Makoura River Retreat

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

Please note - Check in is strictly between 2pm and 5pm.

The cabin has a queen-size bed.

Full linen, towels, and bedding are supplied. The sheets are 100% cotton and the duvet inner is wool.

Additional blankets are supplied for cooler nights or sitting around the outdoor fire.

Inside the cabin is a kitchenette with a sink. Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.

A Webber BBQ with a gas cooker for pots is located on the veranda and a picnic table and an outdoor fire are just 25m away from the cabin. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. A coffee plunger and a small supply of ground coffee beans are provided (we recommend bringing extra coffee if you have more than a cup a day).

A solar fridge provides cool food storage.

Some pantry basics are supplied - oil, salt, pepper, tea, instant/plunger coffee, UHT milk, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

We have designed Makoura River Retreat so it is an escape away from devices as such mobile phone reception is limited to none at Makoura River Retreat. Better coverage can be found walking up the hill nearby. If lack of mobile reception is of concern then the Makoura River Retreat may not be suitable.

The bathroom is located in the cabin. It has a shower, a flushing toilet and a basin. There is also an outdoor bath away overlooking the river.

Towels are provided.

Makoura River Retreat has no mains power so be prepared to get off the grid (however the fridge is solar-powered)! Lighting is provided by candlelight lanterns and torches. Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.

We recommend charging devices prior to arrival, however, if you need there is a charging bank at the back of the lanterns.

We have designed Makoura River Retreat so it is an escape away from devices as such mobile phone reception is limited to none at Makoura River Retreat. Better coverage can be found walking up the hill nearby. If lack of mobile reception is of concern then the Makoura River Retreat may not be suitable. There is no WiFi.

The cabin has a pot belly stove to keep indoors warm and cosy. There is also an outdoor fire.

Note that lighting the outdoor fire pit is dependent on the time of year and conditions. At certain times of the year (for example, Summer) it will be unavailable due to fire bans.

Makoura River Retreat is open for stays during winter, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

You'll have lots of warm bedding, and a potbelly stove in the cabin. Plus lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills, and be prepared for the elements!

Makoura River Retreat is not suitable for children and is strictly adults-only. The one exception to this rule is for non-mobile babies under 6 months with BYO bedding and portacot.

If you're looking for a safe family-friendly glamping site, select the family icon in the search bar on our 'find your escape' page to easily find them.

Yes, your dog is welcome at Makoura River Retreat, but we kindly ask that you adhere to a few doggy rules:

• A maximum of 2 dogs are allowed
• Please supervise your dog/s at all times and on a leash as this is a worming farm
• Dogs must be up-to-date with vaccinations and either regularly wormed or dosed at least 48 hours prior to arrival (find out more about Ovis Management in NZ)
• Please pick up all droppings (please bring doggy pick-up bags)
• Any dogs that are not 100% toilet trained are to be kept outside or in a crate while inside the retreat
• Please bring your own crate and/or dog bed and do not allow your dog on any furniture or soft furnishings

Makoura River Retreat is very private.

Note that the river is part of the Queen's Chain. This means that people are free to walk along the banks or kayak the river etc. It's very rare but you might see the occasional person fishing or walking along the river.

A four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with high clearance is needed to reach the cabin. The drive to the cabin involves driving a steep, gravel farm track with steep sides and possibly with closed gates, where steep hill starts may be required. You’ll also want to be reasonably confident driving off-road. If you don’t have a 4WD, AWD (or are not confident driving off-road), your hosts are more than happy to escort you to and from the cabin.

It's a 5-minute drive down to the cabin or a 20-minute walk. Feel free to come and go as you please but please remember to leave the gates as you find them.

Most of our stays are nature-based with components of outdoor living, and Makoura River Retreat is no exception. Because of this, you may be exposed to various creatures and critters that you wouldn't usually find at your average hotel or motel.

Please note that while efforts are made to minimise pests, the secluded location means insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, possums, magpies, and other wildlife may be present. During March and April, there is often an increase in wasp activity. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking outside of this period. The hammock may also be removed during this time, as wasps are attracted to the sap of the nearby willow trees.

The retreat is located near a river. For your own safety, please be careful of slippery rocks, water levels, and do not go down there after dark.

The farm track to access the cabin is steep and requires a 4x4 so please be cautious when driving. Hazards may include slips, stones, animals, hill starts and going off route. If you do not have a 4x4 or you are not confident driving off road we are happy to transport you.

Makoura Meal Package $265 per couple

Relax and unwind and let us take care of cooking with a meal package lovingly prepared by our Makoura Lodge team.

Your package for two includes:

• A generous grazing platter prepared for your arrival

• A bottle of sparkling wine (or your choice of red or white upon request)

• A chef’s-choice dinner, crafted with seasonal flavours delivered to your cabin hot

• A decadent dessert to finish on a sweet note

• A nourishing breakfast of artisan granola, yoghurt, fruit, Turkish bread, and orange juice

Please note we are unable to cater for dietary requirements with this package

Claybird Shooting, Archery and Axe Throwing - $220 per couple

Enjoy a bit of competition with each other to see who is the better Robin Hood or secret Viking!

Try some of Makoura's favourite activities - clay bird shooting (10 shots), archery (8 arrows) and axe throwing (10 throws).

4x4 Self-Drive with a supplied vehicle - $365 per adult

Get behind the wheel and have a blast while learning valuable 4WD skills on our purpose-built 4x4 track which is like no other in the country! Up to two hours of tuition provided by Hugh (owner) who is an AdventureMark safety-approved instructor. Price includes one spectator free of charge. Before booking, please read an overview of the potential risks here.

4x4 Self-Drive with your own vehicle - $310 per adult

Get behind your wheel and have a blast while learning valuable 4WD skills on our purpose-built 4x4 track which is like no other in the country! Up to two hours of tuition provided by Hugh (owner) who is an AdventureMark safety-approved instructor. Price includes one spectator free of charge. Before booking, please read an overview of the potential risks here.

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any Canopy Camping Escapes glamping site. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

Hill Country Safari - $150 per couple

Jump in our Land Cruiser for a fun adventure! Explore bush, farmland, and rivers. Tackle obstacles on our 4x4 training track. Your driver will provide a running commentary of our family’s heritage and stunning property. Suitable for all ages. Approximately one hour.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

• Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Beach towels for taking off the property for swimming
• Warm clothing for cooler evenings

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our glamping spots in the Canopy Camping Escapes collection. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

Jump in our Land Cruiser for a fun adventure! Explore bush, farmland, and rivers. Tackle obstacles on our 4x4 training track. Your driver will provide a running commentary of our family’s heritage and stunning property. Suitable for all ages. Approximately one hour.

Enjoy some of Makoura's favourite activities- clay bird shooting 10 shots, archery 8 arrows and axe throwing 10 throws for two people.

Get behind the wheel and have a blast while learning valuable 4WD skills on our purpose-built 4x4 track which is like no other in the country! Up to two hours of tuition provided by Hugh (owner) who is an AdventureMark safety-approved instructor. Price includes one spectator free of charge. Review of the potential risks involved prior to booking is a must!

Get behind your wheel and have a blast while learning valuable 4WD skills on our purpose-built 4x4 track which is like no other in the country! Up to two hours of tuition provided by Hugh (owner) who is an AdventureMark safety-approved instructor. Price includes one spectator free of charge. Review of the potential risks involved prior to booking is a must!

Relax and unwind and let us take care of cooking with a meal package lovingly prepared by our Makoura Lodge team.

Your package for two includes: • A generous grazing platter prepared for your arrival • A bottle of sparkling wine (or your choice of red or white upon request) • A chef’s-choice dinner, crafted with seasonal flavours delivered to your cabin hot • A decadent dessert to finish on a sweet note • A nourishing breakfast of artisan granola, yoghurt, fruit, Turkish bread, and orange juice

Please note we are unable to cater for dietary requirements with this package and this is not available between the 24th of December and the 4th of January

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**2.1** If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. **2.2** Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process. **2.3** If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment. **2.4** If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

**3.1** Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. **3.2** Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged. **3.3** Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. **3.4** Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: - **Road closure**. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by [Waka Kotahi](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. - **Metservice RED Weather Warning.** If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the [Metservice](https://www.metservice.com/) has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. - **Natural disasters in New Zealand.** Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

**4.1** Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as: (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest. (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property. (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. **4.2** Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.

**5.1** Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. **5.3** To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay.

No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the Website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.

Hunting or motorcycles are not permitted on the properties.

GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.

**9.1** Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. **9.2** You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. **9.4** You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. **9.5** You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. **9.8**The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted. **9.9**You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.

If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.

To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes. If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking. Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.

Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 3 years of purchase. If a booking paid for using a gift voucher is cancelled, any refund will be by way of a gift voucher with the same expiry date as the original gift voucher. Gift vouchers are not refundable or redeemable for cash and cannot be transferred or on-sold.

These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.

We may amend these Booking Conditions at any time. Any changes shall apply to bookings made from the date of such changes. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Booking Conditions each time you make a booking.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.