Welcome to Summer at Maruia River Retreat.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Maruia River Retreat.
New Zealand’s Nature & Well-being Destination
5-star Boutique Luxury Lodge & Eco-resort with only 7 villas within a native NZ rainforest, the Maruia River and mountain landscapes. Listed as one of the World’s Most Extraordinary Spas 2026.
Maruia River Retreat offers one of New Zealand’s most immersive nature experiences - set within a 500-acre private rainforest estate, powered by its own mini-hydro plant, and designed for deep restoration vacations through nature, movement, and chef-led dining.
2314 Shenandoah Highway, SH65, Nelson-Tasman, South Island, New Zealand
“Maruia” (ma-roo-ee-ah) - Maori, adj. meaning “sheltered or shaded”
We are a 100% New Zealand family-owned and owner-operated business since 2019.
Maruia River Retreat is a 5-star Boutique & Lodge and 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.
For private restorative holidays with fresh and delicious food, personalised wellness, luxury accomodation and 5-star hospitality.
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Deep Rest & Digital Detox Villas
Comfortable and designed for deep sleep, relaxed lounging and a tranquil escape. Fully-refurbished with Super King or 2 King Single beds, pillow choices, premium linens, a reading and dining lounge, kitchenette, heated bathroom floors and towel racks with luxurious bath amenities, robes, and a balcony with sweeping river, forest and mountain views and a personal book selection.
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Forest Dining Experience
Delicious, fresh and made with love and care. We offer an omnivore menu and well-balanced delicious meals with the best of local produce and ingredients with fresh bread baked daily. Kiwi Outdoor Oven nights by Chef Lasse is the most-awaited dining experience each weekend. “The food was generous, interesting, well balanced and delicious, with much of the produce grown on site.”
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Personalised Wellness
The best nature immersion experiences: private forest bathing and stargazing - saunas and hot tubs, yoga, breath-work and sound ceremonies plus soak and power swim in our heated magnesium jet-pool and the Maruia River. Indulge in therapeutic treatments or relax in our zero-gravity massage chair. The Wellness Center is available 24×7 and with a purposeful-built Yoga Chalet and an extensive reading library and lounge sofas.
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Guided Walks & Epic Landscapes
Just you, the forest, the river and the mountain landscapes. Walk with ease and delight as you step into the magical forest with nature trails from your villa - feel enveloped by trees and the flow of the Maruia River. Learn about NZ culture, flora and fauna with our guided forest walks. If you wish to explore, nearby attractions include river rafting, kayaking and day-trips to the Maruia Falls, West Coast and Murchison.
Upcoming events
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Creative Writing & Reading Retreat with Naomi Arnold
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Personal Restoration Retreats: Solo & Couples
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Self-Love Women's Retreat: Summer Adventure
Maruia River Retreat
New Zealand’s Nature & Well-being 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 12 guests
All-inclusive and best-value stays with luxury accommodation, fresh meals, nature immersion experiences with 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 in NZ mid-Spring, Summer, Fall and mid-Winter.
One of New Zealand’s 5-star regenerative tourism destinations, powered by its own renewable energy sources.
““Magical place in NZ’s South Island - wellness, nature, food and happiness.”
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— Lauren, solo traveller, TripAdvisor
Planning a South Island road-trip?
The private and quiet place to stay for exploring the South Island of NZ.
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.
Learn more about Maruia River Retreat.
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Condé Nast Traveller: Top Rainforest Retreats
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Vogue: Pioneering Regenerative Travel
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![Most Luxurious Retreats]()
Robb Report: Most Luxurious Stays in NZ
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Cuisine Magazine: Top Class Retreats
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Luxury Travel Magazine: Best Luxury Retreats NZ
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Neat Places NZ: Best Wellness Retreats NZ
Our Blog
What if luxury were defined not by connectivity, but by disconnection? Enter Maruia, dedicated as a sanctuary of deep rest, healing retreat and digital detox villas. We offer more than just accommodation - we offer an escape plan from the digital noise.