A new eco-retreat has been launched in New Zealand that has skylights in the ceiling to allow guests to stargaze throughout the evening. Nightsky Cottage is set in one hectare of protected native Manuka and beech tree bush forest near Tongariro National Park, and it comes complete with a private 50-metre boardwalk through the forest.
Nightsky Cottage comes complete with a private boardwalk through the forest. Image: New Zealand In Depth
The idea behind the new luxury lodge is that it takes guests away from light pollution. It is 90 square-metres in size and has two bedrooms, each one containing king-size beds and offering views of the native New Zealand wilderness. The cottage also comes with a full kitchen, cosy wood fire, lounge area and outdoor veranda with a barbeque, with a private picnic area in a native bush clearing, where you might even see some deer wandering.
There are two bathrooms with side-by-side baths in Nightsky Cottage. Image: New Zealand In Depth
In the bathroom, two side-by-side freestanding baths add a romantic touch, along with bath salts and candles. The new lodge has adopted a zero waste policy so any plastic used is fully recyclable or reusable, and the cottage even collects and processes its own water.
You can see the stars from Nightsky Cottage. Image: New Zealand In Depth
As the new Nightsky Cottage is located on the edge of Tongariro National Park, guests can undertake a wide range of activities including weather hiking, cycling, quad biking, river rafting or taking a helicopter flight over the park.
Nightsky Cottage is an eco retreat in a New Zealand forest. Image: New Zealand In Depth
Available throughout the year, a five-night, night sky adventure can be booked through New Zealand In Depth and further information is available here.
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