Whare Tui

Whare Tui

Auckland

Whare Tui at Tāwiniwini Gardens is located just 45 minutes north of Auckland City.

Nestled on a gently sloped ridge and surrounded by native planting, the accommodation overlooks the Harakeke gardens, a floodplain on the Hoteo River, and a lush rainforest directly in front.

Facing south, the tent benefits from the northern sun streaming in from the rear, creating a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere. Step inside to discover warm lighting, plush furnishings and every facility at your fingertips. It features two beautifully styled bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed. A well-appointed bathroom is located inside the tent, while your well-equipped kitchenette is at the front. ​​​​

Unwind on one of two spacious decks, one sunbathed and one shaded, perfect for lounging or dining with a glass of bubbles in hand. The warmth of the hot tub (ideal for two) or firepit is perfectly paired with gazing up at a blanket of stars. Or breakfast to a cacophony of our resident native birds.

Whether you're looking to escape the city or immerse yourself in a landscape surrounded by thousands of native trees, you'll leave feeling refreshed and with lasting memories from this special place, all just a short drive from the city.

FROM $395 p/n

  • Sleeps 4
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
address
 

26 Homeward Bound Drive, Wellsford 0974

location
 

Whare Tui at Tāwiniwini Gardens is located just 45 minutes north of Auckland City.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address up to the gates only, then follow the arrival instructions from there.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Whare Tui

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  • eating and drinking

    Whare Tui is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the single-ring induction and Weber BBQ (complete with a pizza stone) provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Matakana Kitchen Restaurant and Sculptureum are great options for dinner and under half an hour's drive. Te Arai Links is a world-class golf destination with multiple restaurants on-site and delicious food.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Four Square in Wellsford (5 minutes away), or Pak n' Save & New World in Warkworth (20 minutes away).

     

  • things to do

    Whare Tui is a place of rejuvenation.

    Perfect for couples or a group of four wanting to reconnect and relax together. Enjoy board games, cards, and yoga on the deck (mats provided) at the tent. Venture freely into the rainforest on the 54-acre property for a breath of fresh air. The heated hot tub is the cherry on top.

    If you're looking to get out and about in the region, The Junction Magazine is a local publication that has a huge resource of local info within the Puhoi to Waipu regions (Whare Tui is located in between, approximately half an hour north or south!). Find out more here.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Whare Tui at Tāwiniwini Gardens are Mark, Soraya, and their son, Alex.

    Mark and Soraya established the gardens, originally called 'Snowberry Gardens', in 2006 to support Snowberry, an anti-aging skincare brand they launched in 2007. After selling the company in 2018 and shifting focus to Harakeke fibre and by-products in 2022, they now enjoy sharing the gardens with visitors.

    Soraya continues her work in the beauty industry as Snowberry's founder. Mark oversees operations at the gardens, supports manager Ian, and leads Te Hononga Hapori Harakeke, a national initiative to revive the Harakeke industry. Mark is also a director of KiwiFibre Innovations Ltd and Ngāti Ruapani ki Uta ki Tai Co-op.

    Mark and Soraya introduced glamping to the property to share its beauty. Tāwiniwini means Snowberry in Māori, and Whare Tui is named after the Tūī, a beloved New Zealand bird that plays an important role in pollinating native plants like Harakeke, Wharariki, and Kōwhai during spring and summer.

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