Maruia River Retreat’s (MRR) is very proud to announce the upcoming commissioning of its Mini-Hydro power plant that will provide electricity to power the retreat and to the local grid.   The commissioning is in keeping with our promise of manaakitanga - caring for our community and extending that to the whenua (the land) in order to ensure sustainability for future generations. The project harnesses the land’s mana (energy) in the truest sense and gives us even more reason to protect the watershed and the surrounding native beech forest. It is truly a gift of nature, clean, sustainable, and beneficial to the community and our natural surroundings.   Once the mini-hydro becomes fully operational, Maruia River Retreat should meet its target of becoming carbon neutral.  

 

The mini-hydro plant has a rated capacity of 30kw (max 36kw) fed by a 660 meter pipeline, all located within the 200 hectare private nature reserve that surrounds Maruia River Retreat's main lodge and villas.

 

Maruia River Retreat is becoming a leading destination for sustainable tourism as it continues to be a local favorite for personalized retreats, as well as international visitors who are looking for authentic NZ experiences.  Through this and future projects, Maruia River Retreat supports NZ's objective to become the hallmark in conservation tourism.