About us

Greenstone Retreat is in a lovely setting on the outskirts of Kumara village. Quiet with lots of birds, trees and wild gardens. Very little noise or traffic and yet only 5 minutes walk to the start of cycle and walking tracks, the Theatre Royal Hotel, dairy, park, swimming pool and the village. It’s an organic property and cleaning chemicals are natural and chemical free. The Villa is old and quirky, with wonderful artistic and interesting features and it has a lovely feeling and energy. The nest and family rooms are only a few years old and super comfortable, the caravan Lolly is cosy and the gardens are great for exploring.

This is part of owner Kate’s story.

I am originally from Dorset in the South West of England. I took a career break from the fitness industry in 2015 and came traveling around the world. I found the West Coast of New Zealand and felt that I had come home. It was a place filled with wonderful people, wild landscapes and opportunities that could help me to grow. Since then I have become a citizen and have been working in hospitality all over the Coast.

I finally found my dream home in 2014 which was very rundown, overgrown and needing lots of love and filled with potential. I have not looked back and my roots are firmly planted. After many hours renovating, clearing, replacing, repairing and developing, I now have a lovely little business. I love yoga, gardening, my 2 spaniels, beaches and music, which fit in well with my lifestyle.

I completed my 350 hour yoga teacher training in 2019, and found my soul mate Steve here in Kumara. I completed my level 2 teacher training in 2024, which includes sound healing and spiritual counselling along with so much more. The future of the Retreat is really exciting with the new purpose built EVOLve studio for classes, workshops and retreats. In 2023 a cute healing hut was added for massages, osteopathy and more. I am so glad to be in this part of the world and can’t wait to share its secrets with you.

Kumara is an old town that is coming back to life. Steeped in gold mining history, it has been rejuvenated by the wilderness cycle trail. New businesses have arrived and old properties lovingly restored. Kumara has much to offer, so if you’re looking for “real New Zealand” without all the gimmicks, then come and meet the locals, walk the old paths and gaze at the stars at night. Kumara is the center of everywhere and the perfect base for a West Coast ocean or mountain experience. Lakes, rivers, beaches, pancake rocks, glaciers, skiing, biking, hiking and much more all within a few hours drive.