Get away from it all stays

COUPLES RETREAT @ Maruia Springs

Spring, summer, autumn or winter — relaxation is a year-round pleasure in the mineral-rich waters at Maruia Hot Springs. Nestled in a pristine forested valley near the saddle of the Lewis Pass Road — midway between Nelson and Westport, this bijou off-grid eco-resort dedicated to goodness for body, soul and spirit serves up a perfect couple’s retreat.

Relax, breathe, unwind and reconnect to nature in the soothing geothermal waters bubbling up from far underground then complete the experience with day spa treatments, wellness classes and nourishing food at the restaurant/cafe. Onsite facilities include rock and infrared saunas, steam room, cold plunge pool and thermal massage showers. 

Stop off for a relaxing break on your road trip or book in to stay a little longer and take full advantage of the facilities and activities from daily yoga classes to evenings soaking under starry skies. Accommodation ranges from stylish hotel rooms to comfortable glamping pods and camping sites so there’s room for all budgets. Room rates include access to the pools, saunas and steam room, and wellness activities including the signature sauna infusion or yoga classes.

TRAVEL TIPS: Maruia Hot Springs is on SH7, a 2.5 hour drive from either Nelson or Christchurch; 1 hr from Reefton or 1h 50 min from Westport. The daily calendar includes a variety of activities to book including a guided nature walk.

ADULTS ONLY @ Goldfield Suites, Paroa

Luxuries were few when West Coast gold rush fever peaked in the 1860s. For those in the know and the lucky few, there’s still gold around but you might prefer to bank on some leisurely golden moments at tranquil Goldfield Suites.

A few years ago, Wellingtonians Andy and Jolene moved to the West Coast to start a new rural life. They bought an old motel in the countryside near Greymouth and set about casting the gold dust around — quite literally — transforming the run-down property into a smart, self-contained accommodation with a 5-star Qualmark Gold rating.

This adults-only country retreat is built on an old gold claim, on hills that once teamed with miners, but you’d barely credit that today. The old gold workings have disappeared under lush pastures, bush and gardens with views of hills and mountains. It’s conveniently close to Shantytown and the popular West Coast Wilderness Trail.

The four self-contained ‘Queen’ cottages and an accessible studio apartment are set in gardens and bird-filled bush. The cottages have mountain views, a wood-fired tub in a private spot that’s magical for stargazing, and trails to explore. They say there’s still gold in their stream so borrow one of the gold pans and try your luck fossicking there or at nearby Moonlight Gully.

TRAVEL TIPS: During the summer season (1 Dec to 31 Mar), guests at Goldfields Suites can book in for the hosted alfresco evening meal in the outdoor dining area. Otherwise it’s only a 10-minute drive to Greymouth and even less to the local pub.

SPREAD OUT @ Big Heart Beach, Hokitika

Kick back and relax beside the sea. From Auckland to Hokitika via LA, artist and designer Claire O’Connell has brought her exceptional creative skills together to create an eclectic series of memorable beach holiday accommodations collectively known as Drifting Sands. 

Lying low, just above the shoreline on a wild beach near Hokitika, Big Heart Beach is a roomy contemporary beach house — with all the mod-cons — in a secluded rural setting. Two spacious ensuite studios connect into an expansive living / dining area around a cosy gas fire, and a fully equipped designer kitchen opening to huge decks. With views ranging from mountains to sea and direct private access to the beach, it’s an exceptional holiday destination where nothing and nobody can get in your way.

MAKE HISTORY @ The Two Tales, Fox Glacier

New in Glacier Country, here’s a wilderness experience with a unique twist. These smart alpine cabins — AKA The Two Tales — are inspired by a couple of great old-time adventurers (an aviator and a mountaineer) and designed for contemporary ‘adventurers at heart’. 

Sited in secluded rural settings near Fox Glacier Village, each cabin comes with jaw-dropping, unobstructed views of the Southern Alps’ greatest peaks, Aoraki/Mt. Cook and Mount Tasman along with roomy 2-person outdoor cedar tubs for a full natural immersion. 

The ‘Horace’ cabin honours the adventurous spirit of renowned British mountaineer Horace Walker, featuring décor of earthy greens and vintage brown as a nod to the subject’s era and personality. This cosy cabin combines 21-sqm of open-plan living —  bedroom, dining, living, compact well-equipped kitchenette and separate bathroom — with expansive windows, rural and mountain vistas. 

‘Cotton Candy’ is a tribute to the legendary New Zealand aviator Jean Batten, the finest woman pilot of the golden age of aviation. Batten's achievements and adventurous spirit are elegantly captured in the cabin interiors, inviting guests to embark on a journey that reflects her personality, and daring escapades. 

TRAVEL TIPS: The cabins are located just beyond Fox Glacier Village. There are loads of walks (from easy to adventurous) around Fox Glacier Village, and nearby Lake Matheson and Gillespies’ Beach.