Ao Marama Retreat

91 Excellent Street, 7073 Collingwood, New Zealand – Excellent location - show map

<p><b>Excellent</b> location — rated 9.6/10! <small>(score from <b>103</b> reviews)</small></p> <p>Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions</p>
9.1
Scored 9.1
Superb
Rated superb
103 reviews
a living room with a couch and a table at Ao Marama Retreat in Collingwood
a living room with a couch and a table at Ao Marama Retreat in Collingwood
a window with a view of a dirt road at Ao Marama Retreat in Collingwood
a bedroom with a mirror in a wooden wall at Ao Marama Retreat in Collingwood
+37 photos

Ao Marama Retreat

Lock in a great price for Ao Marama Retreat - rated 9.1 by recent guests.

to get started.

Lock in a great price for Ao Marama Retreat - rated 9.1 by recent guests. to get started.

Ao Marama Retreat features rooms in Collingwood. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen for guests. Some units feature a terrace and/or a patio with sea views and an outdoor dining area. At the holiday park, certain units are equipped with a kettle and chocolates or cookies. Barbecue facilities are included at the holiday park, and guests can also relax in the garden or go on a picnic in the picnic area. The nearest airport is Nelson Airport, 127 km from the holiday park.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Show me more
Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Beachfront
  • Non-smoking rooms

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Free private parking available on-site

Saved to 70 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

—
Room type
Number of guests
 
1 single bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
2 single beds
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
Bedroom 1:
1 single bed
and
2 bunk beds
Bedroom 2:
1 large double bed
Living room:
1 sofa bed
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.8
Facilities
8.8
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.1
Value for money
9.3
Location
9.6
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Philip
    New Zealand New Zealand
    “Very reasonable price! Spectacular location. We stayed in the one (main) room chalet with our own bathroom. Very clean and comfortable. Really enjoyed our stay.”
  • Bob
    New Zealand New Zealand
    “Location was handy, peaceful and relaxing. Hosts are friendly and accommodating. Lovely fruit on the trees they didn’t mind us sampling.”
  • Rod
    New Zealand New Zealand
    “The cabins are lovely, nestled nicely into the bush but still with good views over golden bay. Charming and peaceful, Elizabeth was very helpful and friendly.”

Hosted by Duan, Elizabeth, Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy

9.8
9.8
Host review score
Host review score
Duan, Elizabeth, Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy
Ao Marama Retreat is a former Buddhist Centre set in 16 acres of regenerating native bush on a sheltered hill overlooking Golden Bay, New Zealand. The name can be translated to ‘The Place of Light and Life’ and there is an abundance of both here. Once you arrive you may not want to leave as we have numerous places to enjoy just being in nature from short bush walks to various look out points and a wooden deck for relaxing, dining or even do a sunrise yoga session. All the while being surrounded by plentiful native bird life. But if you do want to leave the retreat on foot you can follow our bush track down to the beautiful and near deserted Collingwood beach for relax, swim or even catch a fish. Walking a further 25 minutes along the beach brings you to Milnthorpe Forest and Scenic reserve.
We are a family who loves our planet. Both originally from New Zealand (Papakura and Bluff) we met in London where our three kids were born. After living overseas for 20 years, and seeing many amazing places and cultures we decided to return to New Zealand to create an experience for people who love to travel yet reduce their impact on the world in which we live. We have become far more aware of – and concerned for – the unprecedented decline of our natural environment. To find solutions we feel can help us make a difference we have recently been studying Permaculture, Solar Power, Organic Gardening and Bee-keeping. We want to implement our little knowledge and gain a whole lot more. This is the beginning of a new journey for us and we welcome you to come and spend time with us in this special corner of the Earth. Duan, Elizabeth, Niko, Bonnie and Mazzy.
Collingwood is located at the Western end of Golden Bay. 'The Bay' offers many unique and stunning attractions – from an Eco Tour to Farewell Spit, Walking the Heaphy Trail, Mountain Biking former Gold Mining routes, fishing for Salmon or discovering many of the stunning beaches including Wharariki or experiencing the clearest freshwater in the southern hemisphere at Pupu springs.
Language spoken: English

Property surroundings

Facilities of Ao Marama Retreat
Great facilities! Review score, 8.8

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Beachfront
  • Non-smoking rooms
Outdoors
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Activities
  • Beach
  • Hiking
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
    Services
    • 24-hour front desk
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Smoke alarms
    General
    • Heating
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Wellness
    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
      Additional charge
    Languages spoken
    • English

    Property practices

    This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.

    House rules

    Ao Marama Retreat takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in

    From 15:00 to 22:00

    Check-out

    From 09:00 to 10:00

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children of any age are welcome.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    There is no capacity for cots at this property.

    There is no capacity for extra beds at this property.

    No age restriction

    There is no age requirement for check-in

    Payments by Booking.com

    Booking.com takes your payment on behalf of the property for this stay, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.

    Parties

    Parties/events are not allowed

    Quiet hours

    Guests must be quiet between 22:00 and 09:00.

    Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    Please inform Ao Marama Retreat in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

    Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

    This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

    Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 09:00:00.

    FAQs about Ao Marama Retreat

    • Ao Marama Retreat offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
      • Hiking
      • Beachfront
      • Beach

    • The nearest beach is just 550 yards from Ao Marama Retreat. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • Yes, Ao Marama Retreat is popular with guests booking family stays.

    • The prices at Ao Marama Retreat may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Yes, there is a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Ao Marama Retreat on this page.

    • Check-in at Ao Marama Retreat is from 15:00, and check-out is until 10:00.

    • Ao Marama Retreat is 0.8 miles from the centre of Collingwood. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.