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Watercliff - The Nest

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Watercliff - The Nest

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty


Watercliff is located along the banks of the Omanawa River, a 20-minute drive from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region. Start your journey with a welcoming 1km drive by your hosts along the river to reach your cabin in the Watercliff Jimny.

Watercliff includes four luxurious and comfortable, self-contained and eco-friendly cabins. This cabin, known as 'The Nest' is a cosy escape for couples. The stylish, restful interior consists of a kitchenette, a modern bathroom and a living space with a queen-size bed. Outdoors you’ll find a large semi-covered deck with an outdoor bath, lounge chairs, a dining area and a BBQ.

In the morning, open your automatic blinds to reveal the picturesque sunrise without leaving your bed. Once you're up, enjoy a stroll down the path through the native bush to a small waterfall, swimming hole and secluded beach along the riverbank.

The seclusion of the site and its location in the beautiful native bush is peaceful and serene. Feel your worries fade away as you explore, relax and reconnect with each other - and the natural world around you.

Watercliffs other cabins are the couples cabins, The View and The Getaway - as well as the family-friendly cabin, The Hangout.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Watercliff is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. All the utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.

If you fancy a meal out, Clarence House Bistro has great fine dining. Alpino in Mount Maunganui is highly recommended by your hosts for the best Italian, Lloyds Deli and Avenue sell the best coffee and sandwiches by day and sourdough pizzas by night. Palace Burger is the perfect place to pick up a burger and head to the beach.

Looking for a meal paired with a glass of your favourite? Bar Centrale has fantastic cocktails and Italian, and The Cider Factorie has amazing harbourside views. The Island (formerly known as the famous 'Papamoa Beach Tavern') is a great option, and The Rising Tide includes a unique pairing of local craft beers and delicious dumplings.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Tauriko, a 10-minute drive.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

You'll find plenty to do on the property. Watercliff is a natural wonderland, with bush walking tracks and a river for swimming and kayaking. Or just wind down with a soak in the outdoor bath and relax at the cabin. Board games and a variety of outdoor games are provided.

Feel like getting out and about? Mount Maunganui beach/The Mount is less than a 30-minute drive away. Glow-worm kayaking is another option. Waimarino Kayak Tours offers an evening trip up the Wairoa River. The McLaren Falls are spectacular, with plenty of walking tracks around the lake and amazing waterfalls to admire.

A keen biker? Whakarewarewa Forest MTB Trails (also known as 'The Redwoods') are under an hour away, and highly recommended! Alternatively, Oropi Mountain Bike Park is only a 15 minute drive.

Fabulous farmers markets are nearby for some delicious street food, local produce and nic nacs! The Tauranga Farmers Market is every Saturday morning at Tauranga Primary School and The Little Big Markets is every Saturday, at Coronation Park or Pāpamoa Pony Club.

The nearest town is Tauriko, a 10-minute drive away. Tauranga is a 20-minute drive and Mount Maunganui is 25 minutes.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Stayed at The Nest and even though the weather was horrible, we had a wonderful time. Definitely have to point out the bathroom - the best I've ever seen! ”

- 2024-03-12

20 / 20

“ Really enjoyed our stay at The Nest, the cabin is beautiful and set amongst great scenery. We stayed for two nights and we’d be back for longer next time. The communication with the host was prompt and helpful. ”

Ankur Baggan- 2026-04-09

1 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay here!! It was so peaceful and relaxing, would 100% stay again! ”

Natalie Mckenzie- 2026-03-20

2 / 20

“ It was a great stay and definitely needed for time to switch of from the world Louise, our host, was amazing. ”

Holly Hatcher Hatcher- 2025-10-10

3 / 20

“ Loved our stay, super peaceful sleep and a great location to explore, surrounded by nature and watching the stars in the tub. ”

Katerina Managou- 2025-09-20

4 / 20

“ This was the perfect little cabin in the woods. My purpose was to be away from the hustle and bustle and simply relax and be. I did a solo trip mid winter to cosy up with a book in nature. The outdoor bathtub was a huge highlight, as well as the multiple trails and river access points for icy plunges went down a treat. The host was amazing and it was the perfect mini getaway for anyone looking to relax in the wilderness. ”

Jessica Hamilton- 2025-08-24

5 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our weekend getaway. The place was spotless, well-equipped, and had everything we needed for a relaxing self-catered stay. Peaceful, private, and the perfect escape. We’ll definitely be back. ”

Tylo Scott- 2025-07-03

6 / 20

“ A uniquely fabulous spot to get away from everything for some "off grid" chill time. Will certainly return. ”

Mike Speed- 2025-06-17

7 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Watercliff! Thank you. ”

Naomi Thomas- 2025-05-29

8 / 20

“ Lovely, quiet, relaxing stay. Perfect for a quick reset from the rat race. ”

Rachael Gavin- 2025-05-14

9 / 20

“ An amazing place to stay for relaxation and getting away from the busyness of life. So tranquil and everything you need. The outside bath and listening to the birdlife were the highlights. ”

Jodi Robinson- 2025-04-02

10 / 20

“ Our host Evie was super kind, helpful and a clear communicator!! Loved the facilities and highly recommend! ”

Ricky Paul- 2025-02-28

11 / 20

“ Watercliff, being remote, we really appreciated how clean the facilities were and everything that was included was great. Evie did so well to accommodate us from start to finish. ”

Nikhil Mudaliar- 2025-01-12

12 / 20

“ Beautiful, peaceful surroundings, a comfortable cabin, and a luxurious outdoor bath – Watercliff has everything you'd need for a weekend getaway! ”

Coral Smith- 2024-09-29

13 / 20

“ The perfect escape from the busyness of life. We loved the view of the bush and just watching the sun, rain, clouds, and moonlight change the colours of the valley throughout the day. A great location to visit in any weather! ”

Marie Everth- 2024-09-22

14 / 20

“ The managers were away, so the owners got us settled in—such incredibly lovely people. We had the whole place to ourselves. The nest we booked is by far the sunniest, with ample privacy, proximity to the river, and good views. ”

Bradley Maclean- 2024-08-15

15 / 20

“ It's not often you find places where so much thought and care have been put into every single detail. From the incredible setting to the design of the cabins and all the tiny touches in between, Watercliff exceeded expectations. We are Tauranga locals but felt like we were transported a world away. ”

Alana Hawke- 2024-07-16

16 / 20

“ Absolutely loved staying at The Nest. From arriving at reception to leaving, everything was perfect. Evie was a great host too. Couldn't recommend Watercliff enough for an "off the grid" getaway with everything you need. Hope to be back again soon! ”

Stefanie Grace- 2024-06-25

17 / 20

“ We loved our stay at The Nest, it felt like we had escaped the world for a few days. The cabin has everything you need and the property has lots of tracks to explore. ”

Nika Van Wyk- 2024-05-20

18 / 20

“ It was warm and welcoming, the view was beautiful, and it’s a lovely getaway for couples. We also took some stuff back that inspired me and my husband for our house renovation. ”

- 2024-04-23

19 / 20

“ Stayed at The Nest and even though the weather was horrible, we had a wonderful time. Definitely have to point out the bathroom - the best I've ever seen! ”

- 2024-03-12

20 / 20

“ Really enjoyed our stay at The Nest, the cabin is beautiful and set amongst great scenery. We stayed for two nights and we’d be back for longer next time. The communication with the host was prompt and helpful. ”

Ankur Baggan- 2026-04-09

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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