Makoura River Retreat

Makoura River Retreat

Manawatū

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 $295 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome

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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

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

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7. GST

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10. Liability

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  • 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.

    Luke and Kimberley live on the property and their recent addition Hazel is the 7th generation. 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.

    Kimberley’s Father, Hugh McIntyre had the vision for Makoura Lodge and opened its doors in 1997. The Lodge has become a renown wedding venue. In 2016 the Makoura River Retreat was built. It was named after the white-water crayfish or ‘makoura’ which are found in the stream nearby. 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

  • "

    Very peaceful getaway.

    "

    Tobias Wells - 16 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

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

    "

    Jon Livesey - 11 Nov 2024

    2 / 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

    3 / 12

  • "

    Stunning location and amazing hosts. Just beautiful.

    "

    Tracey Siva - 17 Oct 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Peaceful and relaxing place to stay.

    "

    Martin Johnston - 12 Oct 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Amazing place to unwind and relax, would definitely recommend!

    "

    Jenna Hickey - 16 Sep 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    The perfect little getaway to clear the head, rest, and recuperate! Stunning place, with cold dips in the stream and a hot bath under the stars. It felt truly off-grid and was so peaceful. Can’t wait to return.

    "

    Jodie Robinson - 16 Sep 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Disconnect to reconnect. You will never experience serenity for your soul quite like holding your love under candlelight, while listening to the river so close you can touch it after a long soak under the brightest stars.

    "

    Ashlyn Carr - 07 Aug 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    The perfect little sanctuary to escape the world's outside noise, sit, and indulge in the effortless peace and tranquillity it provides.

    "

    Jessica Nathan - 24 Jul 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    The most romantic getaway I have ever experienced. Beautiful place, beautiful hosts.

    "

    Caity Kane - 09 Jul 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    This place is absolutely beautiful and refreshing. A lot more is provided than expected; we brought all our own stuff and didn't even need it! The bed is so comfortable, and the outdoor setting I wish was my backyard is just amazing. Staff super lovely and welcoming. I 10/10 recommend this place and 100000% will be back!!! Just bliss.

    "

    Luke Samuels - 20 May 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Couldn’t have thought of a more perfect getaway! Will be coming back yearly!!

    "

    Joela Elliot - 14 May 2024

    12 / 12

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