Bookings now open for Spring 2026 through to Autumn 2029
Hidden in the remote Baton valley on the threshold of Kahurangi National Park, this special property comprises 30ha of native bush protected by a QE2 conservation covenant. The forest rolls from the valley floor up to the tussock strewn alpine-tops of the Ellis Valley, beneath which lies one of the country’s most extensive cave systems.

Experience the moods of this mountain, the mists dancing on her ridges, the blessing of the snow, the changing shades through sun and seasons…

Experience respite and repose, serious serenity, and raw, wild beauty.
Whetūrangi is here for you
  • Writer's Residence Venue
    For New Zealand and international authors/poets/academics/creatives/philosophers
  • Meditators’ Sanctuary
    An extemely quiet and private sanctum with a comfortable, relaxed vibe. We welcome those deepening spiritual study needing a very focused retreat
  • ‘Time Out’ Sanctuary
    A great weekend getaway for local business people, retirees, small groups of family or friends... Special occasions or just a great spot for a break!
  • ‘Supported Stays’ Health Sanctuary
    Facilitated health stays with natural health opportunities – meals, nature, massage, natural remedies, yoga, meditation
  • Cyclists’ Stopover
    Location is just 2km beyond the top end of the Great Taste Trail (at Lublow’s Leap). This stopover will be a highlight of any cycle journey.
  • Fly Fishers’ Lodging
    Our location is adjacent to some of the regions best fishing rivers used by local fishing guides often with international customers. Helicopter access/proximity to rivers in the Kahurangi National Park e.g. Karamea, and Crow Rivers.
  • Honeymoon Hideaway
    Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this deeply private setting offers the perfect atmosphere for newlyweds to disconnect from the rest of the world.
  • Star
    Gazers Heaven
    With Kahurangi National Park on its way to being gazetted as an official 'dark sky sanctuary', you will have the ultimate front row seat to take in the incredible night skys.
Your Stay
The designers didn’t miss a beat on this project. Given a brief to design a small home that sits in the landscape akin to a DOC hut, New Zealand's much loved wilderness huts for trampers, this dwelling perches on a terrace above the valley floor taking in the stunning vista of some of Kahurangi National Park’s most majestic mountains.

The house, beautifully designed, simple yet elegant, lends itself to a retreat for those seeking comfort and an expansive space in which to create. With floor-to-ceiling glass on its north-facing aspect, the haven opens to stunning views of the Tu Ao Wharepapa/Mt Arthur range.


Accommodation


  • Bedroom One: Unparalleled mountain views from the double bed.
  • Bedroom Two: Provides a double bed and a set of bunks. It can also be utilised as a dedicated art space, or massage/clinic room.
Comfort & Amenities
  • An electric sit-stand desk, and a comfy reading arm chair

  • Reliable internet

  • A classic Pavoni lever espresso coffee machine

  • A wonderful collection of classic New Zealand books, alongside a collection related to the craft of writing

  • A Wilson & Dorset shaggy sheepskin wool beanbag and footstool. Handcrafted in Wanaka and unbelievably lush! This is where you get to really kick back with a good book, snuggle in and know that you are in just the right/write place. (Sorry, no, you can’t take it home with you!)

  • Quality furnishings
Enjoy Reliable Off-Grid Living

You’ll be embracing off-grid living.


We have a reliable 48KW solar power system with a back-up generator, a gas hob, and a state-of-the-art Rayburn woodburner/radiator system for cosy warmth when necessary.


The kitchen is set up with quality kitchenware.


The bathroom has a flush toilet and high-pressure shower.


Your drinking water is filtered rainwater which has also been put through a UV filter system.


We’ll talk you through all this on your arrival, and we’re just a phone call away should you need support at any time. Also, our property manager lives on the neighbouring property.

Local Area & Activities

There is ample opportunity for walking, swimming, and biking in the area.


The pristine swimming holes in the area are simply fantastic.


Nelson’s regional cycle trail, The Great Taste Trail, passes through the Baton thanks to a purpose-built cycle bridge.


You are well within reach (2km) of the iconic Lublow’s Leap shop and museum for ice creams, snacks, and excellent local historical information. Open 365 days a year, this tiny, quirky outpost is, however, the only ‘commercial establishment’ you’ll find in the neighbourhood.


Your closest grocery store is Tapawera (40 mins drive) or Motueka (60 mins drive).



“It is an utter privilege to be in such direct communion with this mountain. Tu Ao Wharepapa/Mt Arthur – at times she is cloaked in creeping mists but when she reveals herself she can be breath-taking. Much of the year she is snow covered yet whatever the season her presence is powerful and poignant.

I purchased this property firstly in order to continue the important conservation work started by the previous owners who birthed the vision, and secondly in order to make it available to many other people in order that there may be communal benefits from spending time in this zone of deep serenity and awe.

This valley has been tugging at my heartstrings for 25 years now and I feel a deep commitment to listening to, and caring for, the land and creatures here. By staying here you enable this work to continue and I have no doubt that you too will be deeply touched by the essence of this valley.”
– Ange Palmer, Kaitiaki/Guardian
Additional Services & Support

To ensure your stay is as restorative and seamless as possible, we offer several services to support you during your stay:


  • Airport Transfers
  • Provisioning
  • Meals
  • Massage Therapy
  • Naturopathic support
  • Guided wilderness walks
  • General support - our manager lives on the adjacent property and is always here to help.