Makoura River Retreat

Makoura River Retreat

Manawatū-Whanganui

Makoura River Retreat is on the same property as Makoura Lodge. It is just under 3 hours from Wellington and a 40-minute drive from Feilding in the Manawatū District of the North Island.

The off-grid cabin is tucked away on the edge of a beautiful river. 

Inside is a welcoming queen-size bed with views out to the river. A kitchenette, dining area and a bathroom complete the interior. A traditional potbelly stove adds charm and warmth in cooler weather. Outside, at the back of the cabin is a veranda with a BBQ and a seat for that morning cup of tea. 

Explore the riverside by day, and in the evening spark up the fire pit for some marshmallow toasting and star gazing. 

Unplug to unwind at Makoura River Retreat... and since it's dog-friendly, feel free to bring your furry friend along for some R&R too!

FROM $310 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • Dogs welcome

Directions

Makoura River Retreat

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CAN CHILDREN STAY AT Makoura River Retreat?

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Rates

Catering

Claybird Shooting, Archery and Axe Throwing

Gift vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    At Makoura River Retreat, you have the option of self-catering or you can treat yourselves to a delicious meal deal package which you can order during the booking process to save you the hassle of packing and cooking food.

    The cabin has a small kitchenette, a Webber and a gas cooker is provided if you prefer to self-cater. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy a meal out, the Apiti Tavern & Eatery is a 10 minutes drive  and is open from Thursday to Sunday. It has offers a tasty pub menu and great country hospitality (you will need to walk up the hill for 10 minutes to access your car to get here).

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Feilding, a 40-minute drive away.

  • Things To do

    Makoura River Retreat exudes peace and tranquillity. It's a place to relax and retreat to nature.

    The cabin is designed to give you the ultimate getaway from city life. Toast marshmallows over the outdoor fire, play a board game, swim in the crystal clear river, or have a well-deserved soak in the outdoor tub.

    If you are looking to get out and about, take a 30-minute drive to the Limestone Creek Reserve Glow Worm Caves or Ruahine Forest Park for a selection of epic walks.

    If you're feeling adventurous, book a 4x4 self-drive or safari through Makoura Lodge (this can be arranged once you receive your pre-arrival email, 5 days prior to your stay, please see the Makoura Lodge website for pricing). If you fancy a bit of competition take on each other at clay bird shooting, archery and axe throwing (this can be selected during our booking process).

  • Your Hosts

    Your hosts are the McIntyre Family (owners) and their friendly team at Makoura Lodge.

    The family inhabited the farmland in 1896 after making the boat trip out from Scotland and before its diversification into hospitality farmed sheep and beef.

    Hugh McIntyre had the vision for Makoura Lodge and opened its doors in 1998. The Lodge has become a renowned wedding venue. In 2016, the Makoura River Retreat was built. It was named after the water crayfish or ‘koura’, which are found in the stream nearby and are integral to the health of the waterways. The retreat was designed to give guests the opportunity to experience the ‘wairua’ or spirit of the land and to switch off from the modern world to rejuvenate, relax and rest.

Testimonials

  • "

    Lovely retreat surrounded by nature, with everything you needed, plus the excellent dinner package delivery and 4WD transport provided.

    "

    Victoria Mairs - 28 Apr 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Super relaxing off grid cabin. Very welcoming hosts.

    "

    Alejandro Sim - 05 Apr 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Lovely spot, great facilities. Would recommend the meal deal as well. Plenty of food.

    "

    Gavin Rogerson - 23 Mar 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    So lovely, tranquil, peaceful, and relaxing. The cabin was beautifully presented and immaculately clean. Highly recommend!

    "

    Jessica Brownie - 21 Mar 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    The retreat was excellent. We loved every second of our stay and highly recommend to others seeking a peaceful getaway in beautiful surroundings.

    "

    Fleur Jackson - 27 Jan 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    This is the second time we have stayed at the lodge cabin and we loved it. Highly recommend!

    "

    Jacob Simons - 22 Jan 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    The perfect paradise to escape it all. Just us, the river, and the Kererū for a couple of days. Very relaxing.

    "

    Kere Wylie - 22 Jan 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    I loved the cabin and the setting. All of the thoughtful touches, the bed linen, the fluffy towels, and the linen dressing gowns were so unexpected. Highly recommended.

    "

    Anna Smith - 13 Jan 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    This was a great little retreat to relax and unwind, I really enjoyed my time there. The dogs had a blast too.

    "

    Sheila Hart - 09 Jan 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Very peaceful getaway.

    "

    Tobias Wells - 16 Nov 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    It was bliss – great being off the grid, so relaxing.

    "

    Jon Livesey - 11 Nov 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely stunning setting, tucked away privately amongst New Zealand's nature. It is a place to forget about life's stresses for a while and force yourself to relax and unwind. For 'off the grid', this little retreat has everything you could wish for!

    "

    Justine Gapes - 29 Oct 2024

    12 / 12

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