Escape from city life and stay in our mountain cabin Te Whare Ruruhau translated from Maori means, a place of shelter, refuge, and protection). Accessible only by air in the wilderness of Owhaoko, our cabin is deeply private, enjoy it catered or self-catered with all modern and luxury amenities.
Trip Highlights
Our Te Whare Ruruhau cabin is located in Owhaoko, a series of rugged ranges in New Zealand’s Central Plateau and the view is breathtaking.
What’s Provided:
A kitchen, linens, transport to and from via Helicopter. A full bathroom including continuous hot water, flush toilet, vanity, shower and luxurious towels. Two bedrooms, a central living space and an outdoor bathtub.
Transport and Timing:
There is a two-night minimum and there can be between one and four guests with optional private catering. Transportation is Helicopter only.
Owhaoko Whenua (land) has nourished and provided for the people who lived and travelled through the area for hundreds of years. Our Cabin is nestled between the Kaweka and Kaimanawa national forests, south-east of Lake Taupo, the rugged ranges stir awe and respect. The first suggested package we will be offering at the lodge will be a 24-hour hiking stay. This will include a full day hike, or alternatively two half-day hikes. This will be one of the premium hosted hiking packages in New Zealand with the relationship between The Chris Jolly Team rooted in shared experiences and a long-standing love of the outdoors.
How will you spend your downtime? How about in a shining star room?
Available Activities Near Your Cabin Escape
Take a nearby hike through native bush and the grasslands of alpine Aotearoa. Meander across the valley floors to find the perfect spot for a picnic surrounded by rare native wildflowers. In the warm months, the headwaters of the surrounding riverbeds make for the ultimate plunge pool experience. There are sixteen thousand acres of wilderness to explore full of unique indigenous plant life. Walking trails are managed for you to enjoy in the surrounding area.
Additional activities:
Fly in fly out base for backcountry flyfishing and Sika deer hunting
Fly in for a full day hike and use the cabin as a lunch location
Bird watching Hikes available for native tui and fantails.
Cabin Package Choices
A hosted package is exclusively created for you by our partners at Chris Jolly Outdoors. They will ensure everything is taken care of including meals, lighting the fire, keeping the space tidy and (upon request) sharing stories from the Owhaoko people and their land.
Our self-catered package is self-hosted and available to New Zealand residents only. Everything edible aside from tea, coffee, salt and pepper will need to be flown in with you. All comfort amenities such as luxury linens and towels will be waiting for you at the cabin.
The Ghost Host package, total privacy with only meals being presented in person, and the added assurance of a host onsite should you require them.
Te Whare Ruruhau Cabin Layout
Te Whare Ruruhau starts with an open-plan central living space with kitchen, dining and lounge areas opening onto the covered porch and spacious decks. There are two double bedrooms, with every room positioned towards an amazing view.
Nga Whetu Piata is the shining star room. Surrounded by glass walls and ceiling, it is perfect for watching the stars and the sunrise over the native bush.
The full bathroom features continuous hot water, flush toilet, vanity, shower and luxurious towels, then take a short stroll along the decking to bathe surrounded by the native bush and enjoy the view and exquisite privacy from the extra large bathtub.
Watch the sunset over the Kaimanawa Range, and finish off the day gathered around the cosy fireplace.
Experience
Choose how you wish to spend your time in our paradise.
Enjoy a stunning sunrise over morning coffee on the balcony, curl up in the outdoor egg chair and listen to the burbling stream below, explore our pristine native alpine vistas by venturing along one of our nearby walking paths, fill the outdoor bathtub for two, watch the sunset over the Kaimanawa Range, and finish off the day gathered around the cosy fireplace.
For the evening you have a choice between settling into the Āhuru bedroom, a warm, cosy sanctuary, or the Nga Whetu Piata bedroom which is total surround glass – lie in bed and gaze at the stars while you fall asleep.
A hosted package is exclusively created for you by our partners at Chris Jolly Outdoors. They will ensure everything is taken care of – from meals, lighting the fire, keeping the space tidy and sharing stories from Owhaoko people and the land. Perfect for a relaxing escape.
Our self catered package is also self-hosted, and available to New Zealand residents only.
Reconnect. Allow a moment for your soul to catch up with you, find your balance again
Journey to enjoy complete nature immersion. No roads, no people, no stress. Just wild perfection. Click here to start the journey towards booking your stay.
The Cruise To Plant Project
Chris Jolly Outdoors is committed to planting trees in an effort to protect and enhance Aotearoa’s natural environment. All passengers on Chris Jolly Outdoors scenic cruises will have a dollar from their ticket price go towards the planting project with The Opepe Farm Trust. This is one of the first planting initiatives for Chris Jolly with the future goals being to offset the boat charter service and to become carbon neutral. The partnership with The Opepe Farm Trust will help to ensure that the right trees are planted for sustainability. The Trust is passionate about protecting the environment for future generations and has the knowledge and expertise to guide the project. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against climate change and help to preserve our natural environment.
As the trusted activity partner for things to do in Taupō for forty years, Chris Jolly Outdoors will take care of you during your stay here. From absolute relaxation and fishing crystal pools to exciting hikes in the wilderness; we are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the possibilities are truly endless. But one thing is sure; we will create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever. Put yourself in the picture with us, and book with us today.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
073780623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, Redoubt Street, Taupō 3330
