Welcome to Maruia River Retreat
Nau mai, haere mai
A private wellness sanctuary in the South Island of New Zealand, designed for deep rest and rejuvenation
Maruia is a 5-star Boutique Luxury Lodge & Eco-resort, offering one of New Zealand’s most restorative immersive nature experiences set on a 500 acre private native forest estate, nestled along the river and powered by our own mini hydro plant. Featuring a yoga shala, wellness centre, heated magnesium pool, outdoor hot tub, multiple saunas, forest walks, private access to the river, nourishing cuisine, and 7 tranquil villas — your experience at Maruia is curated to be quiet, peaceful and deeply relaxing.
“Maruia” (ma-roo-ee-ah) - Maori, adj. meaning “sheltered or shaded”
Private restorative getaways in a stunning nature estate with 5-star hospitality
Deep Rest & Digital Detox Villas
Designed for deep sleep, comfortable relaxation, and a tranquil escape — our private Luxe Villas and Master Villas with sweeping nature views provide the perfect cosy haven for the ultimate wellbeing reset. Retreat to your own sanctuary, where all comforts have been considered.
Personalised Wellness
From private forest bathing, hot tubs, saunas and a magnesium pool surrounded by nature — to massage therapy, yoga, breathwork and sound-healing ceremonies in the Wellness Centre. Maruia offers an extensive holistic menu to support your mind, body and soul. Tailored for you and your needs.
Nourishing Dining Experience
Delicious, fresh, locally sourced, and made with love — the Maruia culinary experience is a highlight for many guests. We offer a carefully curated omnivore menu with well-balanced gourmet dishes, using the best of local and on-site produce. Nourishment is our primary intention and guarantee.
Pure Nature Immersion
Just you, the forest, the river, and the mountain landscapes. Walk with ease and delight as you step into the magical native forest of our 500-acre estate — feeling enveloped by trees and the flow of the Maruia River. Learn about the unique NZ flora and fauna on our guided nature walks.
Upcoming Events
NZ’s Nature & Wellbeing Destination
Embrace the luxury of being cared for within the backdrop of breathtaking beauty
5-star Boutique Eco-resort within a stunning landscape and forest reserve.
Personalised wellness experience at one of the World’s Most Extraordinary Spas 2026 and New Zealand’s # 1 Wellness Experience.
Quiet, spacious and uncrowded: Only 7 private villas and max. 12 guests.
All-inclusive and best-value stays with luxury accommodation, fresh meals, nature immersion experiences, and top-quality service.
Recommended for longer stays and for those looking for nearby day-trips to the national parks.
Now accepting one-night stays and open all days from October to July.
One of New Zealand’s 5-star regenerative tourism destinations, powered by its own renewable energy sources.
Small Boutique Hotel & Spa Lodge Qualmark 5-Star Gold.
Digital detox — with wifi only available in the Main Lodge, your private villa becomes the perfect sanctuary to truly switch off and unwind. If you prefer to stay connected during your stay, cell service and data is still available.
Unplug
Retreat
Unwind
Heal
Unplug Retreat Unwind Heal
Retreat Packages
Lover’s Luxury Getaway
Personal Restoration Retreat
A private and quiet place to stay while exploring the South Island
Maruia River Retreat is a must-stay destination for a 100% Pure New Zealand nature immersion experience
Just 2-hours from Nelson, Blenheim and the West Coast and 3-hours from Christchurch and Kaikoura.
Maruia River Retreat is the perfect base at the top of the South Island of New Zealand and the gateway to exploring the Nelson-Tasman region and the West Coast.
Your villa lies at the heart of an extensive natural estate, offering you a comfortable stay — encompassing a pristine native Beech forest, long-established gardens, walking trails and terraced paddocks at the top of New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island.
Rated by Qualmark as a 5-star Boutique Hotel and Lodge, Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award and consistent 5-star guest reviews, Maruia River Retreat offers quiet luxury in the one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of New Zealand.
“Magical place in NZ’s South Island - wellness, nature, food and happiness.”
— Lauren, Solo Traveller, TripAdvisor
Magical Maruia River Retreat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Maruia River Retreat was simply AMAZING !! From the moment we arrived and were greeted by our host Cristina, we were made to feel like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble for her and all of the wonderful staff at the retreat. They make you feel so special and go above and beyond to ensure your stay at the retreat is one to remember.
Danny S.
A Restful Paradise
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lasse, Cristina and their team were fantastic and welcoming hosts. The beautiful natural setting and facilities were just what we needed to relax and reenergise midway through a multi-stop trip around the South Island. From guided and independent bush walks around the extensive and beautiful grounds, a tour of the hydroplant by Lasse, relaxing in the infrared sauna and hot tub to swimming in the river and magnesium pool and even (in my case) trying and enjoying yoga for the first time with Cristina’s expert guidance everything was amazing.
Justin B.
Peaceful Sanctuary
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything was planned for us from the moment we stepped onto the grounds — from the daily massages to forest baths and yoga classes. All we needed to do was choose what we wanted for dinner and lunch. We loved the villa we stayed in, with birds chirping and the river streaming in the background. I felt weight lifted off my shoulders once I stepped in. The bedroom was very well shaded and allowed for deep sleep. Cristina and Lasse are a lovely couple who are passionate about what they do.
Elaine W.
An Out of this World Experience
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Maruia River Retreat is a great place to Rest, Recover and Replenish oneself. The staff go above and beyond to ensure you are pampered and relaxed. Nothing was a problem .Their attention to detail is second to none. The retreat is immersed in nature, topped up with forest bathing, Saunas and a magnesium pool. The delicious meals made with fresh produce from their luscious garden was the icing on the top.
Kogie D.
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Awarded the GOLD Level Certification for the Sustainable Tourism Business Criteria under the Boutique & Lodge Category by Qualmark.
Qualmark's Sustainable Tourism Business Criteria has become the first in New Zealand to gain GSTC-Recognized Status from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, meaning members can be confident that achieving Qualmark certification meets global standards of sustainability.
The Journal
