Our Region

Overlooked by the Mt Arthur range, the Motueka River flows for 120 kilometres, first through rough hill country and then more gently undulating terrain, passing by many small communities such as Woodstock, Ngatimoti, Riwaka, Brooklyn and others, on its way to the Tasman Sea. The mountain catchment areas to the west and south east have the highest rainfall and provide most of the mean annual flow for the Motueka River. The small rural community of Ngatimoti has a primary school, community rooms, public reserve and rural fire station. It is located 18km from Motueka.

Our Property

Our property of 5.5ha has 1/2km of the Orinoco Stream flowing through. The stream joins the Motueka River 1/2km further on. Having moved up from the Motueka River, Brown Trout can occasinally be seen. Feeding our resident eels is a unique and popular pastime for guests. The waterway is also frequented by both Mallard and native Paradise Shell Duck. With a crystal clear night sky, stargazing is amazing. Wake to bird song and sit on the patio to the sound of the Orinoco Stream below. 

Meadowbank Gallery

Resident artist Anne's studio and gallery display paintings in a range styles and media.. Also shown are some of her entries from past World of Wearable Art shows, as well as her supreme award entry from the 2026 Motueka Recycled Wearable Art Show. She has illustrated a number of childrens books and is the recipient of a number of both art and wearable art awards. 

Motueka River

A freestone river featuring long riffles, glides, deep pools, and boulder pockets. The upper reaches flow through native beech forest, while middle and lower sections run through scenic farmland and alluvial valley. The Motueka River is one of New Zealand's premier wild brown trout fisheries. The Pokororo to Ngatimoti section of the Nelson Great Taste Cycle Trail runs along the Motueka River Valley: https://explorenelson.co.nz/ta... From Orinoco Retreat it is a 5 minute bike ride away. There are a number of easily accessed swimming pools close by: https://motuekacatchment.org.n...

Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park is famous for it's stunning coastal scenery, crystal clear waters, golden sand beaches and lush native bush. It is the most accessible of New Zealands National Parks. Recognised as New Zealand’s sea kayaking mecca, the entire park coastline is also frequented by water taxis on a daily basis throughout the year. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is famous for its inviting coastal track that runs throughout the park. You can walk short sections, creating a variety of short Abel Tasman walks. From Orinoco Retreat it is a 35 minute drive away.

Able Tasman National Park DOC information

Kahurangi National Park

Kahurangi is New Zealand’s second largest national park.  Nowhere else in New Zealand has such a complex series of ancient rocks been eroded into such distinctively different landscapes, creating a series of caves, arches and channels. Located in the north west corner of the South Island, Kahurangi is in places an untracked wilderness, while elsewhere a network of walking tracks lets visitors explore wild rivers, alpine herb fields and coastal forests. It is far enough north and at a low enough altitude to have escaped the worst effects of recent ice ages. As a result, many plant species found refuge there and its flora is the most diverse of any national park. From Orinoco Retreat it is a 35 minute drive away.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-...

Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the northern most ranges of the Southern Alps. Although best known for its lakes, both large and small, this
101,733 hectare park offers tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams, open tussock lands and river-edge clearings. From Orinoco Retreat it is a 1 hour drive away.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/global....