AO MARAMA RETREAT, TASMAN-NELSON
In a small community on the hilltop, looking out over Golden Bay, there in lies a retreat. Ao Marama Retreat is a haven where people of all walks of life can come to live the off-grid experience and expect to see a few wandering farm animals along the way. The retreat is home to a multitude of dwellings, including cabins, yurts and an old hollowed out bus - soon to be converted to a bookable accomodation. We can only imagine how enticing this would be to a family with younger kids, fulfilling their wild running imaginations “all aboard!”
With 6 wooden cabins available to book, all set in secluded bush with ocean views and each with individual style and charm, its perfect for larger groups looking for a secluded getaway. Owners Duan & Elizabeth run the retreat with 3 little ones in tow. They look after the property and tinker away at projects daily. A busy life for the two of them, but with a visionary goal in mind. We spoke with them about their journey with Ao Marama and where they see it headed in the next few years. The land they purchased was originally a buddhist centre, old remnants of the centre still remain. An old statute of a worshiped Hindu god still visible on a grassy ledge.
The land is home to fruit trees, farm animals, permaculture and native bush. It’s footprint is light and it gives back in every way possible. We found ourselves immersed in a truly wonderful experience of harmony with the land. Ao Marama has it’s own private walking track to the local beach, you are able to hire kayaks to take out for a day trip around the bay. They also happen to have one of the best views of Golden Bay we’ve ever seen. We spent our evenings watching the sunset followed by a roaring fire to keep the cockles warm.
FAREWELL SPIT, TASMAN-NELSON
From Ao Marama, it’s a short and easy drive to Farewell Spit. This was on the bucket list for a while. With views of the Able Tasman and beyond, this is what slow travel is all about. Mother Nature is always the stay of our journeys. A trip to Farewell Spit isn’t as treacherous as you think. Its do-able for even the most novice of climbers. The views are almost too good for the short ascent.
WEST COAST, SOUTH ISLAND
Our next stop was the far reaches of the West Coast. It’s easy to fall deeply in love with the landscape here. The 40kms of gravel highway lead you down an impossibly beautiful strip of land where the coastline runs parallel to the roadside. A long trip indeed, but one worthy of taking slowly. The last stop along this road is a small beach where few travellers often set up camps in the warmer months. Unnamed on a map, but known to locals as Sandhills.
Back home to the infamous yurt. We spent our final night around the campfire, speaking with Duan & Elizabeth about their goals for the retreat. Ao Marama has a bright future ahead of it, and with a dynamic duo at the helm, there is only up. If you would like to come to Ao Marama and help WWOF they are always looking for keen travellers. You could be helping out with our animals, fruit trees, gardens and greenhouses - or building a pig pen, repairing a fence, decorating a cabin or cooking up your favourite national dish. Get in touch with them through the link HERE
Ao Marama is perfect for large groups, small group, honeymoons and anyone looking to experience a stay off grid and in nature. What are you waiting for? Book your stay at Ao Marama HERE
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