Waihōanga is a beautiful retreat centre and group accommodation that comprises a main lodge, 5 private cabins, a camping field, large garden area, native regeneration woodland and access to the gorgeous Otaki River. It can accommodate 38 people plus campers.

The venue is only ever available for one group at a time. It is a wonderful environment to meet, explore ideas, spend time with friends and family, reconnect with nature and simply relax.  We welcome retreats, wānanga, team hui, families, weddings and educational groups.

Site plan and detailed sleep layout (PDF)
Photo tour of the venue (PDF)

A most lovely setting, facilities, and family welcomed us to our stay at Waihōanga. We had a group of 12 adults and 10 children, and we never felt crowded with multiple communal spaces to be in. A well equipped indoor and outdoor kitchen, lovely comfortable beds with various room sizes to suit, immaculately clean and tidy, and two fireplaces over the main areas to keep things toasty.
Our whole group were stoked with all of the above for our middle-of-winter gathering, and look forward to our next visit.

The lodge comprises a spacious lounge/ meeting room; kitchen; conservatory/ dining hall; and 4 bedrooms, which between them sleep 26 people (10-bunk, 8-bunk, 4-bunk and 4 singles).

There are also 2 bathrooms (each with two toilets and two showers) and an additional outside toilet and outdoor bath.

Saddleback Cabin is set slightly away from the lodge, by the camping field and has four single beds split across the lower level and a mezzanine. Ideal for facilitators and individuals, or couples and families, who want a more private space.

Guests staying in in Saddleback share the kitchen and bathroom facilities in the lodge.

Nestled next to a peaceful stream, and set away from the main retreat area, our beautiful yurt is a wonderful additional space available for groups.

Our guests love to use the yurt for activities such as yoga, stretching, meditation and singing; a space for workshopping new ideas and team-building; a chill-out space and a peaceful place to celebrate and come together.

These two new pods, which are coming online in October 2025, each contain a double bed and are the perfect place for individuals, couples, facilitators, and others who want a bit of extra privacy.

Guests in Kākāpō and Kiwi cabins share the same kitchen and bathroom facilities in the lodge.

These two huts, set slightly away from the lodge, each contain a bunk bed and are adjacent to a toilet.

Perfect for people who want a bit more privacy, those who love sleeping in a cabin in the woods, and people in need of a toilet close by.

Waihōanga has a large camping field and we welcome tents of all shapes and sizes!

We can also accommodate a few campervans on site depending on their size - please contact us first to discuss.

We no longer offer glamping tents but they can be hired from Nomadic. Up to four glamping tents can be set up that still allow your full use of the camping and recreation field..

We have a wide range of retreats and group bookings at Waihōanga, and several of these love the combination of heat and ice. Our private river access is perfect for cold immersion plunges as well as lazy days hanging out by the riverside.

An outdoor fire circle in the camping field is also available for our guests. This must either be booked in advance or agreed with the on-site manager (this includes a small extra charge for wood).

We also partner with a few professionals who can offer a mobile sauna or sweat lodge experience. Please contact us if you're interested in these options so that we can help you explore this options and make appropriate connections.

The lodge, cabin and homestead are set in 10 acres of lush New Zealand bush, bordered by the gorgeous Otaki River.

All guests at Waihōanga are welcome to enjoy the property, native forest regeneration area and private access to the river.

 Waihōanga is located between the Tararua Forest Park and beaches near Ōtaki, Te Horo and Peka Peka. Ōtaki Forks is about a 10 minute drive away and a great place to enjoy longer hikes and walks in the hills.

If you love it here as much as we do, please consider leaving a review on TripAdvisor and Facebook.