A rainy weekend getaway at Watercliff Stay eco retreat in Tauranga, New Zealand
Dancing barefoot in the rain at Watercliff Stay; the kind of freedom an eco retreat is made for… even as a parent.
A review of our stay at Watercliff Stay eco retreat
Nestled deep in the bush, just 30 minutes from Tauranga and perched on the banks of the Omanawa River, sits one of the most beautiful eco retreats in New Zealand: Watercliff Stay.
One rainy weekend in May, we packed up the toddler, a couple of bottles of prosecco, and set off for a two-night escape with no Wi-Fi or cell reception. The goal? To recalibrate in nature and soak in the wild beauty of Watercliff Stay eco retreat.
It rained the entire weekend, but honestly it was exactly what we needed. An excuse to slow down, get cosy, soak in the outdoor bath, and even dance barefoot in the rain.
I brought my Fujifilm X-T3 camera along and, in between bursts of rain, managed to send the drone up. The views from above are breathtaking. If Watercliff looks this magical in the rain, I can only imagine the beauty when the sun is shining.
Slow mornings at Watercliff Stay; coffee brewing inside, rain falling outside.
The hosts at Watercliff Stay eco retreat
Dee and Josh are the kind of hosts that make you feel instantly at home. They thought of every detail, even bringing toys down to the cabin to keep Lola entertained.
A good thing to know before you visit: the cabins aren’t directly accessible by your own vehicle. You’ll drive along a winding road to the reception, park your car, and from there you’ll be shuttled to your cabin. We had no reason to leave during our stay, but if you do need to head out, Dee and Josh are incredibly accommodating. Otherwise, it’s just a short ~1km walk back to your car.
If you do head back into town, check out my guide to the best coffee shops in Mount Maunganui. It’s only a short drive from Watercliff Stay and the perfect caffeine fix after a weekend of digital detox.
Surprisingly, the lack of vehicle access adds to the magic. It creates a true disconnect from the outside world, helping you sink deeper into the wild rhythm of the Omanawa River.
Everything you need is right there: kayaks for paddling, a small waterfall, a BBQ by your cabin, outdoor games, and of course that dreamy outdoor bath. If it rains? All you really need is a good book, delicious food, and the sound of the rain on the roof.
The vibe at Watercliff Stay eco retreat
Each cabin at Watercliff Stay feels like a carefully curated retreat. The eco-design pieces are stunning, and the interiors are styled with products from local artists and businesses. The shelves are stacked with coffee table books to spark inspiration, all designed to help you bring a touch of “wild living” home with you.
The land itself is a spectacle: towering pongas, rugged cliffs, and a river that winds through it all. It’s the kind of view you could happily stare at all day long (and I did).
The only thing we missed out on due to the rain? The glow worms. Yes, this place really has it all—ponga forests, waterfalls, rivers, eco-friendly cabins, and even glow worms after dark.
Would we go again?
Absolutely. 5/5 stars. Rain or shine, Watercliff Stay eco retreat in Tauranga is the kind of place that feeds your soul and reminds you what slow living feels like.
I’ll leave you with a gallery of images from our stay below so you can get a taste of what it’s like to call these beautiful cabins home for a few days.
L x
FAQs: Watercliff Stay eco retreat in Tauranga
Is Watercliff Stay in Tauranga family-friendly?
Yes. The cabins are perfect for both couples and families. The hosts even provided toys for our toddler, making it a welcoming spot for kids as well as adults.
Do the cabins at Watercliff Stay have Wi-Fi or phone reception?
No, and that’s part of the magic. Watercliff Stay is designed as a true digital detox, with no Wi-Fi or cell coverage so you can fully disconnect and relax.
How do you get to the cabins at Watercliff Stay?
You’ll park your car near reception and then be shuttled down to your cabin. It’s about 1km from the parking area, which adds to the sense of being tucked away in nature.
What activities can you do at Watercliff Stay eco retreat?
Guests can kayak on the river, explore a small waterfall, enjoy outdoor games, soak in the outdoor bath, or simply relax with a good book. On clear nights, you can even spot glow worms.
Where is Watercliff Stay eco retreat located?
Watercliff Stay is located just 30 minutes from Tauranga, nestled on the banks of the Omanawa River in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.