What to bring to Wild Forest Estate

You're coming to 35 acres of native forest where three rivers meet, a few minutes from Trounson Kauri Park. Two of our stays — the Tin Box and the Tree House — are fully off-grid and set deep in the trees; the Hideaway sits streamside, attached to the main house. Slow down, drink the wild air, and let the forest do the rest.

This page covers the few things worth packing, what's already waiting for you, and a handful of things that are good to know before you arrive.

The short version

Bring your own food and drink, warm layers and a rain jacket whatever the season, and your togs for the bath and the lakes. Everything else, we've either provided or you won't miss.

What's already here

So you don't over-pack, here's what waits for you on arrival:

  • Welcome provisions — coffee, tea, salt, pepper, olive oil, and popcorn kernels, plus fresh drinking water.
  • Bedding — beds are made up and ready dressed in 100% linen. If you have specific needs around towels or extra bedding, just ask when you book.
  • A way to cook. The Hideaway has a benchtop electric hob and mini fridge, with a Weber BBQ in a covered outdoor area. The Tin Box and Tree House each have an undercover outdoor kitchen with a 4-burner gas hob, a Weber BBQ, and a chilli bin (cooler) to keep things cold.
  • An outdoor bath at all three, for long soaks under the trees and, on a clear night, the Milky Way.
  • A red-light torch for kiwi spotting — we lend you a powerful red torch so you don't need to buy one. Just tell Joanna on arrival which night you'd like it.
  • Wifi at the main house, and plenty of parking — including a Level 2 EV charger if you're travelling electric (mention it when you book so we can brief you on the plug and location).

What to bring

The essentials

  • Groceries and drinks for your stay. We're fully self-catering — there are no meals or shops on site. The nearest substantial supermarket is in Dargaville, about 40 km south, so it's easiest to stock up before you turn off the main road. Bring everything you'll want to cook.
  • Comfortable, sturdy footwear. The property and the stays involve uneven ground, steps, and forest paths — closed shoes or boots make everything easier, especially after rain. Add jandals or slip-ons for around the stay and the bath.
  • Warm layers and a rain jacket. The forest runs cooler than town and the weather shifts quickly in every season. Think layers you can add and shed — a warm top for the evenings, even in summer.
  • Togs (swimwear). For the outdoor bath, and for Kai Iwi Lakes (20 minutes away) if you fancy a swim in some of the purest fresh water in the country.

Nice to have

  • Something to read, and something offline to do. Mobile signal in the area is weak, and it's weaker still in the off-grid stays. Bring a book, a journal, a deck of cards. Most guests find the quiet is the point.
  • A torch or headlamp for moving around after dark (keep the red torch we lend you just for the kiwi walk — white light disturbs them).
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen, especially in the warmer months.
  • A camera. The birds, the baths, and the stars are the three things guests photograph most.
  • Any medications or specifics you rely on, since the nearest town is a drive away.

Good to know before you arrive

  • Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out is by 10 am.
  • We're dog-free. Dogs are the leading killer of adult kiwi in Northland, so we can't host them here — please make other arrangements before you come.
  • Dark skies. There's very little light pollution, so the stars are extraordinary. The outdoor baths are the best seats in the house on a clear night.
  • Accessibility. The property doesn't currently have mobility access — the off-grid stays in particular involve uneven ground, steps, and forest paths. If you have specific needs, get in touch before booking and we'll talk it through.
  • Children are welcome by special request — please contact us before you book.

Booking a retreat?

If you're joining us for a Solo Retreat or Romantic Retreat, we've written a dedicated packing guide with a little more on preparing your mind as well as your bag: What to pack for a solo retreat. Your pre-arrival reflection is part of the packing, too.

Any questions?

If you're unsure whether to bring something, just ask — we'd rather you travelled light. Reach us any time at wildforestestate@gmail.com or +64 21 258 7250, or through the contact page.