From the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park to the 500-acreprivate beechforest estate of Maruia River Retreat, Joan Hyman will lead you through this immersive nature and yoga retreat journey with transformative practices in one of the most pristine places in the world.
The intention is to connect to the authentic nature that is offered in The South Island of New Zealand and at the same time connect to community and deepen your yoga practice with Joan Hyman from The School of Yoga Community.
This is open to students that would like to travel and immerse themselves in pristine nature, hiking and adventure. Meet like minded yogis on a path of transformation, practice yoga twice daily with Joan, and find inspiration for your practice.
This is a curated immersion and a guided tour through some of the country’s most diverse and spectacular landscapes—golden beach coastline, ancient rainforest, glacial rivers, alpine lakes, and protected national parks.
With a maximum of 10 participants, this retreat offers depth, personal attention, and meaningful community with a guided exploration of the top of the South Island of New Zealand.
The Landscape Journey
This special tour weaves together:
The tour begins and ends at the beautiful sunniest town of New Zealand - Nelson.
A guided 3-day coastal walk at the Abel Tasman National Park — golden beaches, turquoise bays, coastal forest trails
Transfer tours include a scenic journey from the coastal beaches through the mountain landscapes, farm lands and then to the deep native forests of the Shenandoah Valley as you arrive at Maruia River Retreat.
A 4-night luxury nature-wellness experience with daily yoga classes with Joan Hyman at Maruia River Retreat, including a white-water rafting river expedition at the Buller River.
And a return to Nelson scenic tour via the Maruia Falls Reserve to the Nelson Lakes National Park, the start of the Southern Alps — alpine lakes, mountain ridgelines, expansive high-country views.
All inclusive of pick up and transfers, accommodation, all vegetarian meals and activities listed are included in the total price. Note: all fees are to be charged in New Zealand Dollars and inclusive of tax.
Days 1–3
Abel Tasman National Park
Guided coastal walk and lodging with Wilsons Abel Tasman.
Experience one of New Zealand’s most celebrated coastal tracks with expert local guides. Walk between golden beaches and sculpted headlands, swim in clear bays, and practice yoga each day in extraordinary natural settings. The rhythm balances adventure with restoration.
Itinerary: Monday, 1 March – Wednesday, 3 March 2027 staying at beachfront lodges, hosted by Wilsons Abel Tasman.
Inclusions: Pickup and return transfers; solo or twin-share lodge accommodation, all vegetarian meals (lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 3), snacks, lodge linen, luggage transfers, and 30L daypack loans.
Day 1: Nelson/Motueka to Awaroa (7 km walk)
Morning: Pickup from Nelson (approximately. 10:15 am at the Nelson Airport).
Cruise: Scenic boat trip from Kaiteriteri to Tōtaranui (1:00 pm – 2:40 pm).
Walk: A 2.5-hour trek through native forest to the Awaroa Inlet.
Stay: Overnight at Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, a private beachfront lodge.
Day 2: Awaroa to Torrent Bay (20 km walk)
Morning: 730am Yoga class at the beach deck with Joan Hyman
Morning: Depart at 9:30 am. Discover why Māori and European explorers fell in love with this region and chose to settle here.
Follow in their footsteps along the coastal track to Onetahuti. Here, a unique board walk and bridge – designed by local Māori – leads from the forest to the burnished sands of Onetahuti Beach as you walk south.
Highlights: Visit the historic Tonga Quarry, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, and cross the Falls River Swing Bridge.
Stay: Overnight at Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront.
Note: Walking is optional; you can take the boat between lodges if you prefer a rest day or talk to your guide and choose how much walking you want to do – your guide will arrange boat transfers to suit your needs.
Day 3: Torrent Bay to Mārahau (13–16 km walk)
Morning Meditation at 730am with Joan Hyman at the Torrent Bay beachfront.
Morning: Depart at 9:00 am. The route (via the inlet or the main track) depends on the tides.
Afternoon: Finish the walk at Mārahau around 3:00 pm.
Return: Coach transfer back, arriving in Motueka by 4:30 pm and then take a 2-hour scenic drive to Maruia River Retreat in time for a welcome 3-course dinner at 7pm. Optional evening forest bathing and nightsky stargazing follows dinner.
Days 4–7
Maruia River Retreat, New Zealand’s Nature & Well-being Destination
Transition from coast to forest in a private native rainforest valley bordered by river and mountain landscapes.
Itinerary: Wednesday, 3 March 2027 to Sunday, 7 March 2027 at Maruia River Retreat.
Day 3: Wednesday, 3 March 2027: Arrival & Settling In
Afternoon: Arrive at the retreat and check into your luxury villa.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome 3-course dinner at the Main Lodge, featuring seasonal produce from the kitchen garden.
Day 4: Thursday, 4 March 2027: Adventure & Stargazing
08:00 am: Morning Yoga class at the Yoga Chalet with Joan Hyman
10:00 am: Gourmet Breakfast
11:30 am: Depart for a Whitewater Rafting trip with Ultimate Descents in Murchison (32km away).
12pm: Lunch at Zen's Kitchen in Murchison, known for fresh plant-based food.
1:00pm to 530pm: White Water Rafting at the Buller River (Grade 3)
6:00 pm: Return for Dinner at the lodge.
After-dinner: Stargazing from the hot tubs, saunas and magnesium pool
Day 5: Friday, 5 March 2027: Deepening the Practice
08:00 am: Morning Yoga class at the Yoga Chalet with Joan Hyman
10:00 am: Gourmet Breakfast.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Specialized Yoga Workshop focusing on alignment or restorative techniques.
01:30 pm: Light Lunch and snacks
Afternoon: Dedicated time for spa treatments and massages, rest and relaxation and use of the lodge’s wellness facilities or walk through the private nature trails in the property.
06:00 pm: Dinner at the Main Lodge
08:30 pm: Immersive soundbath ceremony led by Cristina
Day 6: Saturday, 6 March 2027: Forest Immersion
08:00 am: Morning Yoga class at the Yoga Chalet with Joan Hyman
10:00 am: Gourmet Breakfast
11:30 am: Guided Nature Walk through the 500-acre native beech forest estate by the owner, Lasse Holopainen
01:30 pm: Light Lunch & Snacks
Afternoon: Private Forest Bathing session in the river hot tub and forest infrared sauna. Use of wellness facilities and you can choose to book spa and massage treatments as an optional extra.
04:30 pm: Afternoon Yoga session at the Yoga Chalet with Joan Hyman
06:00 pm: Farewell Dinner at the lodge
Day 7: Sunday, 7 March 2027: Scenic Departure
08:00 am: Final morning Yoga class.
9:30 am: Gourmet breakfast
11:00 am: Checkout and pickup for a guided tour and packed lunch back to Nelson.
Mid-day: Stops at the powerful Maruia Falls and Nelson Lakes National Park (Lake Rotoiti) for photos and short walks.
03:00pm: Arrive at Nelson Airport for your departing flight.
Inclusions for the 4-nights at Maruia River Retreat:
Solo or twin-share luxury accommodation in your own private villa with river, mountain and forest views, daily yoga classes with Joan Hyman, a guided nature walk in the 500-acre rainforest by owner and Chef Lasse Holopainen, a day-trip out for white water rafting in the Buller River and a visit to the local town of Murchison, private forest bathing : hot tub and sauna experiences; all nourishing vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with produce from its own kitchen garden and local growers, space for rest, reflection, and integration and options for spa and massage treatments. Luxury private villas are positioned within the forest for privacy, stillness, and expansive views.
Payment & Cancellation terms:
Only 10 spaces available.
Payment & Cancellation Terms:
All prices are listed and charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). The exchange rate to USD is an approximate one based on this date’s publication as of 09 March 2026.
Prices below include: guided group local tour and transfers to and from the Nelson airport, solo or twin share accommodation at the Wilsons Abel Tasman lodges and Maruia River Retreat, all vegetarian meals through the stay and all activities listed in the itinerary throughout the 7 days.
Guests are recommended to arrive a day ahead (February 28, 2027) in Nelson and depart from the Nelson Airport on March 7, at 5pm onwards.
Retreat Investment
Twin-Share Accommodation x 4 Luxe Villas: NZ$5,800 per person (approx. US$3,300 per person)
*Solo x 2 Master Villas : NZ$7,500 (approx. US$4,500 per person)
*Solo Luxe Villa upon request
*The solo option offers exclusive use of one of Maruia’s premium 1-bedroom Master Villas, set apart for enhanced privacy and immersion in nature, with its own ensuite spa jacuzzi.
Payment Schedule
1. Non-Refundable Deposit
A NZD $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.
2. Second Payment
50% of the remaining balance is due by 1 August 2026.
3. Final Balance
The remaining balance is due in full by 1 November 2026.
Failure to complete payments by the stated deadlines may result in forfeiture of your booking and all payments made.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the limited size of this retreat and advance commitments to accommodation and activity providers, the following cancellation terms apply:
The NZD $1,000 deposit is strictly non-refundable.
Cancellations made prior to 1 September 2026 will receive a refund of monies paid, less the deposit.
Cancellations between 1 September 2026 and 1 December 2026 will forfeit 50% of the total retreat price.
Cancellations on or after 1 December 2026 are non-refundable (100% of retreat fee forfeited).
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include coverage for:
Trip cancellation
Medical expenses
Travel delays
Adventure activities (including hiking and white water rafting)
We are unable to make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including personal circumstances, illness, travel disruptions, or weather events.
Transfer of Booking
If you are unable to attend, you may request to transfer your booking to another participant, subject to approval. All payments received will be applied to the replacement booking.
Retreat Cancellation by Host
In the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled by the host, all payments received will be refunded in full. The host is not responsible for additional expenses incurred, including airfare or travel arrangements.
A Special Invitation to Joan’s Students
This journey has been designed especially for those who have walked the path with Joan over time—students who understand that practice is not just physical, but a way of living. The South Island offers a rare opportunity embody the teachings fully: discipline in the hike, surrender in the river, steadiness in wild terrain, spaciousness in silence.
Across coastline, alpine lakes, ancient rainforest, and protected national parks, you will experience yoga as a lived reality—integrated into movement, breath, community, and landscape. With only ten participants, this retreat allows for depth, personal refinement, and shared experience rooted in trust.
This is more than a retreat. It is a thoughtfully designed exploration of the hidden landscapes of the top of the South Island—an immersion into nature, practice, and the essence of place.
About Joan Hyman
Joan Hyman is an internationally respected yoga teacher, educator, and mentor with decades of global teaching experience. As the founder of the School of Yoga, she has led trainings, workshops, and retreats across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, guiding thousands of students and teachers in deepening both practice and understanding.
Her teaching is rooted in intelligent sequencing, alignment-based movement, and a refined understanding of how yoga evolves through the stages of life. Joan is known for her clarity, depth of knowledge, and ability to meet students where they are—whether in foundational practice or advanced study.
Drawing on years of leading international retreats and teacher trainings, Joan creates immersive experiences that extend beyond the mat. Her retreats are thoughtfully curated journeys that integrate philosophy, embodied practice, and meaningful exploration of place.
This South Island retreat reflects her signature approach: disciplined yet spacious, adventurous yet grounded, and designed for students ready to expand their practice within extraordinary natural surroundings.