NEW ZEALAND’S NATURE & WELLBEING DESTINATION
EXPERIENCE PURE MOMENTS AT MARUIA RIVER RETREAT
Situated along the magnificent Maruia River and protected by mountains from the east and west, the Maruia River Retreat is a stunning boutique lodge and nature estate where guests can relax, reconnect, explore and celebrate.
With only 7 luxury villas within a 500-acre nature estate, guests are welcomed with a sense of being far away from the clutter of everyday life, and invited to find shelter at the core of what is truly beautiful and peaceful.
Ideal for those looking for a relaxed and well-paced holiday in untouched Pure New Zealand nature with relaxed luxury and comfortable accommodations, fresh, nourishing and delicious food and thoughtful care and hospitality in one of the most undiscovered and beautiful places in the New Zealand.
“Maruia” (ma-roo-ee-ah) – Maori, adj. meaning “sheltered or shaded”
We have availability for May 9-13 and we are now accepting reservations for September 2024 to May 2025. Save $500 for our Spring Early Bird Special Offer!
Maruia River Retreat was awarded the GOLD Level Certification for the Sustainable Business Criteria under the Boutique & Lodge Category with a 4-Star Plus Rating.
Just for a moment.
We invite you to experience pure moments at Maruia River Retreat.
HOSTING ONLY 10 GUESTS EVERY WEEKEND. THE NEW SEASON BEGINS SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 TO MAY 12, 2025.
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-hour scenic drive from Nelson, 3 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.
At its essence, Maruia River Retreat is an incredible place for the human spirit; ideal for cultivating inspiration, motivation, connection and togetherness.
The complete Retreat experience invites visitors to dine on gourmet meals, admire the outstanding views and rest in the privacy and comfort of self-contained villas; elements that are shaped by the changing seasons. The refurbished relaxed luxury villas are beautifully designed with a thoughtfully appointed minimalist approach, reflecting our ethos of simple and essential basics executed with fine attention to detail.
With only 7 private villas within our 500-acre nature estate, we offer guests a truly tranquil escape. Our self-contained villas are beautifully appointed with attention to detail. They feature brand new Italian kitchenettes, super king beds or 2 King Singles, luxury linen, the best local and natural bath amenities and of course, our deep sleep experience.
Nurture your body, mind & soul. Relax and recharge with our dry and infrared saunas, join us for yoga, enjoy a Stoked outdoor hot tub or a swim in the new heated magnesium pool or visit our beautiful spa for therapeutic treatments. Try a cold plunge in the Maruia River. Maruia River Retreat is the perfect place to boost your wellbeing.
Breathe in the benefits of being in a high-ecologically significant rainforest with guided nature walks for all guests to learn more about NZ native trees and birds. With our ideal location, you can choose to race your heart and rest your soul with with DOC walks, river rafting cruises and kayaking or book scenic tours and outdoor adventures nearby.
Synergy shapes the Maruia experience. The ever-changing nature of our valley and estate inspires our offering. The lodgings, special events and especially our cuisine constantly evolve to enhance your experience, day-by-day. We offer an omnivore menu with the best of local produce and ingredients with fresh bread baked daily.
WHAT’S NEW
Cuisine Magazine - From New Zealand to the world
“If you’ve ever had that feeling of wanting to escape your day-to-day and be transported somewhere that feels like it’s a million miles away, Maruia River may be exactly what you’re looking for.”
Read more here
SLEEP AMONGST THE TREES AT THESE DREAMY FOREST SPOTS
“Two hours from Nelson, Maruia River Retreat lies deep inside 200ha of untouched Aotearoa, on the river, surrounded by beech forest and protected from the east and west by mountains.”
Read more here.
NELSON TASMAN PARADISE IN THE SOUTH
“Rejuvenate at Split Apple Retreat, an internationally award-winning wellness retreat in Motueka or unwind with a massage or yoga class at Maruia River Retreat in Murchison.”
Read more here.
GO TO GUIDES NELSON TASMAN
“Cristina and Lasse Holopainen bought Maruia River Retreat in 2018 transforming it from a fishing lodge into a world-class wellbeing destination complete with seven luxury villas and a yoga shala.”
Read more here.
antidote to our busy modern lives
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We attended the Breath Of Life workshop with Lasse and totally recommend it. This workshop is the perfect antidote to our busy modern lives, and I needed it more than I had realised. Total attention to detail. Service was impeccable and faultless, but welcoming and unpretentious. Can’t wait to go back.
Meg B. (Jan 2020)
deep rest and rejuvenation
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The ultimate wellbeing retreat, rain or shine, Maruia River Retreat is a place of deep rest and rejuvenation where you can relax and disconnect from everyday busy and reconnect with yourself. Lasse and Cristina know how to create a luxury experience for guests. You’ll leave feeling healthier and wealthier.
Carolyn Enting, Good Magazine (Dec 2019)
Took my breath away
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The moment you drive into Maruia River Retreat you are greeted with a beautiful enchanting lodge, breath-taking scenery, the tranquillity of nature’s beauty, outstanding attention to detail and interior design throughout, exquisite fine dining experiences and a retreat that took my breath away. Superb!
Tina A. (Nov 2019)
Inviting and comfortable
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Treat yourself - to the less worn path - and you will discover a taonga (treasure/ jewel). An easy base to day trip to the West Coast, then return and relax. The luxury is inviting and comfortable and the food- fresh from the onsite garden and local producers is exquisite and a surprise to all senses.
Kristy M. (Nov 2019)
FOR RELAXED LUXURY WELLNESS HOLIDAYS IN 100% PURE NZ RAINFOREST
MARUIA RIVER RETREAT IS SET ON 500 ACRES OF PURE UNTOUCHED NEW ZEALAND. A DESTINATION LIKE NO OTHER, PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY.
SELF-DRIVE
A beautiful 2-hour scenic drive from Nelson or 3 hours from Christchurch. You can also rent a car from Greymouth arriving from Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Train. We have luxury vehicles and executive drivers available for transfers or guided tours to or from the estate.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS
Your Maruia River Retreat hosting team are available to assist you with your individual travel and transfer needs. Private flights and scenic aerial tours can be arranged to and from the property.
Maruia River Retreat is a great base for exploring the beautiful South Island.
FLY-IN
Fly directly to the estate in a private chartered flight. Maruia River Retreat have a private 500-metre airstrip and hanger. Join us by helicopter, a breath-taking scenic flight from Nelson, Blenheim, Kaikoura or Christchurch.
