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A peaceful lodge set by the Otaki River and surrounded by New Zealand forest. The lodge sleeps up to 26 in 4 rooms. There are also two huts that each sleep 2 people, and two cabins that each sleep up to 4. This brings the total to 38 bed and additional has space for another 40 camping.
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Our group stayed at Waihoanga for a weekend retreat in November and loved everything about it. The main lodge has everything you need, and the additional cabins provided privacy for those who needed to be away from the main group. Our hosts were really tuned in to meeting our needs, and although it rained most of the time, this just added to the beauty of the venue. I can't wait to visit again.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The retreat centre was the perfect location for our group of 15 + 5 kids and was a bit hit with everyone! The yurt was a special place to meditate together in a beautiful setting! The facilities were exceptionally clean, warm and well stocked with everything we needed for communal cooking. We had more than enough space and the beds were very comfortable with high quality linens/bedding. Andy was welcoming and the attention to detail and care taken of the buildings and property is very evident! Due to the building layout and preference of the owners that outdoor shoes are removed at the doors to the common areas (to understandably keep the carpeted areas free of mud in the winter season), I would recommend bringing a footwear option which is easy to slip on and off. We look forward to using this space again in the future! Jenn- Diamond Way Buddhist Group Wellington …
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 27 May 2019
Thanks Jenn - it was lovely to have your group here and we look forward to welcoming you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a wonderful stay in one of the cabins. We woke to views of the mountains, walked through the forest and swam in the river. In the evenings we could light the log fire in the cabin and listen to the cicadas nearby. The bed was super comfortable, with lovely linen and towels and our hosts couldn’t have been more helpful. We loved the yurt, an amazing space. We shall return the next time we make the journey from England. Thank you Rhian and Andy for making our stay so memorable.
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Date of stay: February 2019
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 17 Feb 2019
Thanks so much - looking forward to welcoming you back. Rhian, Andy ... and Bryn.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I attended a conference here and highly recommend the facilities and setting. The woodstoves kept us warm, the newly revamped bathrooms were a treat, and the natural surroundings provided lovely walks through bush to the river. The outdoor bath (like a spa pool) is a bonus! And all only about an hour's drive from Wellington.
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 18 Oct 2018
Thanks Bryan, glad you had a great experience here. Hope to see you back here again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I've visited Waihoanga Retreat Centre close to 10 times over the last 4 years and have always had a beautifully positive experience. Our community (Mindfulness for Change) has been holding regular huis there for the last c. 2 years as well and loved the venues (especially the yurt), the family that look after the land and the peacefulness of the location. Having a friendly dog around sometimes is also so welcomed! :) Thank you for welcoming us and hosting us at a consistently high standard.
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 18 Oct 2018
Thanks Jennifer - we love the energy that your group brings here too... as does our dog! (Note to other potential guests - we can easily keep him away from the lodge if people don't enjoy having him around!)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing location right next to a beautiful forested part of the Otaki river, the perfect place for our group to reflect, get to know each other and find inspiration for our next steps. Rhian, Andy and the Waihoanga team are great to work with and they put a lot of care into the venue - the gardens and forest tracks are beautiful to walk in, the rooms and spaces and bathrooms are beautiful and clean, and lots of details like the towels and blankets made my experience really delightful. Thank you, we'll be back!
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 18 Oct 2018
Thanks Peter, so lovely having you and your group stay - hope to see you here again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Such a beautiful space, inside and out - the river and forest is so grounding, and the yurt is incredible. Love the lodge with its cosy fires and spacious rooms, have had many great experiences at the Waihōanga over a number of years now. Have just spent the weekend there and feel so nourished having come back after 48 hours there. 🙏
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 18 Oct 2018
How lovely - nourishing is a lovely term for what we hope our guests experience here. We look forward to seeing you back here!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We went as a Wellington-based team of 17. It was such a beautiful and relaxing place to have team building and conferences. It reminded me of summer camp as a child and made us all feel so relaxed. The staff were so kind and personable, and also very attentive to answering all of my questions prior to arrival.
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 18 Oct 2018
Thanks Allie - it was great to have you and your group here. We hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have just come back from the beautiful Waihoanga River Lodge and retreat Centre in Otaki, where I ran our Soulsisters Revitalising Weekend Retreat. This was the 6th retreat I have run at this venue, but the first one under the new owners Andy and Rhian. I loved seeing all the changes that have taken place since my last visit. With a beautiful refurbished yurt, new hut spaces, wonderful new and fresh bathrooms and carpet in the rooms, with upgraded bedding and comfy beds - it was a delight to stay here. Our ladies soaked up all the deliciousness around them and was so beautiful in Spring time with daffodils and blossom trees around us. Only minutes to the stunning river and we also took our group to do part of the Otaki Forks walk which isn't far from the venue. Nothing was a problem in the organisation leading up to my event and during it, with Andy lighting the fires for us and on hand to help. I always feel grounded, nurtured and balanced when I'm here and come away feeling like I've had an amazing time in nature retreating, yet only an hour from Wellington! We will be back and can't wait to see what new exciting projects we will find next time! Highly recommend as a fun and inspiring venue in a beautiful restful location.…
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Date of stay: August 2018
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Waihoanga, Owner at Waihōanga River Lodge and Retreat
Responded 9 Sept 2018
Thanks Lisa - it was a joy to have you here. Looking forward to welcoming you back. Rhian & Andy.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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