Rakau Whenua

We are on journey to restore the life force and connection with the environment around us. We are engaged in a mindful enquiry into our shared experience. We have created a place for those interested in a journey of learning, understanding, and our shared inter-connection from a Te Ao Maori worldview.

Your stay with us will be tightly connected to the natural environment, staying in our native rainforest camp site.

You will have plenty of free time to enjoy the surroundings. We will take a guided tour of the property; you will have time to explore waterfalls, natural pools, forest, meditation and yoga platforms, etc.

We (a well traveled couple from New Zealand and Austria, our 10-year old twins, 1 hyper active, friendly GSPxVizsla dog and 5 happy chicken) live on our rural, off-grid property in the Lower Kaimais in the Bay of Plenty. The property is located about 20mins from Tauranga, 30mins from Matamata and about 1 hour from Hamilton. It encompasses 50 acres of native bush, scrub and pasture. There are private swimming holes, waterfalls, freshwater springs and more than 14kms of tracks through our private valleys and streams. There is also regenerating scrub and a native Tawa/Rimu forest. We are living plant based (with eggs from our chicken and the occasional cheese/yoghurt), don't do alcohol or other drugs and want to keep the property free from intoxicants. We are already looking forward to meeting you all! We have many diverse activities to be carried out, but you will do it in 4 hours a day, with breaks, we provide all meals at the agreed times.


Reviews

4.5
(20 reviews)20

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

4.5

Argentina

5

Ellos eran muy buenos! Lamentabente yo no me opuse hallar y no pude terminar
La
Semana correspondida pero ellos lo entendieron y siempre
Me hicieron sentir muy cómoda

3 months ago

United Kingdom

5

Ata & Doris is such a genuinely kind couple. I really enjoyed all the jobs given. I like that the jobs were mixed everyday so I didn't get bored. Also learned a lot (thanks to Ata, I really appreciate it) such as using the chainsaw, the excavator, making cob, clearing water table, compacting driveway)

The property was absolutely gorgeous, the view of the mountains on the horizon during sunrise and sunset, the diversity of the floras, the rivers, the waterfall, the glowworm. Also a massive appreciation to Ata & Doris for building a purposeful place that benefits others and the nature itself.

3 months ago

Slovakia

4

Unfortunately I got sick after two days there, so I wasnt really in a good shape in any way, I couldnt adapt and do my best.
I planned to stay for more than two weeks, but ended up staying just one.
The work was varied and simple.
The facilities and the living conditions are quite simple, challenging in a good way.
The nature here is amazing,(rainforest with a river) but the noise of the highway can diminish the experience of being in the nature.
Doris and Ata always provided tasty and healthy meals.
Altough I didnt have the greatest time here, I can say that I've learned a lot.

4 months ago

Germany

5

My time at Rakau Whenua was amazing. I could connect with nature through the tasks, the sleeping place and the life on their off-the-grid property in general. The gave me enough space and time to develop myself. Not only through the tasks, but also in my freetime. I also want to mention the amazing river water, the delicious vegetarian food and the lovely dog Maia with her sticks.
I would definitely recommend this experience if you want to connect with nature and develop yourself!

4 months ago

France

5

This was my first woofing and i really enjoyed it ! ★ doris and ata were really welcoming and i really liked working outside like this, it was challenging. You have good conversations, incredible meals and a stunning surrounding!

5 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Spiritual

Yoga / Meditation

Wilderness

Waterfall