WELCOME TO MARUIA RIVER RETREAT
“Maruia” (ma-roo-ee-ah) – Maori, adj. meaning “sheltered or shaded”
Situated along the magnificent Maruia River and protected by mountains from the east and west, the Maruia River Retreat is a stunning boutique resort and private nature estate where guests can relax, reconnect, explore and celebrate.
With only 7 luxury villas within a pure native beech forest
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.
A PRIVATE 500-acre rainforest estate within steps from your villa
Find us at the Top of the South Island, New Zealand
2314 Shenandoah Highway, SH65, Tasman 7077, South Island, New Zealand
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 is an incredible place for the human spirit; ideal for cultivating inspiration, motivation, connection and togetherness. The complete Maruia 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 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.
Maruia River Retreat was chosen by Condé Nast Traveler as one of their recommended Places to Stay for rainforest luxury resort experiences.
YOUR EXPERIENCE AT MARUIA
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 new Italian kitchenettes, super king beds, luxury linen and choice of pillows.
Nurture your body, mind & soul. Relax and recharge with privately in the outdoor hot tub and saunas, join us for yoga, meditation and sound healing sessions or visit our beautiful spa for a massage treatments. Maruia River Retreat is the perfect place to reset and boost your wellbeing.
There’s more to explore within and the surrounds. Guided river and bird walks, river rafting cruises, fly fishing lessons all within the property or book scenic tours to the Nelson Lakes National Park and Maruia Falls and outdoor adventures such as e-bike and walking trails and coastal walks nearby.
We offer a relaxed dining experience with an omnivore menu with meat, seafood, with vegetarian and vegan options, with fresh ingredients sourced from our gardens and the best local growers. The ever-changing nature of our valley and estate inspires our offering. Our dining experiences are intended to nourish and delight.