofas and log-burners; plenty of delicious, locally grown food and fresh fruit; and run by very welcoming hosts. We loved it.”
– Chris Todd, Forest and Bird, National Conservation Manager
Whānau, families, communities and more!
Waihōanga welcomes a wide range of groups including family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, singing groups, yoga and meditation retreats, support groups and voluntary communities.
Our welcoming lodge and grounds provide a perfect space to get away from the distractions of everyday life, spend time with your family or community, and share interests, knowledge and skills in this peaceful environment.
Facilities include
- Exclusive use of Waihōanga venue
- Meeting room for 40
- Accommodation for 38
- Additional camping and glamping options
- Private river access
- Self-catering cooking area
- Catering available
- Private cabins
- Internet (for those who want it)
“The venue was a huge hit with everyone who attended and we look forward to visiting again! We were all very comfortable and enjoyed cooking together and using the yurt for meditation. It is a very special place and your care of the buildings and land is obvious! Thanks for a wonderful stay! “
– Jenn, Diamond Way Buddhist Group
“Our Poneke Women’s rugby team loved our time at the lodge. We were welcomed by Rhian and Andy, who made sure to check if there was anything else we needed for our stay. The lodge is a great place to end a long season, where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company without the hustle and bustle of city life. We definitely recommend this place and will be looking to go back again soon”
– James Mose, Rugby coach
School and youth groups
Waihōanga is really popular with school and youth groups, offering a unique, safe and fun outdoor environment. On-site activities include swimming and playing by the Otaki river, use of the lodge and yurt for indoor games and discussions, and telling stories around the fire circle at night.
Facilities include
- Exclusive use of Waihōanga venue
- Private river access
- Accomodation for 38
- Cabins for teachers, parents and families
- Additional camping and glamping
- Lots of outdoor space for games, adventures and exploring
- Easy access (15 minute drive) to the Tararua Forest park and Kāpiti coast
“This was the first year we have held our Sustainability camp at the Waihōanga Centre & from our very first contact, I was blown away with how accommodating and helpful Andy & his team were. They were open to our ideas of activities and were happy to work around our schedule. The girls loved working on the site & sharing their experiences with the staff. They learnt a lot and for many working on the land was a new experience. The Centre provided a fantastic location for our camp, both physically and in terms of the learning environment it provided. The girls loved having their own space, but the large shared spaces also enabled us to run a wide variety of activities for the whole group. Thank you so much for supporting us to run such a successful camp.”
– Sophie Watson, Wellington East Girls School
“Absolutely amazing and beautiful space to develop connections with each other and the land that we were on, especially the Otaki River. One of the most peaceful, serene places I’ve ever stayed.”
– Student feedback from HECUA NZ Study Abroad programme
Celebrations
Waihōanga is a popular venue for weddings, anniversaries and birthday celebrations, ideal for those who want to spend time with loved ones in a private, intimate and natural location within our beautiful Aotearoa ~ New Zealand. The venue also offers unique & affordable accommodation for your loved ones & friends to stay and celebrate with you over several days. Please note – in order to respect our environment and neighbours, we restrict numbers to 40, expect responsible drinking, and have an 11pm curfew for amplified music. Facilities include
- Exclusive use of Waihōanga venue
- Peaceful spaces for preparation and quiet time
- Beautiful lawn and gardens for a ceremony
- Lovely indoor spaces with wood-burning fires
- Space for marquees, glamping and outdoor games
- Accomodation for up to 36
- Camping and glamping options
- Plenty of space for parking
- Outside caterers welcome
“We were so incredibly lucky to have our wedding in Waihōanga! We really wanted to find a venue that would allow us to create the wedding we want and make us and our guests feel at home. When we met Rhian, Andy and their wonderful daughter, Georgia, and they showed us around, we knew we had found the right venue for us. The beautiful grounds nested between the green hills and the Otaki river were the perfect backdrop for our special day. Andy and Rhian and their team were incredible to deal with. We had an amazing day and our guests have even been recommending Waihōanga to their friends as a wedding venue! “
– Tania and Ben, summer 2019
Catering
You are welcome to use the facilities in our well-equipped kitchen to cater for your own group.
Alternatively, we can connect you with fantastic caterers who can provide your group with delicious, wholesome food for all meals during your stay at the lodge.
Our recommended caterers are experienced at creating healthy and mouth-watering dishes and to cook for different dietary needs. Where possible, they aim to use organic ingredients and locally sourced seasonal produce. They can provide both vegetarian and meat options as well as gluten free, dairy free and raw food meals. Menu plans are created with health & well-being in mind.
