Honeymoon Rainforest Retreat Maruia River
Words Kineta Booker

A relaxing and restorative honeymoon retreat set within a rainforest is the perfect way to unwind after your wedding.


Make the memories of your wedding last longer by planning the perfect, peaceful honeymoon at Maruia River Retreat where you can escape away with your love, allowing your mind, body and soul to relax and reflect together.

Situated along the magnificent Maruia River and protected by mountains from the east and west, the Maruia River Retreat, just a three-and-a-half-hour scenic drive from Christchurch, is a stunning boutique lodge and private nature resort focusing on relaxed luxury wellness holidays.

With seven luxury villas within a 500-acre private rainforest estate and a newly upgraded Honeymoon Luxury Villa – the perfect set-up for intimacy and privacy, the resort is designed to be a private place for guests to feel comfortable and completely at one with nature. Guided nature walks and hiking trails within the property, private forest bathing in a river hot tub and forest sauna, spa and massage treatments, and daily yoga classes are some of the activities you can choose from in the wellness resort.


The complete Maruia River Retreat experience invites visitors to dine on gourmet meals (freshly prepared from our kitchen garden produce and nearby growers), 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 villa is beautifully designed with all that you need to unwind, relax and sleep deeply, reflecting the retreat’s ethos of simple and essential basics executed with fine attention to detail.



It’s an ideal space for those wanting a relaxed and magical honeymoon inspired by nature and the outdoors with good, fresh food, thoughtful care, and luxurious, comfortable accommodation in a private nature estate.

Relax in a lush robe, lounge in platinum linens, and pamper yourself with the eco-friendly luxe bath amenities.


Attend daily morning yoga classes – if you choose to, and enjoy the daily continental breakfast and nightly three-course dinners.


An unforgettable experience includes the private forest bath in the Stoked river hot tub with amazing views of the Maruia River as you sit below the canopy of beech forest trees. Within steps from the forest tub is the new infrared chroma-therapy forest sauna that provides the perfect balance to your tub bath, detoxifying and invigorating your body naturally.


And to make the most of your stay within this serene space, guests also have access to nature trails within the 500-acre beech forest and Maruia River Estate.


At its essence, Maruia River Retreat is an incredible place for the human spirit; ideal for cultivating inspiration, motivation, connection and togetherness. It really is the perfect couple’s getaway for long-lasting memories together.


maruia.co.nz


New Paragraph




Statement Florals with Three Roses Wedding Canterbury
29 Aug, 2023
Flowers bring a whole look together, creating romantic vibes, adding pops of colour, and setting a mood, but these types of stunning scenes often come with a hefty price. Canterbury Bride asked Nicole Harris from Three Roses for her tips on creating a floral statement without going into a burdensome debt.
Pals vs Pros - Wedding Entertainment Professionals
29 Aug, 2023
We all know how awesome it is to have music pumping at your reception to get everyone in the party mood. We chat with Mike Tait from Pulse Entertainment about the benefits of hiring a music professional for your big day.
Eyebrow Art with Lashform Clinic
29 Aug, 2023
Not everyone is born with on-point brows, but there’s a way to get them. We spoke with Kacey Louise from Louise Glamour and Lisa White from Lashform Clinic about how to keep eyebrows tamed and the benefits of cosmetic tattooing.
Share by: