Solscape

Solscape is a 10-acre eco retreat at the foot of Mt Karioi, just above Raglan's beaches on New Zealand's North Island. It's best for surfers, yoga fans and groups who want quirky, low-impact stays in earth domes or old railway carriages, with the ocean a short walk away.

What it's like

Solscape sits on 10 acres at the foot of Mt Karioi, looking out over the Tasman Sea on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's been practicing sustainable living for over 20 years, and you can see it everywhere: buildings made from earth and recycled materials, permaculture gardens that feed the kitchen, and native bush that's slowly growing back across the land. The coast is a short walk downhill.

The places to sleep are what most people remember. There are round earth domes with skylights, restored railway cabooses tucked into the gardens, and a self-contained 1950s Overlander train carriage with its own kitchen and bathroom. Shared rooms keep things affordable, and most rooms use communal bathrooms and kitchen. The official website has live booking, and reception is open daily in the morning and late afternoon.

The programs

Solscape mixes three things: yoga, surf and simple wellness.

• Yoga: vinyasa classes, functional movement and strength sessions in the Tui Room, a sea-view studio with wooden floors, big windows, mats and props. Private sessions are available on request.
• Surf: two-hour beginner-friendly lessons at Ngarunui Beach, plus board and wetsuit hire all year. Experienced surfers are close to Raglan's well-known left-hand point breaks, including Manu Bay.
• Sauna and cold plunge: run on the property by Solspring, a separate wellness business, with private or shared guided sessions.
• Sol Kitchen Cafe: organic, mostly plant-based food using produce from the gardens, open on weekends and available for group catering.

There's no fixed retreat calendar. Instead, groups of about 12 to 25 can either bring their own teacher and program, with Solscape providing beds, space and catering, or build a retreat from the pieces above, such as a private yoga class, meals, sauna and surf. Solscape also hosts corporate groups, weddings and a volunteer program.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

Solscape is a great match for:

• Surfers and learners who want to be close to Raglan's breaks
• Yoga fans looking for a relaxed, sea-view practice
• Teachers and groups planning a self-run retreat on a budget
• Travelers who like character over polish

If you want a fully guided, all-inclusive program with a set schedule, or a high-end spa, this isn't the place. Bathrooms are mostly shared, and the vibe is casual and community minded.

Getting there

Solscape is at 611 Wainui Road, Raglan, in the Waikato region, and Ngarunui Beach is just down the hill. It's roughly 45 minutes from Hamilton and around 2 hours 15 minutes from Auckland by car.