Four New Zealand National Parks, One Retreat
The experience of New Zealand’s South Island is defined by its dramatic, protected wilderness. For the discerning traveller, the challenge lies in finding a luxurious, restful base that does not compromise on accessibility to this vast, untamed landscape. Maruia River Retreat, situated on a 500-acre private estate within the Lewis Pass area, solves this challenge. Located in Murchison and near Nelson, we are a nature & well-being destination, offering relaxed luxury and quiet escape, positioned as the premier gateway to no fewer than four of the South Island’s most magnificent national parks.
Located in a scenic and secluded spot surrounded by native beech forest and the Maruia River, the retreat is accessible by road, helicopter, or private airstrip. This unique positioning enables our guests to pursue a truly autonomous and flexible holiday, blending relaxed rest with unparalleled adventure, all without the logistical burden of constant relocation. Enjoy luxury accommodation after a day tramping, hiking, mountain biking and touring New Zealand’s best national parks.
A Central Base for Diverse Wilderness
The Lewis Pass location offers convenient road access to a concentration of New Zealand's most spectacular national parks. Unlike remote lodges that require air travel, Maruia River Retreat is a scenic drive from major South Island cities, such as Nelson and Christchurch, lowering the barrier to entry for luxury travel. From this single, intimate base, you can easily access four distinct and iconic protected areas, each offering a completely different wilderness experience.
1. Abel Tasman National Park
A renowned highlight of the Southern Alps, Abel Tasman National Park is a landscape of stark contrasts. The park’s eastern side features wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast beech forests, while the western side boasts deeply gorged rivers cutting through dense rainforest. It is a mountaineering mecca, with peaks over 2,000 metres and classic climbing routes. You can easily spend a day exploring the numerous short walks or simply experiencing the breathtaking drive through the "great divide" of the Southern Alps.
2. Paparoa National Park
Located on the West Coast, Paparoa National Park is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, which range from stunning limestone formations to rugged coastline. Its best-known feature is the spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, where millions of years of natural processes have created an unforgettable display. Paparoa also offers opportunities for peaceful river kayaking and rainforest walks, providing a coastal counterpoint to the alpine environment of Arthur's Pass.
3. Kahurangi National Park
As one of New Zealand’s largest national parks, Kahurangi National Park offers immense, untracked wilderness. It extends across a vast area, encompassing wild rivers, high plateaus, and stunning coastal forests. For those seeking deep immersion in nature, Kahurangi provides a network of tracks and an opportunity to explore a diverse ecology that is hard to find elsewhere.
4. Nelson Lakes National Park
To the north-east, Nelson Lakes National Park marks the starting point of the spectacular Southern Alps, and is defined by a glacial ecosystem and its eponymous glistening lakes, Rotoiti and Rotorua. Here, you can enjoy a variety of walking tracks, from leisurely lakeside strolls that reflect the mountains to more challenging traverses. The park provides a serene, blue-water experience that beautifully complements the dramatic landscapes of the other parks.
Your Sanctuary of Relaxed Luxury
After a day of exploring the rugged terrain of a National Park, the return to Maruia River Retreat is a return to complete, unforced comfort. We specifically cater to the "high-stress professional seeking a peaceful, unforced reset". Our philosophy is centred on 'wellness your way', meaning you maintain full autonomy over your schedule. There are no rigid schedules or mandatory activities here, allowing you the genuine deep rest that a true escape demands.
Accommodation is provided in seven private, self-contained villas set across our expansive 500-acre estate. This exceptionally intimate setting ensures a high degree of privacy and a genuinely crowd-free experience. Inside your villa, premium amenities, such as super king beds and heated bathroom floors, reinforce our commitment to your comfort.
Your rejuvenation is further facilitated by our on-site facilities, including complimentary yoga classes, a heated magnesium pool, and outdoor hot tubs. The culinary experience is a highlight, featuring a gourmet omnivore menu with local produce, a distinct contrast to the restrictive diets found at other retreats. Our food is an indulgence to be savoured, a reward for your hard work and a key element of the luxurious, restorative stay.
Maruia River Retreat offers a unique, flexible sanctuary. It is the ideal “gentle reset” that perfectly positions you to access the vast, diverse, and life-affirming landscapes of the South Island’s premier National Parks, all from the privacy and comfort of your own secluded luxury villa. You will not find a better base for blending profound rest with unparalleled exploration. To begin planning your luxury wilderness holiday, please explore our accommodation and experiences pages.
