Be the first to stay at Watercliff, New Zealand’s newest luxury eco retreat on the banks of the Omanawa River, Tauranga. It’s your home away from home, in an off the grid, hidden in the bush kinda way.
Welcome to Watercliff – a conscious and comfortable space for people to stay, rest and explore. Instead of escaping from the hustle and bustle of life, we offer something complementary: an ecosystem of accommodation, events, local suppliers and adventure - a place to switch off but still connect.
STAY
Nestled on the banks of the Omanawa River in the Bay of Plenty, Watercliff is home to a series of architecturally-designed off-grid cabins with modern comforts. Set amongst acres of stunning New Zealand native bush, it’s the perfect balance of pure oxygen and breathtaking views.
Watercliff is a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature without disconnecting from everything else. Where you can turn off your alarm and embrace your body’s natural clock. Whether conversations by the bbq, an afternoon of introspection or a stroll through the trees, Watercliff has the connection you’re looking for.
Read about our cabins
PLAY
Watercliff is the place for active relaxers. That is, if your idea of a weekend getaway involves swimming, rivers or bush walks, you probably won’t want to leave. We’ve got the world-famous Mount Maunganui white sandy beach nearby, and the crystal clear Omanawa River a little closer to home. Then there’s the many hectares of surrounding native New Zealand bush, where tui, kereru, falcons and hawks chill out and people watch. At night, you can even listen to the morepork sing by the burbling waterfall, while sipping a punchy Syrah. Dreamy.
Our love for nature is the reason we created Watercliff. We ask that you tread softly, live proudly, and treat our wonderful ecosystem with the same respect.
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ABOUT
Watercliff is a family dream come true for Josh and Delia Harris, and their tractor-loving toddler Lowen. Delia left Tauranga to become principal dancer at the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where she met Josh, who was planning large-scale civil engineering projects. They quickly discovered a passion for staying in destinations that were off the beaten track and (after a farm wedding) decided to return to New Zealand where they could raise Lowen closer to family, while creating something special for others to enjoy.
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OUR ECOSYSTEM
We’re an ecosystem; a community. We value our friends and suppliers as much as our guests, and if we can do something locally, we will. And hope they think the same.
Our Builders - Way Builders
Watercliff would still be drawings on a page if it wasn’t for the amazing team at Way Builders. Brothers Mike and Steve have become part of our family, and their new recruit Luke is pretty sharp too.
Our Photographer - Claire Mossong
Claire is a local creative photographer who just gets it. Simply put, she captures effortless beauty more than any words we could put here.
Our Coffee Suppliers - Excelso
Our coffee is supplied locally by Excelso, who are also kindergarten friends of Delia. It just so happens they roast damn tasty coffee. Trust us, we’ve taste tested it many times.
