We flew into Nelson, although you can fly straight to Takaka, the drive was interesting and beautiful, a lovely prelude to what we discovered at Ao Marama retreat. The retreat is snuggled into the native bush with sweeping views over the ocean and out towards Able Tasman National Park. The sun rises are gorgeous!
We had frequent, up close encounters with native birds like tui, piwakawaka and the local weka family.
Ao Marama was once a Buddhist retreat and the energy of peacefulness and tranquility remains. The accommodation is sweet, cosy, clean, comfortable and designed with love. The rooms have great views, are close to the bathrooms and composting loo, which is clean (doesn’t smell) and also has a great view!
We loved walking down the beach track, it’s a delightful shady route through native trees and the beach, which is stunning, was pretty much deserted.
There were so many amazing walks and fun activities to do close by, we went horse riding with Hack and Stay who looked after us really well and can cater for all abilities. Golden Bay Kayaks, who are great, rented us our kayaks. We had seals swimming near us and we watched them loping about on the rocks, this was such a special thing to witness so close up. In peak season definitely book in advance!
My friend and I are nature lovers, enjoy a glass of wine every so often (we picked up a few bottles on the way from Riwaka Winery, so good!), we also enjoyed cooking our own food in the outdoor/indoor kitchen as well as eating out locally. Collingwood is really close and me, a more or less vegan and my friend who loves her meat were both well catered for at Mad Cafe, and The Court House is great too.
The retreat has new kaitiaki (caretakers) Elizabeth and Duan, it’s been so wonderful staying at the retreat with them, they have understandably fallen in love with Ao Marama and it shows. Now to plan when I can go back again!
Thanks so much for an awesome holiday Elizabeth and Duan and love to Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy too x