Pīhopa Retreat

Pīhopa Retreat is a six-suite luxury hotel set on 5.5 acres of park-like gardens within the Nelson Bishop's estate, established in 1859. Each spacious villa features a bedroom and lounge area, with balconies overlooking the city, gardens and heritage woodland. The retreat neighbours a 2.4-hectare reserve and sits minutes from Nelson's city centre, positioning guests for exploring three of New Zealand's most spectacular National Parks.

The experience centres on personalised hospitality hosted by Sarah Mellor and her team. Guests begin each morning with a chef-prepared breakfast served in the estate's original Bishopdale Chapel, a 19th-century building at the heart of the retreat. Evenings commence with drinks and canapés by the pool as the sun sets, while a curated wine cellar, freshly baked afternoon treats and sumptuous dining complete the stay. Restaurant reservations are arranged in advance with complimentary taxi service.

The grounds offer multiple ways to unwind: wander through the orchard picking fruit, enjoy garden games, take a dip in the pool, book a spa treatment, or sit by one of two fire pits with a grazing platter. The retreat holds a Qualmark 5-Star gold rating, a perfect 10/10 on Booking.com and TripAdvisor's Best of the Best designation. It was voted number one hotel in New Zealand by Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers' Choice Awards.

Pīhopa suits couples and small groups seeking intimate, unhurried luxury in a historic setting with ready access to world-class food, wine and coastal scenery. The retreat's attention to detail—from warmed guest rooms to pre-arranged dining—creates an experience tailored to each visitor's needs.