Tahuna Waiariki

Design | Monk Mackenzie

The purpose of the Tāhuna Waiariki still images and animation was to communicate the concept of an onsen-inspired thermal reserve located in the beautiful Te Waipounamu South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. The mood of the animation reflects the calm, secluded character of the project – one which gently emerges from the land while being sympathetically embedded within the native forest reserve. The soundtrack features traditional Māori instruments and field recordings; a sensory overlay creating a strong connection to place . The tempo, rhythm, and dark aesthetics have been used to evoke a sense of seclusion and retreat, delivering an immersive, meditative environment at one with nature.