Planning your Stay  

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

As part of the retreat’s ethos, the following are strictly prohibited on the property:

• Tobacco, vaping products, or substance use

• High-power electrical items (hairdryers, toasters, electric kettles)

• Raw meat products (cooking inside the retreat is vegan or vegetarian for hygiene and odour considerations)

• Pets, parties, candles, incense, and outdoor fires

• Creating Balance Nature Retreat is an adults-only space (25+). The retreat is not suitable for children or infants, or for guests with significant mobility limitations or accessibility needs.

• There's no WiFi here, and we consider that one of the retreat's quiet gifts. Mobile data is available on the property should you need it.

• The retreat runs on solar power and rainwater systems. The water is filtered and safe to drink. On cloudy days we ask for a little mindfulness around energy use, and during summer, the same with water.

• We're nestled in the foothills of Kahurangi National Park, in a living rural landscape—not remotely isolated, and just a short drive from Golden Bay's main natural wonders. From time to time you may hear sounds from neighbouring properties working the land. It's part of the gentle rhythm of rural life here, and it's usually brief.

• We share this land with native birds and other wildlife. You may encounter curious creatures—wētā, insects, small lizards—or be lulled to sleep by the ruru's nighttime call. We love that guests get to meet them, and just ask that they're observed rather than fed or disturbed.

• 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.

• Check-in is between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Check-out is by 11:00 am.

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)

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.

At the heart of what we do is one simple intention—to create a space where you can truly rest, and let nature do the rest.

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, Prem, may greet you on arrival with enthusiastic barks. He’s very friendly and always supervised. You’re warmly welcome to interact with him, or let us know in advance if you have any concerns about large dogs.

We look forward to welcoming you to the land!