PUNAKAIKI FOREST RETREAT: A MINIMALIST HIDEAWAY ON THE WEST COAST
Words By Sarah Norris | Photography By David Straight
Punakaiki forest retreat is a light filled cabin with a tiny six-by-six meter footprint. Three full length sliding glass doors on the ground floor open the living room to the forest, while two open plan mezzanine bedrooms create the sense of sleeping in the treetops. Architectural design created especially for its unique location. to provide guests with an intimate nature experience, an adventure in itself. This is the ultimate relaxing destination, with a fireplace, comfortable king size beds, state of the art appliances including dishwasher and washing machine, Induction cooktop, oven and fridge freezer. A well equiped with new cookware, knives, dinner service etc. You will need to bring your own food supplies, as the nearest shops are in Greymouth, or Westport, 40 Km away.
Su, a biodynamic consultant and Simon, a plasterer, spent years camping out on this forest site, slowly clearing and landscaping.
“We wanted to impose on the site as little as possible. After nearly a decade of getting to know the land and with a process of deliberate, thoughtful design with the architect James Warren of Upoko Architects, we are delighted to make it possible for others to share our love of this unique part of the world and our magical cabin. Punakaiki is our favorite coastal destination and our very own retreat throughout the year. A diverse and dynamic recharge and far from the extremities of Wanaka where we live and work.”
The local neighborhood is very unique in being the only street in Paparoa National Park. The outlook is entirely native forest which sprawl up to the cliffs of the Paparoa ranges. The birdlife is incredible, With Wood Pigeon (Kereru) Tui, Bellbirds, Fantails, Weka (a ground bird that live on the section) and many other species. There are some outstanding walks in the area, Truman Track is accessible from Hartmount Place on foot, which takes you to the nearest beach, with sea caves and waterfalls to explore.
The Pororari river and bullock creek are very close by, with some of New Zealands most beautiful rivers and walks thru the Rata and Nikau forest. Short walks and day trips are available, with overnight walks via the inland track for the more adventurous. New Zealands newest great walk is being built in the area now and will be open in 2018, providing a mountainbiking option which will be one of the first in a National Park to be open year round. The local Department of conservation office can provide you with all the help you need choosing which walks are for you.
