About Te Waonui Forest Retreat
The eco-resort Te Waonui Forest Retreat offers more than just a stay; it provides an extraordinary experience in a stunning location amidst lush nature. The resort is designed to be as integrated with the environment as possible, built around a dense native rainforest to keep it completely intact.
The friendly staff will warmly welcome you and ensure you have a delightful stay. Furthermore, nature plays a central role during your visit, reflected in the tasteful interior design of the resort and the abundant natural light. The rooms are comfortable, decorated in natural colors, and feature a balcony with seating, overlooking the rainforest. The Canopy Restaurant also offers magnificent views of the rainforest and culinary delights, including a 5-course tasting menu. After a day full of activities, including a visit to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, you can relax with a massage at the spa.
What can you expect:
- Beautifully situated in the midst of lush native rainforest
- Within walking distance of the center of Franz Josef
- Perfect base for visiting the Franz Josef Glacier
- Great emphasis on sustainability
- Relaxing spa for pure relaxation after an active day
Impression
Your Stay
This resort focuses on bringing guests as close to nature as possible in a responsible manner and creating a peaceful, tranquil environment. There is no stress about choosing rooms, as the only difference is the bed and bathroom layout. All rooms offer a balcony with seating that provides a view of the rainforest. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the melodies of the birds. You will stay at this resort on a bed and breakfast basis.
Hotel Information
Accommodation
All rooms at Te Waonui Forest Retreat are essentially identical and offer 33 m2 of space. The only difference is that the room features a wonderfully comfortable king-size bed or twin queens for a good night's sleep. The room has a seating area and a balcony with a sitting spot that offers views of the rainforest, where you can relax and enjoy the flora and birds. Each room also includes air conditioning/heating, a TV, a small refrigerator, and a safe. The bathroom has underfloor heating and heated mirrors. Some rooms have a bath with a shower, while others have both a bath and a separate shower. The twin queen rooms can accommodate a third person, and some rooms offer an interconnecting door, allowing two rooms to be connected.
Restaurants
The Canopy Restaurant is located on the first floor and offers a terrace where you can enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the lush greenery of the rainforest. On cooler evenings, you can dine comfortably indoors by a crackling fireplace. A true recommendation is the 5-course tasting menu, featuring beautifully presented dishes made from local fresh ingredients. There is also an à la carte menu with a wide selection of refined dishes.
The Frond Bar is situated on the ground floor and provides a relaxed space to enjoy a delightful drink during the day or in the evening.
Spa and Wellness
After a day full of activities in the area, it is wonderful to find complete relaxation at the Amaia Spa. There is a wide selection of spa treatments available, from massages to facial treatments.
Activities
When staying in Franz Josef, you should at least visit the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. As the glaciers are retreating more and more, they are now only accessible by flight. Consider booking a heli-hike, where you take a breathtaking helicopter flight to the glacier and land there to enjoy an unforgettable walk on the glacier.
But there is much more to do. There are numerous hikes in the area, both through the rainforest and along the coast. Nearby, you can visit a kiwi sanctuary, go kayaking, or rent an e-bike. The town of Franz Josef is about a 5-minute walk away, where you will find many restaurants.
Sustainability
From the very beginning of designing this resort, sustainability was a key consideration. The stunning rainforest had to be preserved and become the centerpiece of Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Whenever possible, recyclable materials were chosen for construction and interior design. As much natural light as possible has been utilized, along with excellent insulation, to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, daily choices favor local fresh products, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs is prioritized.
Accommodation
All rooms at Te Waonui Forest Retreat are essentially identical and offer 33 m2 of space. The only difference is that the room features a wonderfully comfortable king-size bed or twin queens for a good night's sleep. The room has a seating area and a balcony with a sitting spot that offers views of the rainforest, where you can relax and enjoy the flora and birds. Each room also includes air conditioning/heating, a TV, a small refrigerator, and a safe. The bathroom has underfloor heating and heated mirrors. Some rooms have a bath with a shower, while others have both a bath and a separate shower. The twin queen rooms can accommodate a third person, and some rooms offer an interconnecting door, allowing two rooms to be connected.
Restaurants
The Canopy Restaurant is located on the first floor and offers a terrace where you can enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the lush greenery of the rainforest. On cooler evenings, you can dine comfortably indoors by a crackling fireplace. A true recommendation is the 5-course tasting menu, featuring beautifully presented dishes made from local fresh ingredients. There is also an à la carte menu with a wide selection of refined dishes.
The Frond Bar is situated on the ground floor and provides a relaxed space to enjoy a delightful drink during the day or in the evening.
Spa and Wellness
After a day full of activities in the area, it is wonderful to find complete relaxation at the Amaia Spa. There is a wide selection of spa treatments available, from massages to facial treatments.
Activities
When staying in Franz Josef, you should at least visit the Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. As the glaciers are retreating more and more, they are now only accessible by flight. Consider booking a heli-hike, where you take a breathtaking helicopter flight to the glacier and land there to enjoy an unforgettable walk on the glacier.
But there is much more to do. There are numerous hikes in the area, both through the rainforest and along the coast. Nearby, you can visit a kiwi sanctuary, go kayaking, or rent an e-bike. The town of Franz Josef is about a 5-minute walk away, where you will find many restaurants.
Sustainability
From the very beginning of designing this resort, sustainability was a key consideration. The stunning rainforest had to be preserved and become the centerpiece of Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Whenever possible, recyclable materials were chosen for construction and interior design. As much natural light as possible has been utilized, along with excellent insulation, to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, daily choices favor local fresh products, and collaboration with local entrepreneurs is prioritized.
What will be your dream trip?
We craft tailor-made journeys for those seeking an extraordinary experience beyond the usual. Our team of talented travel designers and local guides work closely together to create the ultimate travel experience and truly bring the destination to life for you.
