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Rustic ReTreet

Rustic ReTreet

Golden Bay, Nelson-Tasman


Rustic ReTreet is a 10-minute drive from Takaka, one hour drive from Motueka and around a 2 hour drive from Nelson in the South Island.

Tucked away in the trees, Rustic ReTreet is a beautifully and creatively built escape for families. The care, craft, and personality poured into every aspect of this self-build are extraordinary.

Set on an elevated deck, the ReTreet sleeps a total of four people. There is a queen-size bed and lounge space, and a sleeping loft upstairs for the kids. There is a semi-outdoor kitchen and bathroom too.

Soak away your cares in the outdoor bath and watch the birds flit about in the green and leafy canopy, or sway in the hammock with the wind.

You'll feel alive in this place. Enjoy nature and family time - and a hearty dose of magic.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Rustic ReTreet is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your semi-outdoor kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, head over to Takaka and try The Dangerous Kitchen, The Wholemeal Cafe, Roots Bar, O'sha Thai Restaurant (and takeaway), Dada Manifesto or Mussel Inn - all highly recommended by your hosts.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is Fresh Choice supermarket in Takaka, a 10-minute drive away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Rustic ReTreet is a beautiful and easy nature escape. Tune out the hustle and bustle of everyday life and slow down with a variety of board games, cards and puzzles - or a soak in the outdoor bath. The large deck is the perfect place for yoga - yoga mats are provided. There are two bicycles available for guests to use.

There are so many things to do in the Golden Bay region if you want to get out and about.

The beautiful Rawhiti Cave Walking Track is right on Rustic ReTreet's doorstep, approximately a 1 hour walk each way.

Or you can try the Te Waikoropupu Springs walking track (20-minute drive), Cob Valley track (25-minute drive) or the Wainui Falls track at the famous Abel Tasman National Park (25-minute drive).

For the adventurous, there's kayaking, horse treks, bike tracks, or outdoor rock climbing at Hangdog. Only a short drive or bike ride away (bicycles are available for guest use) is The Grove Reserve walk. Indulge in a beauty day at Aroha Health Spa. Experience a beer tasting at the Mussell Inn or tastings at the Kiwi Spirit Distillery.

The Golden Bay area has markets, a cinema in Takaka, a recreation centre where you can book in for a game of badminton or squash, art studios and museums to explore. For a special treat, book scenic flights over Farewell Spit.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Janine and Simon along with Molly the dog, Sym the cat, Tashi the horse & Albert the sheep are your hosts at Rustic Retreet.

Janine and Simon have lived on their property for 16 years. Originally attracted by the sheltered site and beautiful old spreading Oak trees, they felt they'd found the perfect spot to build their family home.

They love the quiet and secluded situation - tucked in amongst the trees and surrounded by countryside with glimpses out to the bay. All while being just a ten-minute drive from lively Takaka and the gorgeous beaches of Golden Bay.

Simon is a Beekeeper/Boat Builder and Janine is an Artist. They have always enjoyed creating special places. They felt inspired to build a unique little dwelling in their own woods so that people could come, relax and recharge. With sustainable principles in mind, they used timber grown on the property, as well as repurposed and recycled materials to create their magical retreat.

Being English, they confess to loving a good pun - thus their gorgeously rustic creation was named 'The Rustic Retreet'.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Beautifully appointed cottages with a treasure trove of artistic touches. A delight for the senses. ”

Jody Nichols- 2024-07-15

20 / 20

“ The most lovely peaceful place. Loved the semi open bathroom and kitchen. Outdoor bath was divine. ”

Louise Holley- 2026-04-07

1 / 20

“ A charming and heart warming little haven. Peaceful, relaxing and artistic. Just full of love and beauty. ”

Darleen Rose- 2026-03-26

2 / 20

“ This place was exactly as advertised! Fantastic stay amongst nature. ”

Jemma Omlo- 2026-03-19

3 / 20

“ Rustic Retreet is a hidden gem filled with warmth and magic. The cabin blends perfectly with the forest, and everything feels calm and connected. You can feel the care in every detail. Truly a soul-nourishing stay. ”

Rocio Kunath- 2026-02-25

4 / 20

“ Great place for a recharge. ”

Anna Morgan- 2026-02-15

5 / 20

“ Great way to get off the beaten track before going on the Heaphy. Handy location to so many things to do and see. ”

David Hannah- 2026-01-10

6 / 20

“ Unwind and relax away from the hustle and bustle of this busy world at Rustic ReTreet. Very rustic, very special, very private, the perfect little getaway. Nestled in the trees, with limited cell coverage, no TV, and no noise. The bathtub in the deck was amazing, and you could watch the birds flittering in the trees around you. ”

Mandy Silcock- 2025-11-03

7 / 20

“ Amazing tree house, quirky and unique setting in the forest surrounded by native birdsong. The outdoor bath was wonderful in the evening. ”

Samantha Wilson- 2025-09-27

8 / 20

“ Great venue, great host. Awesome weekend, will definitely stay again. ”

Casey Webber- 2025-09-22

9 / 20

“ It was something new to try out, and I loved it. It was refreshing and peaceful. I got to unwind from a very stressful job and just catch up with all my reading that I love to do. ”

Vicky Brandford- 2025-08-11

10 / 20

“ A beautiful spot and lovely helpful hosts, I highly recommend this relaxing getaway location. ”

Hazel Black- 2025-06-06

11 / 20

“ A cosy, down to earth escape from the world. ”

Jacky Doonan- 2025-05-23

12 / 20

“ Lovely hosts and beautiful setting under the canopy of trees. We had such a relaxing, enjoyable time at Rustic ReTreet. ”

Lakma Godigamuwa- 2025-04-30

13 / 20

“ Peaceful, relaxed stay and very near to Takaka and other Golden Bay spots! ”

Peter Johnstone- 2025-03-08

14 / 20

“ Our small family of four, including two young boys under ten, loved living amongst the trees for six nights – simple living at its best. The Rustic Retreat was made with obvious care and attention to detail. Our host made us feel very welcome, and we really enjoyed exploring the local area. Highly recommended. ”

Shannon Reed- 2025-01-12

15 / 20

“ An especially atmospheric setting among the trees, aptly named Retreet, and surely a retreat from the hot days we had. It also provided a sense of privacy and deep quiet. So many quirky and creative touches – the inlaid bath on the deck, the gorgeous tiling in the bathroom and shower space, and the lighting all around the spaces was easy. Loved the kitchen area with everything needed to self-cater easily. Thank you to the wonderful host Janinie. ”

Kindra Douglas- 2024-12-17

16 / 20

“ A stunning location with top-notch accommodation. The indoor/outdoor flow was perfect, the kitchen was excellent even when it was raining, and showering or bathing with a view of the trees was great. I cannot recommend it highly enough. ”

Oliver Smith- 2024-10-07

17 / 20

“ Beautiful location, friendly hosts and loved the outdoor bath! We will definitely be back. ”

Rupert MacLachlan- 2024-10-03

18 / 20

“ Beautiful spot with attentive hosts. We highly recommend this gorgeous property. ”

Kate Lash- 2024-09-13

19 / 20

“ Beautifully appointed cottages with a treasure trove of artistic touches. A delight for the senses. ”

Jody Nichols- 2024-07-15

20 / 20

“ The most lovely peaceful place. Loved the semi open bathroom and kitchen. Outdoor bath was divine. ”

Louise Holley- 2026-04-07

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

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