Maitai Whare Iti

If you’re looking for a rural respite, head to the heart of the Maitai Valley where surrounded by the tranquillity of the native bush, you’ll find the Maitai Whare Iti adventure cabins. 

Each of the four cabins, communal kitchen and original house—which was redeveloped with accessibility in mind a few years ago—are named after the native bird that best suits their location or purpose. For instance, the Korimako cabin is both highest up and comes with a loft bed; the cosy Tui cabin overlooks the fire pit, and the Ruru communal kitchen and patio (a cleverly converted tin garage into homely rustic retreat) brings everyone together for dinner and a chat. Each cabin is minimalist but well-appointed, with fixings for morning tea and windows that overlook the lush, green surrounds—the only decoration the spaces need. 

While Maitai Whare Iti is within a stone’s throw of Nelson proper (if you want to pop in for a coffee or a spot of shopping), the adventure aspect of these cabins lies in their ready access to the region’s wealth of mountain biking and hiking trails. Each cabin comes with bike hooks, and there’s also a washing area. You can even rent a bicycle from the neighbour, who runs local bike shop Rider18, if you didn’t bring your own. But if cycling is not your forte, it’s just as pleasurable to cuddle up with a blanket and a book or board game to relax while listening to the musical accompaniments of kotare or pīwakawaka nearby. Truly, Maitai Whare Iti is a “choose-your-own-adventure” piece of paradise.