The Whanganui River and surrounding lands are historically of deep spiritual and cultural significance to
Whanganui iwi, Te Atihaunui o Paparangi, who are the tangata whenua, [Maori people of this area], and
we respect and share their values.

The Flying Fox is itself situated on Maori ancestral lands and we are privileged to have the role of kaitiaki [or guardians] of the history of earlier generations which surround us.

We endeavour to minimise our impact on our surroundings and are committed to using our natural resources in our environmentally responsible way.

Our guest facilities reflect these aims. Woodstoves, solar and gas hot water, waterless loos, low energy lighting and appliances are examples. The property is certified organic and our home and guest cottages are built using recycled and natural materials sourced from our local area.

However our environmentally friendly principles do not mean guests have to forgo any creature comforts, the cottages have wood fires, and thermostatically controlled heaters, electricity, and although there is no
cell-phone reception in our valley, [most would say that’s a major bonus!] there is a telephone and
internet connection available at our house.

A locally specific grey-water system has been developed and implemented , we avoid the use of detergent based cleaning products, and reduce, reuse and recycle waste products using traditional kiwi ingenuity to develop a variety of practical solutions. A solar panel on the roof of the main house also provides us with naturally heated hot
water.

The area is surrounded both the Whanganui National Park, and areas of our own native bush, avocado orchards, walnut trees, and organic gardens. We are involved in a project to preserve the original fruit and vegetable varieties of our historic valley, and use these to produce a range of organic pickles and preserves. These are available for sale, together with other locally produced items, and the range of chemical free and environmentally friendly cleaning products we use, in ‘The Store’ at the rear of the wood workshop.

Our stall at The River Traders Market in Whanganui on Saturday mornings sells our own and other produce from the Whanganui River valley. Much of this produce and our own specialty items are also available for sale in our little Store alongside John’s workshop In his workshop John constructs the many hand-made elements of our guest accommodation using rescued timber from native logs delivered almost to our door by the passing river, our own renewable timber resources, and demolition materials from building sites in Whanganui which contain parts of our
early European history.

Along with a place to indulge the soul, and excite the imagination, we also provide guests with lots of reasons to relax …… river views, outdoor sitting areas, braziers, shady trees, books, music, and of course a corkscrew or two.
If you want to enjoy some time in a place which is in stark contrast to the hectic world out there, then this is the place. We can give you a clear view of the stars and as much of your own company as you choose.

Although we are quite happy to take bookings for one night midweek, and prefer two night bookings on
weekends, we do recommend you stay more than one night. Once you get here, the atmosphere of the
place proves addictive, and many guests have expressed regret that they could not stay longer.

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