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Why Retreat
16 Reotahi Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 3 special B&Bs in Whangarei
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It’s your choice! A short, self-catered reset or take a week to fully experience all that WHY retreat has to offer with a Holistic Yoga Retreat. Facilities include 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private guest lounge and deck, kitchenette, outdoor dining and BBQ area, sauna, spa pool, boutique exercise and yoga studio, and streamside meditation. Enjoy bay views at the foot of scenic Mt Manaia on the Whangarei Heads Peninsula. You will be immersed in nature and discover some of the best hiking and beaches New Zealand has to offer. Finish off your day with a massage, or relaxing in the ocean view hot tub, watching the sunset. Book the entire space for accommodation only or an individual all-inclusive Yoga retreat package. Yoga for all levels as well as holistic health coaching is complimented by delicious healthy meals. We are New Zealand's first tax deductible Yoga Retreat offering stress management workshops for New Zealand employers. WHY is the perfect relaxation holiday.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Hot bath
Breakfast available
Beach
Hiking
Massage
Wifi
Yoga classes
Yoga room
Personal trainer
Sauna
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Snorkelling
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
24-hour check-in
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Additional bathroom
Dining area
Private balcony
Seating area
Kitchenette
Microwave
Walk-in shower
Hair dryer
Separate living room
Sofa
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Green
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Getting there
11 Restaurants
within 5 miles
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
I did the 6-day yoga retreat and had a relaxing and at the same time a stimulating experience. There was a variation of yoga and meditations which I appreciated. The vegetarian food was delicious, well prepared and nourishing. Some of the planned hikes were unfortunately cancelled because of the weather conditions, but instead we had time to go deeper into ourselves and to just relax. A pity that the spa pool was temporarily out of order. Jo was very knowledgeable and also adapted the practices according to our needs. The place is very intimate but feels very warm and welcoming. The Bay view room had great views and I just loved waking up in the morning and just lay in bed watching the dawn once a new day began. Would love to do it again.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Property's Favourite Review
Perfect combination of yoga with an experienced, caring teacher, healthful and delicious food, and time in beautiful nature. An intimate and calm environment. Stayed in the Manaia room, looking to the mountain. Many fine beaches and excellent walking tracks.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a restoring 6 day retreat at WHY in January. The location is stunning, overlooking the bay with easy access to a coastal walking trail. The guest accommodation of three bedrooms, sitting room and kitchen is on one floor of the house, yoga studio and sauna below, surrounded by a peaceful and pretty garden where Jo grows some of the food that goes into the healthy vegetarian meals she prepares. Jo is a very experienced teacher who flexes the yoga classes and the programme overall to the needs of the guests as well as offering massage/bodywork in addition. She is very gifted in this work and in her teaching, really tailors it to what you need and helped me enormously. Outside of the classes she offers meditation, hiking and swimming opportunities and adjusted these to people's interests and wants.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The word retreat includes the word treat, which is exactly what my experience at WHY Retreat with Jo last week has been.
Jo provided the clearest explanation of the holistic approach to yoga philosophy that I have heard. The yoga sessions offered by Jo and contributing yoga teachers were excellent - afterwards I felt energised and relaxed. We even had a treetop platform session that was amazing - seeing the through the trees to the sea, feeling the wind, hearing native birds close by and inhaling clean air with each breath!!
The coastal location was a wonderful environment for hiking, walking and swimming. I enjoyed the comfortable accommodation and privacy of an ensuite bathroom.
Mediation, massage and nutritious meals are an integral part of Jo's guidance, expertise, hospitality and wisdom.
I arrived home feeling nurtured, nourished and reset on many levels.
Namaste
Ann - Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
Jo provided the clearest explanation of the holistic approach to yoga philosophy that I have heard. The yoga sessions offered by Jo and contributing yoga teachers were excellent - afterwards I felt energised and relaxed. We even had a treetop platform session that was amazing - seeing the through the trees to the sea, feeling the wind, hearing native birds close by and inhaling clean air with each breath!!
The coastal location was a wonderful environment for hiking, walking and swimming. I enjoyed the comfortable accommodation and privacy of an ensuite bathroom.
Mediation, massage and nutritious meals are an integral part of Jo's guidance, expertise, hospitality and wisdom.
I arrived home feeling nurtured, nourished and reset on many levels.
Namaste
Ann - Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
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Date of stay: January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jo Woollacott, Owner at Why Retreat
Responded 27 Jan 2023
You are more than welcome Ann, it was a pleasure to meet you!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jo ran a flexible and interesting programme that was adapted to our needs (we are yoga beginners) and we left feeling refreshed, invigorated, and informed.
The location and accommodation were superb with wide ocean views, close proximity to spectacular volcanic landscapes and biodiversity for hiking, as well as beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxing.
Highlights also included treetop yoga in native totara forest, the hike up Mt Manaia, the fabulously presented vegetarian food, and the camaraderie of yogis Jo and Aileen and the rest of the group members.
Thank you Jo for setting us onto this path of yoga and meditation. You are an amazing and truly gifted person. We will be back!
The location and accommodation were superb with wide ocean views, close proximity to spectacular volcanic landscapes and biodiversity for hiking, as well as beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxing.
Highlights also included treetop yoga in native totara forest, the hike up Mt Manaia, the fabulously presented vegetarian food, and the camaraderie of yogis Jo and Aileen and the rest of the group members.
Thank you Jo for setting us onto this path of yoga and meditation. You are an amazing and truly gifted person. We will be back!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jo Woollacott, Owner at Why Retreat
Responded 27 Jan 2023
Thank you for your review - I love to share my little slice of paradise and will enjoy taking you to some other undiscovered corners next time. Great to meet you both!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I’ve just completed a 6 day retreat at WHY Yoga Retreat with Jo Woollacott and it RESET my mind, body and spirit in a wonderful way. Jo which is short for JOY is indeed a great facilitator and Holistic Health Coach using yoga practice and philosophy at a unique morning session each day and a variety of meditation experiences each evening. I enjoyed my daily outings to the beach or hike in nature that took in the beautiful outdoors around the area. Other special activities that touched my heart was the medicine card reading, a session using essential oils to balance the chakras and a Pilates class to close the retreat. I enjoyed being a vegetarian with the delicious meals provided for the week and I’ve changed my approach to eating now in a more healthy way to increase my well-being.
I highly recommend the WHY Retreat for all ages to reboot the power within you and help kick start a new beginning to be the best you can be .
I highly recommend the WHY Retreat for all ages to reboot the power within you and help kick start a new beginning to be the best you can be .
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Date of stay: November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

I spent 6 unforgettable days at WHY retreat and am much richer for it. Jo adapted the programme to include yoga, meditation, hiking and excellent nourishing meals. This small retreat centre was perfect for me as a school principal to recover from a challenging year and prioritise my wellbeing. It is in a beautiful setting with opportunities for rest, reflection and healing of the mind and body. I really recommend this for professionals needing a bit of a recharge.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am a yoga novice so was apprehensive about coming to a yoga retreat. However I have nothing but praise for Jo and her space. My room had a beautiful view, the guest house is spotlessly clean and had everything I needed. The onsite studio was incredible and Jo's knowledge of the area meant the hikes were to beautiful places. To top it off, Jo prepared delicious vege meals and I had a super relaxing massage towards the end. I'm definitely going back!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I spent a great five days retreat with Jo at her home in beautiful Whangarei. The hikes were stunning scenery and Jo is an experienced forager, so I learned a lot about mushrooms and native species. In our small group Jo’s yoga expertise was tailored to our needs, which made the retreat even more useful. I even took away some new veggie recipes to try again at home. The experience was soothing and relaxing, and great value. Thanks Jo!
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Date of stay: May 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We started 2022 with a 6 day yoga and hiking retreat at WHY and it was the most amazing experience.
The setting is hard to beat, the weather very kind, the hiking superb and the yoga classes just the best.
We travelled while Northland was in Covid traffic light setting red and this did not impact on the retreat due to the small numbers staying.
I would urge Kiwis to take the opportunity to go to WHY retreat now, you can thank me later!
The setting is hard to beat, the weather very kind, the hiking superb and the yoga classes just the best.
We travelled while Northland was in Covid traffic light setting red and this did not impact on the retreat due to the small numbers staying.
I would urge Kiwis to take the opportunity to go to WHY retreat now, you can thank me later!
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Date of stay: January 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lloyd. Yes we have the manaia suite available for you!
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandNorthland RegionWhangarei
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Why Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Why Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Bream Head Coast Walks (2.1 miles), Mount Manaia Track (0.5 miles), and Ocean Beach (4.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Why Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a fitness centre, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Why Retreat?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and an additional bathroom.
What food & drink options are available at Why Retreat?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Why Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Parua Bay Tavern, New Day Café & Indian Restaurant, and The Deck Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Why Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre, a sauna, and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Why Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.