Te Waonui Forest Retreat
A five-star, 100 room hotel situated on the fringe of Franz Josef township.
This idyllic retreat has been constructed amidst native bush with minimal impact on the native surrounding. Every room in each of the four wings has been built around and has a view of a courtyard of preserved native bush.
The building has been mainly constructed in timber (predominantly New Zealand grown with any overseas product being certified for sustainability) allowing it to meld into the environment.
Eco-friendly practices have been incorporated into every aspect of the hotels operation with high levels of thermal insulation, double glazing, natural ventilation, natural lighting, water and water heating saving techniques, waste minimisation and the latest heat-saving heat pump technology.
The interior design featuring New Zealand art, custom designed wool carpet, artistic lighting and many local products to create the “wow factor” for guests.
OTHER TOURISM PROJECTS
CLIENT
Scenic Circle Hotel Group
LOCATION
Franz Josef
VALUE
$26M
UNIQUE ASPECTS
Built in a “wilderness” area of New Zealand that is extremely remote (from trade contractors). All site personnel had to be accommodated with Scenic providing full “board and meals”. Franz Josef is located in a rain forest region where the rainfall is measured in metres. The extreme weather conditions were a major challenge. Even getting to site at times proved a challenge over the mountain passes, crossing swollen rivers or flying workers in, so transport links were often disrupted.
