The retreat grounds are beautiful, like arriving in a magical paradise. Debbie and Ernst have thoughtfully provided many different experiences for their guests. We enjoyed a nightime S'morse roasting which was all set up for us ahead of time. The oudoor under the stars hottub easily accomodated all 6 of us. We enjoyed the very generous breaskfast. The rooms were beautifully decorated and renovated with everything you good possibly need including nice fluffy bathrobes. We also appreciated the well maintained hiking trails around the property.

The location is a bit windy to get to up in the hills. We were able to manage the river crossing over a cement drive to the resort easier than at first we thought. So do not worry when you see this.

We loved the setting of the lodge, the rainforest is beautiful, I swam in the river, climbed down the waterfall. Walked the tracks, and had a bath in the outside bath. The room was really comfortable, the shower was lovely. There was a great choice of breakfast options, cereals, muesli, fruit, yogurt, freshly home baked bread. Eggs and cold meats.

The only downside to the lodge is the fact that it is at least a 15 minute drive away from the towns and beaches on the coast. But that is what you accept for staying in such a peaceful location high in the rainforest.

From the moment you arrive at Wairua lodge, you will know that you have just made the best decision in booking this retreat. The hosts have created a most beautiful and welcoming environment for their guests. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the children didn't want to leave. The breakfast provisions were delicious and plentiful with lots of items were locally sourced (fresh eggs from their own chickens - yum!). We originally had a tour booked our of Whitianga that was cancelled due to high winds. It truly was a blessing, because it meant we got to spend a whole day enjoying this beautiful spot, relaxing and rejuvenating. We enjoyed the night sky spa, the bath house, the rainforest walks, cooking on the feuerring, toasting marshmallows and just spending time together in this beautiful spot. The hosts Debbie and Ernst have really thought of everything, with provisions of walking shoes, gumboots and shovels for Hot Water Beach. We stayed in the self-contained Kiwi cabin and it was amazing, but the site also had the most beautiful and clean communal kitchen I have seen in my travels. The directions were great and everything was well signed so it was easy to find. I would highly recommend you include this place as an item on your itinerary, not just a place to lay your head at night as you trip around the North Island.

This is one of the best places we have ever stayed. We came to celebrate our anniversary and it was such a great choice! They've thought of everything.. The breakfast is amazing, the firepit area is a great place to hang out (and cook on the fire ring), the rooms are well sized and comfortable and the rainforest bath is such an amazing idea that we really loved! Definitely make sure you take the time to explore the trails in the bush - and swim in the river. We left feeling refreshed and plan to recommend Wairua to all our friends and anyone else who'll listen.

We had a very lovely time staying here. Shout out to our wonderful hosts Debbie and Ernst, who've created such a lovely haven! the peace, and time away from the buzz was wonderful, walking up to nature. Simply enjoyed ourselves so much! 1) loved the trails and walks within the premise, we did those with our 5 year old. These were great to start the mornings or to do at dusk, enjoying the tranquility and creating memories. 2) campfire - perfect to wrap the day up as we enjoyed marsh mellows, cookies and chocolates. 3) breakfast - everything was fresh and I particularly loved the honey!! it's from their own bees!! mornings were chilly but perfect to sit at the outdoor area to enjoy a good breakfast in nature! 4) facilities - there's a shared kitchen and dining / lounge area where we had dinner couple of times, thought it was a nice option that it's separated from the room itself. While we didn't use the hot tub and Jacuzzi, it's really only because we had too much to do over too little time! 5) room - definitely enjoyed our room! cleanliness, amenities, it's all perfect especially with Debbie and Ernst who were thoughtful to prepare an extra bed for our boy.

It could be a nice addition for laundry facilities for longer staying guests.

perfect stay in remote lush surroundings!!! Debbie & Aschy welcome you with homemade bread, local honey, fresh eggs and a special warmheartedness. Their attention to detail shows in the design and maintenance of the units and the surrounding, which provides ample space for privacy with various seating / lounging areas, jacuzzi and private open air bath tub!!! WARNING: You may NOT want to leave to explore nearby beaches or wineries of the Coromandel peninsula, but just stay and enjoy 😉

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A truly unique and beautiful retreat. Every detail has been considered by Debbie and Ernst to ensure that you have a memorable stay. The firepit for the bbq, the outdoor jacuzzi for star gazing and the outdoor bath with a view of the rainforest. We loved the location, you can easily spend a day here without leaving the property. There are swimming holes and walks on site. The closest town is Whitianga which has a supermarket, restaurants and independent shops so you get everything you need in the local area.

Nothing!

The atmosphere was rejuvenating, I live in the city so the peace and quietness of not hearing cars and trucks and people was so soothing, I will be bringing my family to this retreat next time. I absolutely loved my time there wish I’d stay for a week. Because two days was not enough, the views are magnificent it makes me appreciate my country even more to see how beautiful nature is here in New Zealand. The fact that there was so much to do here without having to pay extra was even more comforting. They even make delicious home made bread,honey,plum jam. Thank use for having us we’ll be back again

That I didn’t stay longer.

The Continental style breakfast was wonderful. Enough for two days was delivered to our room on the evening we arrived and we placed it in our fridge ready for when we wanted it. Debbie also supplied us with homemade bread which was great. The breakfast food was so plentiful and tempting that we decided to have a light supper as well on our first night. The rain forest location was a unique experience with stunning sights and sounds all around us.

We loved everything.

Perfect place to stay! Best accomodation we had, not only on the North Island but in total during our 5 weeks NZ trip on both islands! The room was nicely furnitured, the amenities around were awesome - Swiss firering for BBQ with free Marshmallows, a jaccuzi to watch the stars at night, a Treetop bath-house with rainforrest view, a couple of nice and exciting walks through the rainforest, natural pools in the river and even glowworms at night. The pictures don't lie - reality is even better! And for those who still wanted to leave the premises during their stay (which would not be necessary as you've literally got everthing there already to spend some relaxing days), they also borrow spades to dig holes in the Hot water beach and also had some great recommendations on what to do when. Will definitely book again if we're in the area!

We couldn't stay longer...