See all properties
Cabin

Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views

Photo gallery for Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views

Room
Room
Room
Room
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Collingwood, Tasman
  • Place, Tukurua Bay
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Golden Bay
  • Place, Abel Tasman National Park
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Kanuka

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views

Listen to native bird song, watch stunning sunrises, and stargaze from lovely Kanuka cabin, at Ao Marama Retreat.

The cabin itself is a double ensuite cabin of wood construction and built to minimise it s impact on the environment, with enough comforts to make your stay feel like a true escape.

Ao Marama Retreat in Golden Bay, New Zealand is a former Buddhist retreat set amongst 16 acres of Regenerating Native Bush. The retreat is nestled on a hill with sweeping views of the sparkling ocean below.

We strive to create a more sustainable form of tourism, and believe everyone has the right to travel the world but also a responsibility to reduce our impact on our planet. Our initiatives include:
- our water is all collected rain water
- we grow organic food in our extensive gardens
- have chickens for eggs
- reduce, recycle and re-use everything we can

Next step is to remove our dependance on the grid by installing a Solar and Solar PV system for our main home and cabins.

Golden Bay itself true nature lovers paradise - a unique blend of Mountains, Rivers, Bush and Ocean - and if you love the outdoors you will find what you want to do here - walking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, sailing, hunting, fishing. We can help arrange any of these activities.

Of course you if you just prefer to really unplug and slow down and enjoy nature you don t even have to leave the retreat - enjoy the beauty of nature and the bush from various lookout points, order an organic food pack to cook a lovely meal or do a yoga session on our viewing platform.

Come and be closer to nature.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Bach - front recently painted.
Gunado - a cosy kiwi bach.
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (236 reviews)
Gunado - a cosy kiwi bach.

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Adults only
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
May be allowed but need to request in advance
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Collingwood

Located in Collingwood, this cabin is in a rural area and by the sea. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Collingwood Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kahurangi National Park and Tukurua Bay. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and cycling nearby.
View more Cabin rentals in CollingwoodOpens in a new window
Map
Collingwood, Tasman

What's nearby

  • Tukurua Bay - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Tata Beach - 34 min drive - 48.5 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 45 min drive - 60.0 km
  • Abel Tasman Coast Track - 45 min drive - 60.0 km
  • Totaranui Beach - 55 min drive - 65.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Mussel Inn - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Courthouse Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Collingwood Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Rosy Glow Chocolate Shop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪MAD Cafe - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views?

As of 29 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views on 6 July 2026 start from AU$104, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kanuka Cabin - Ao Marama Retreat - Stunning Bush setting and Ocean Views located?

Situated by the sea, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Tukurua Bay and Collingwood Museum. Collingwood Recreation Ground and Milnthorpe Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Chillaxing place.. beautiful view

We didn’t realise Is was just a one room cabin with no kitchen.. we worked around it..
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shorty t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location and setting

Excellent location and the setting is just right. If want to sit and read, go for a swim or walk, its all there!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Kate W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views, great hosts.

A great opportunity to enjoy some R&R
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous location, lovely hosts

We loved having a few nights in a simple cabin nestled in the bush. Sitting on a small rise lends a fantastic view across the bay. Friendly greeting from the hosts with useful local tips when we arrived and then we had loads of privacy, use of a deck to catch the evening sun. Outdoor kitchen is fun with a view out to the bay thru manuka and everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nov 20

Very good. Lovely hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing peaceful place

If you want peace and the most amazing views this is the place to stay Great interaction with owners who went out of their way to meet our every need Comfortable bed with views to die for to wake up to. Would recommend one hundred percent.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A blissful retreat

Ao Marama Retreat provide the perfect environment for a relaxed holiday. The cabins and al fresco dining cooking area, situated amongst the native bush, provide privacy and serenity - important elements to help make a comfortable stay. They are both clean and well equipped with secure plastic bins provided for storage of food items. The wonderful sounds of native birds could be heard from dawn to dusk - something of a rarity these days. And the incredible sunrises can be watched from all cabins. A delightful deck with comfortable lounge seating provides an idyllic place to view the Bay while enjoying 5.00 pm drinks. Loved the 500m walk through bush to the beach - just challenging enough to get the heart pumping. Overall, a wonderful accommodation retreat with just enough rustic flavour to make it interesting. Delightful hosts were super friendly and extremely helpful and welcoming. Big thanks to Elizabeth and Duan. We'll be back for sure.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay. Will visit again

Great holiday in beautiful surroundings
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, very pleasant and surrounded by Nature

The web site gives an accurate overview of the property and facilities - the owners are friendly and welcoming. Good value for money and a very enjoyable stay - would not have any problem recommending Ao Marama
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

After five nights, we could easily have stayed longer and were sad to leave. This is a very special place. Elizabeth and Duan are wonderful hosts with helpful suggestions and quick to provide anything we needed. Ao Marama is private, yet with places to connect with others if you choose such as the semi outdoor kitchen and dining space. Kanuka cabin was clean, comfortable, good amount of space and private. We loved the view, the birds, the sound of the sea, the quiet, a walk down to the beach to swim and collect pipis and cockles. Just fabulous. We now feel recharged for 2020. We expect to be back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

marion t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simple, beautiful, unspoilt

We loved our break at Ao Marama. The cabins are basic but perfect, simple and clean with everything you need. The views are amazing, and the hosts lovely – friendly and helpful, with lots of ideas for what to do on a less than sunny day. I loved the track down to the beach, and the beach is spectacular. The outdoor kitchen is surprisingly fun, clean and well equipped - microwave, oven, crockery and cutlery etc - plus fantastic views from the tables. Lots to do in the area, we had an amazing time and will be back! Thanks Duane and Elizabeth
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Len B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

too short

It was a great and pleasant surprise to spend a few days at the Ao Marama Retreat. The location, the sea, all these birds and marvellous views and don't forget the good cares of Elizabeth & Duan. We only spent two nights near Collingwood. What a pity for such a nice place an so many nice things to do. We would love to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nina K.

Great outdoors comfort

We had a lovely week's stay at the kanuka cabin, and despite some rainy & stormy days we enjoyed especially the outdoor communal kitchen. Amazing view, also in bad weather, and so nice to chat with the fantails and weka's during your meals :) The cabin isn't quite soundproof so you have to be mindful of your neighbours. The scenery is so peaceful, and it's easy to get to the beach, nearby walks and Collingwood. Also highly recommend the massage by Annika who has her card on the pinboard in the kitchen. Thanks Duan and Elisabeth for being great hosts and making us feel very much at home!
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn C.

A private paradise!

Ao Marama Retreat more than exceeded my expectations. Incredible views, peaceful and extensive grounds, very clean and comfortable cabins, excellent local hikes and beach walks. A ten minute bush walk from the retreat takes you to a gorgeous, generally empty, beach with good swimming and birdwatching. Duan and Elizabeth are excellent hosts who make you feel at home right away. Don’t hesitate to stay here. I was so sorry to have to leave after ten days. I hope I can go back one day.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Josh S.

Amazing

An absolutely beautiful place to get away from it all and be one with nature. Elizabeth and Duan were very welcoming and great hosts. Highly recommended 🙂
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

hannah b.

Amazing experience

Lovely cabins, nice clean and tidy area to be in and amazing views. Owners are truly amazing and lovely! will definitely be back again highly recommend coming here
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Tanja W.

A beautiful place

Relaxed Gorgeous views Dog was welcome too Comfortable bed THE STARS!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lana K.

Awesome and relaxing

It was a really nice peaceful place. The hosts made us feel very welcome. Had a awesome few days there and will deffinatly be back
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte M.

What an amazing spot! Relaxing few days away with beautiful views and great hosts.

Cannot reccomend this spot more. Great views, beautiful sunrises, cosy and clean cabins, short track to secluded swimming beach and friendly, welcoming hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

Beautiful native Bush and the views were to die for, truelly the best experience :)

Beautiful native Bush and the views were to die for, truelly the best experience :)
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn K.

A beautiful location, with a very clever, back-to-basics appeal.

A beautiful location, with a very clever, back-to-basics appeal. Escaping here is good for your soul.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Liberty G.

Such a special spot to get away!

Such a special spot to get away! Cabins and ensuite bathroom were immaculately clean, amazing views over the ocean. Great communal kitchen also with beautiful sea views. Fully equipped with bbq, fridge and our own allocated food storage bins was a nice touch. Eco friendly vibe. Loo with a view is a must see!
Archival

8/10 Good

Garry H.

Yet to stay due to my booking error but looking forward to eventually being there.

Yet to stay due to my booking error but looking forward to eventually being there.

About the host

Hosted by Duan and Elizabeth

Host profile image
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.

Or even reverse some of it.

We have become far more interested and concerned in the state of our planet and have recently been studying Permaculture, Solar Power, Organic gardening and Bee-keeping - and want to implement our little knowledge and gain a 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.



Why they chose this property

Between us we have been very lucky to travel to many amazing countries including Lebanon, Libya, Viet-Nam, Nepal, Cuba, Ethiopia, Japan and Namibia and have always been inspired by the cultures but equally the places that we have stayed at and the people we have stayed with.

We have long dreamt of creating an experience that we shape based on all of these different places we have seen - and started looking for a suitable property in the last few years.

From old farms in Morocco to in-need-of-love Lodges in Spain and Boutique Vineyards the search eventually brought us all the way back home and Ao Marama more than fulfilled our criteria as a starting point and we now want to build upon the amazing effort by former owners and occupants.

From the stunning regenerating bush setting, the absolutely stunning view across the Bay and the indescribable vibe of the place - it was very quickly apparent that this place had something different from anything else we had seen.

We want everyone to arrive excited and leave rested and inspired and hopefully ever so slightly enriched.

And now the journey begins...

What makes this property unique

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, a base to go Hiking Biking, Sailing or Paddling in the stunning environment that is Golden Bay, or you want share stories and ideas, get close to nature, enjoy organic food or just stare at the stars.

- Our own Bush track leads you right down to Collingwood beach
- You can walk into Collingwood village along a country road
- Stay with a passionate Kiwi family who will be as accommodating to your needs as possible - if you want help we'll be there - if you want peace we'll be elsewhere.
- We are motivated by creating an experience that is in harmony with nature and not against it
- we are absolute novices and want to learn as much as possible to make this happen
- Next steps is installing a complete solar system to power our house and the cabins
- Free Range Chickens laying eggs you can have for breakfast
- Eventually we want to introduce organic dining options - with food predominantly grown in our gardens

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Hotels

Holiday Rentals