Planning your Stay
Getting ready for your Nature Retreat.
This is your chance to pause and reconnect with the natural world in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most extraordinary regions.
Here's what you need to know before booking or arriving—so you can feel fully prepared and enjoy a seamless stay at Creating Balance Nature Retreat.
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Weather can change quickly here—layers are your best friend for staying comfortable and enjoying the outdoors. Seasonal conditions can vary, so you may wish to have the following handy:
Warm jacket
Windproof, water-resistant outer layer
Thermals
Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or boots
Indoor slippers
Sunglasses, ocean-friendly sunscreen, and insect repellent
Swimwear
Beanie and sun hat
Torch or headlamp (handy for evening walks)
Personal toiletries, supplements, or medication
Reusable water bottle
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As part of the retreat’s ethos, the following are not permitted on the property:
Tobacco, vaping products, or illegal substances
High-power electrical items (hairdryers, toasters, electric kettles), as these are not suitable for our solar power system
Raw meat products (cooking inside the retreat is primarily vegan or vegetarian for hygiene and odour considerations)
Pets, parties, candles, incense, and outdoor fires are strictly prohibited
We prefer alcohol-free stays; If you choose to bring alcohol, we ask that consumption remains minimal and mindful, in keeping with the retreat ethos of balance and wellbeing
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Creating Balance Nature Retreat is an adults-only space (25+). The retreat is not suitable for children or infants, or for guests with limited mobility, balance considerations, or accessibility needs.
Mobile data coverage is available on the property. There is no Wifi—we highly encourage a digital detox during your stay for deeper renewal.
The retreat operates on solar power and rainwater systems. The water is filtered and safe to drink. We ask guests to be mindful of energy use (particularly on cloudy days) and water use during the summer months.
We share this land with birds and other wildlife. You’re very welcome to enjoy observing them quietly—without feeding or disturbing them. You may encounter curious critters (such as wētā, insects, or small lizards); they’re harmless and part of the local ecosystem.
Check-in is between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Check-out is by 11:00 am.
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The retreat is thoughtfully furnished for modern comfort, with carefully selected amenities to support a relaxed and restorative stay—including a cosy wood burner, premium dimmable lighting, ample power points, hot running water, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable queen bed, and a private en-suite bathroom.
Bedroom
Relaxed Foxtrot French Flax bed linen and quilt
Premium Eiderdown Hungarian duck down duvet and pillows
Peace Lily natural latex mattress topper
Wardrobe with hangers
NZ wool blankets
Organic cotton beach towels
Dimmable lighting
Black-out blinds
Light-filtering blinds
Insect screens
En-suite Bathroom
Walk-in shower
Ceramic basin
Flushing toilet
Aotea natural body & hand wash, shampoo, and conditioner
Hot water
Plush towels
Guest essentials
Concertina blinds
Insect screen
Dimmable lighting
Lounge
Private living space with a large glass sliding door opening onto the deck
Full-height linen curtain across the glass sliding door to soften the morning light
Indoor wood burner
Curated selection of books on wellness, yoga, and New Zealand landscapes
Eco-yoga mats and props (bolsters, blocks, blankets, eye pillows)
Dimmable lighting
Light-filtering blinds
Insect screens
Kitchen & Dining
Stainless steel countertop with gas hob (3-burner), oven, and grill
Refrigerator with small freezer
Stainless steel kettle
French press coffee maker
High-quality cookware, crockery, cutlery, and utensils
Coffee and tea mugs
Drinking glasses
Wine glasses
Fair-trade coffee and organic tea blends
Essential seasonings (salt and pepper)
Dining table & chairs
Napkins
Tea towels
Paper towels
Biodegradable cling wrap & baking paper
Cleaning products
Recycling, rubbish, and compost bins
First aid kit
Mosquito repellent
Smoke alarm
Outdoor torch
Dimmable lighting
Private Deck
Adirondack-style outdoor loungers
Soft exterior lighting on the deck and steps
Removable clothesline
Umbrella
Fire extinguisher
Garden
Surrounding native bush garden
Garden seat
Lit access steps between parking, deck, and retreat
Parking
Free on-site parking (1 driveway space)
Included Services
Light courtesy cleaning for longer stays (min 7-day stay, 1 hour weekly)
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Hello—we’re Priyadhara and Atmabhava, your hosts at Creating Balance Nature Retreat.
We’re both integral yoga and meditation teachers with a long-standing focus on holistic wellness, conscious living, and sustainability.
Hosting is something we genuinely love—it’s a way for us to share the land we call home with others.
Creating a welcoming, mindfully curated environment is at the heart of what we do—a space where you can truly lean back, relax, and immerse yourself in nature.
We enjoy meeting guests on arrival and are always happy to assist or share local suggestions on request, while keeping interactions light, warm, and spacious.
Living nearby on the property, we’re available if needed, while always respecting your privacy and independence.
Our friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback may greet you on arrival with enthusiastic barks—he’s always supervised. You’re very welcome to meet and interact with him if you wish, or let us know in advance if you have any concerns about big dogs.
We look forward to welcoming you to the land!
Booking your stay
We're looking forward to welcoming you.
To check availability, view full details and rates, or secure your stay, simply reach out—we’ll handle everything for you.
Our Nature Retreat is also listed on trusted platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, though we’re always happy to book directly with you for the most personalised experience.
Getting here
Getting here is scenic and rewarding. Most guests arrive by car via the stunning Takaka Hill from Nelson. If you’re travelling from further afield, here are some additional options to help you arrive smoothly.
Takaka Airport
Just a 10-minute drive from the retreat.
Golden Bay Air flies scheduled routes:
Nelson to Takaka (~35 minutes)—with stunning views over Abel Tasman National Park
Wellington to Takaka (~50–60 minutes)—a memorable flight over Marlborough Sounds
Car rentals are available on-site at Takaka Airport (daily or weekly rates)
Book flights and cars at www.goldenbayair.co.nz
Nelson Airport
About 2 hours’ drive from the retreat—with multiple daily flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch via Air New Zealand.
Car rentals from major providers are available on-site.
For flight details, go to:
Last-minute essentials
Takaka township, just a 15-minute drive from the retreat, has everything you might need: shops, cafés, art galleries, veggie stalls, a lively Saturday market with local produce and artisan goods, a supermarket, ATMs, and more.
Questions before arrival?
We’re here for you—feel free to reach out anytime! hello@creatingbalance.co.nz | +64 20 414 515 16