Company info
Maruia River Retreat is committed to the pioneering regenerative tourism as our small offering to the world in need of healing.
The Healing of Nature: Maruia River Retreat’s Ethos
Over the last four years, we have tried to be true to our vision for Maruia River Retreat to become a place of wellness and healing. Intrinsic to this vision was the communion with nature that our modern lives have stripped us of. Guests at the retreat have come to appreciate the primal power of our private forest estate and purity of our waters, and most leave understanding that much like us, nature needs protection and healing.
Much of our effort over the next few years will continue towards achieving this at many levels. By 2025, Maruia River Retreat will be a fully electric resort powered by renewable sources, including an on-site mini-hydro plant. We intend to define a future of adventure and wellness travel that is part of the solution to climate change rather than a contributor. Much of our resources will be dedicated to managing and improving the onsite 180-hectare private nature reserve that has been certified to be of HIGH ecological significance by the Native Habitats Criteria of the Tasman. Abutting the Kahurangi National Park, the reserve is home to various old-growth trees, over 15 rare bird species, and other flora and fauna unique to the West Coast of New Zealand.
We invite you to come and enjoy all that nature has to offer into what we believe is regenerative travel; a learning and educational holiday experience. Your stay allows you to experience the meditative rhythm of nature walks, the calming and soothing benefits of forest bathing in the river hot tub and forest sauna, the nourishing fresh meals and deep sleep experience in your luxury villa, the restorative effects of a gentle yoga practice and the connection with others in our private retreat events.
We look forward to your time with us,
Your hosts, Cristina and Lasse Holopainen
Property info
Seven luxury villas within a 500-acre private rainforest estate and wellness resort and a 100% Pure New Zealand native beech forest.
Ideal for those wanting a relaxed and well-paced holiday inspired by nature and the outdoors with good fresh food, thoughtful care and luxury and comfortable accommodations in a private nature estate.
A Relaxed Luxury Experience with Dinner, Villa, Yoga & Breakfast
What’s included during your relaxed luxury experience:
Nightly accommodation in your own private Luxe Villa or 1-bedroom Master Villa with lush robes, platinum linens and eco-friendly luxe bath amenities.
Daily morning Yoga Classes (Fridays to Sundays)
Daily continental breakfast
Nightly three course dinners
1 x One Hour Private Forest Bathing Experience in the Stoked river hot tub and infrared forest sauna with cold shower facilities
Use of Finnish Dry Sauna and cold shower facilities
Access to nature trails in our 500-acre beech forest and Maruia River estate
Unlimited coffee, teas, spring and sparkling water
BONUS: Guided Nature Walk every Saturday.
You can also choose your own nature adventure with white water rafting, kayaking, a visit to the Maruia Falls and the Buller Swing Bridge, or the nearby nature trails around the Shenandoah.
Neighborhood info
Taking its name from the stunning river valley it is nestled in, the Maruia River Retreat lies at the heart of an extensive natural estate encompassing a pristine native Beech forest, long-established gardens, walking trails and terraced paddocks at the top of New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island.
Maruia River Retreat is a convenient 2 to 2.5-hour scenic drive from Nelson and Blenheim, 3.5 hours from Christchurch and right in the center of New Zealand. Truly in the middle of nowhere, yet in the center of everything wonderful that New Zealand has to offer.