: “There is no WIFI in the forest but you will find a better connection” :

  • Founder | Guide

    Kia ora,

    I’m Chantal and I will be your forest bathing guide. I was trained under the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and can’t wait helping you to connect with the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native forest and the natural treasures (taonga) that are found within.

    I am what you’d consider a ‘convert’. Having been an ocean dweller for most of my life, I couldn’t help but falling in love with the lush native bush here in the Bay of Plenty when I moved down from Auckland in 2023. It became a sanctuary from a noisy and hectic world and I eventually decided to leave busy Papamoa Beach to put down roots closer nature – and I haven’t looked back since.

    I now work and play in the Rotorua Lakes District, living a truly Kiwi way of life.

    Becoming a forest bathing guide manifested itself when I found the perfect trail and thought “somebody should offer a forest bathing walk here” - and this is where I will take you. Sharing one of my favourite places I hope you will love as much as I do.

    : : :

The Koru

Choosing the fern as my logo for my forest bathing experience wasn’t exactly happenstance. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Koru is part of our national identity. It is symbol for resilience and growth, reflected in the fern’s ability to thrive in challenging conditions. It also represents new beginnings and connectedness to nature - everything For Rest stands for.