The essence of off-grid is to be self-reliant when it comes to utilities such as water and electricity. At Watercliff, we do this by looking to the sky. Our electricity comes from a Kiwi built solar system that runs the cabins during the day and charges the battery bank to keep the lights on and the drinks cold at night. Although the Omanawa River is right on our doorstep, we prefer to keep our impact small by harvesting rainwater. By the time it gets to you, the rainwater has been purified and run through UV filters. It’s fresh, clean water to go with the fresh, clean air.

Everything worth having is worth working for. We’re a bit trickier to find than the big hotel in town but once you’re here, you won’t mind one bit. Take a turn off Lawry Lane and navigate your way down our sealed bush road. We’ll be waiting for you at reception. From there, it’s another 1km along the river track to the cabins. We can run you down in the Jimny or drop off your bags while you wander on foot, enjoying views of the waterfall. Either way, you’ll get a warm welcome and we’ll be there to help you with anything you need.

We’ll do our best to accommodate early arrivals and late departures. Get in touch well in advance and we’ll see what we can do. We love to see our guests enjoying the land so are more than happy for you to take in the sights outside of your check-in and check-out times. If you bring a hamper and a blanket, we can point you towards the best spots for a picnic or a cheeky G&T. The ideal start or perfect end to your getaway.

Plans change. Sometimes you just get thrown an unavoidable curveball. As parents, we understand this well. Our booking terms are outlined in your welcome email but please contact Canopy Camping if you need to change your plans. We will do everything we can to help.

We trust that once you’re here, the way we want this place to be treated will come pretty naturally. We work hard to keep Watercliff as native, natural and beautiful as possible so all we ask is that you tread lightly. Please respect the bush, your cabin and most importantly, your neighbours. If you have any specific questions, kick back on the deck and have a flick through the Watercliff book.

Absolutely. Just get in touch, let us know your plans and we’ll work some magic. The Hangout sleeps four in its big, comfy king singles. You could also book a couple of cabins around the property and converge somewhere central at beer o’clock.

We’ve got some of the Bay’s best on board to make sure there are a few treats sprinkled around the cabins. These change seasonally but include things like fresh, locally roasted coffee. These wee tastes of our local area are there to complement your self-catered stay.

Watercliff is a great place for kids who love nature and the outdoors. The Hangout is the only space that sleeps up to four but if your little human fits in a BYO portacot you can book any cabin. Flick us an email if you need help with any kid related needs.

If your scrolling thumb gets too itchy we do have reception up here. It’s patchy in the cabins but if you step outside and hold your phone to the sky while squinting at the screen and chanting “one more bar” you’ll probably get a signal. There’s wifi at reception for those times that you just have to fire off an email. Let us know and we’ll get you connected.