Welcome to Nelson City’s only 5-Star Boutique Hotel.
Book direct to enjoy…
Best price guaranteed
Pre-dinner drinks & canapes
Complimentary taxi service
Chef cooked breakfast
Complimentary mini-bar
Heated Swimming Pool
Luxury Suites
Six luxury suites set in a park-like setting provide a very comfortable home away from home. Large spacious villas, each with a bedroom and lounge area to relax in. Venture outside to soak up the atmosphere on the balcony where you are often joined by cheeky fantails, whilst watching weka and quails running across the lawn.
Luxury Suites
Six luxury suites set in a park-like setting provide a very comfortable home away from home. Large spacious villas with a bedroom and lounge area to relax in or venture outside to soak up the atmosphere on the balcony where you are often joined by cheeky fantails, whilst watching weka and quails running across the lawn.
The History
Our luxury accommodation in Nelson sits on the site of part of the original Nelson Diocese estate, consisting of 158 acres purchased in 1862. The original Bishops Residence was built in 1868 and the Bishopdale Chapel, which is still a working chapel today, was built in 1877. The main house we live in today was the second Bishop’s Residence. It was built in 1925 after the closure and demolition of the Bishopdale Theological College.
The History
Our luxury accommodation in Nelson sits on the site which was part of the original Nelson Diocese estate, consisting of 158 acres purchased in 1862. The original Bishops Residence was built in 1868 and the Bishopdale Chapel which is still a working chapel today was built in 1877. The main house we live in today was the second Bishops Residence, built in 1925 after the closure and demolition of the Bishopdale Theological College.
The Gardens
Pihopa Retreat is set in 5.5 acres of beautifully park-like gardens and borders alongside the 2.4ha Bishopdale Reserve. We provide luxury accommodation in Nelson. The grounds are enhanced by heritage landscape trees that are over 100 years old. 14 of these are protected along with heritage woodland.
The Gardens
Pihopa Retreat is set in 5.5acres of beautifully park-like gardens and borders alongside the 2.4ha Bishopdale Reserve. We provide luxury accommodation in Nelson. The grounds are enhanced by heritage landscape trees that are over 100 years old, with 14 of these being protected along with heritage woodland.
What people say...
Beautiful place! Wonderful reception & a big thank you to Sarah. She’s so thoughtful and accommodating. We had an amazing time here and wished we could have stayed a little longer. Hope to be back soon in the near future.
Joe & Bridget, Singapore
Sarah, thanks for your wonderful hospitality. Pihopa brings me such joy. The grounds are truly beautiful and provide such inspiration. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Pihopa and my time in Nelson.
The Eaton Suite provided such respite. I feel at peace leaving here, you thought of every detail. Thanks again.
Michelle, USA
Thanks Sarah & staff for a wonderful stay. We loved everything about our time here at Pihopa Retreat. There were so many great extras that we weren’t expecting. If I come back to Nelson, I am definitely staying here.
Anita & Cameron, USA
What a very special spot in the world you have created. It is just what we needed to rest and recover from our epic journey. We so looked forward to our time with Eve in the evenings before going to dinner. Everything about the cottage is perfection. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Don & Debbie, USA
Sarah was an amazing hostess. The place is wonderful with incredible attention to detail but the thoughtfulness of incredible hospitality and being like family. One of the nicest places we have ever stayed and can’t wait to not only come back but also stay friends with Sarah and her family.
Stuart & Donna, USA
To make it short… This is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. Great owner, great staff – people make the difference! You all do a great job, and more than this.
Sabine & Dirk, Germany / Austria
…Everything you do has helped make our wedding perfect. The venue is, in my opinion, unbeatable. The chapel is divine, the gardens are the perfect backdrop and the reception area!… To be able to have the whole event in one luxurious package! We can’t thank you enough. Sarah and your team made our wedding perfect.
Debbie & Richie, Nelson
Was lovely to return to this beautiful place, our family visiting from overseas loved their stay too. Simply can’t wait to stay again. All the best.
Stella & Bradlee
What a beautifully well-maintained resort! The service is both exceptional and warm! Thank you all for such an enchanting experience! We truly hope to be back!
Cynthia and David, USA
Thanks for making our honeymoon such an unforgettable experience. We made so many memories here that we will cherish forever. The host and staff here are beyond compare…
Scott & Katelyn, USA
We had an amazing time … we’ve been struggling to come up with anything that we could suggest to have made our stay better. Thanks.
Andrew and Juliana
Thank you Sarah for your amazing hospitality. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable stay and start to our trip exploring this gorgeous region. It was a shame we couldn’t fully appreciate the garden – but what great work. It’s going to look absolutely stunning when done and in full bloom. We look forward to returning in the future! All the best!!
Love Debbie & Dylan
Has been a wonderful stay. Great host and an amazing family. This is a gorgeous place, we had more than we need. We are so grateful for your hospitality.
Stephane & Paula
What a fabulous stay. Great hosts. Stunning accommodation. Loved exploring the Nelson region. Our kids are 100% coming back. We have all LOVED our stay. Many thanks for your hospitality.
Ali, Tim, James & Kate
What a beautiful stay. Wonderful hosts, glorious food and outstanding comfort. Thank you so much. We have already booked our next stay!
Mark & Margie, Wellington
A hidden gem close to central Nelson where we stayed for 2 nights. Pihopa is a quiet secluded haven yet with a view of the bay. We loved our suite which was furnished to the highest standard with great attention to detail and it even had a gas fire which made it so cosy. Home from home! Sarah was a wonderful host who made sure we had everything we needed. We wish we had stayed longer.
Glen & Frances Hall, UK
Special Occasions
Pihopa Retreat lends itself perfectly as a location for whatever special event you want to celebrate. With its historic chapel, stunning park-like grounds, and luxury accommodation, we can help you create your perfect and unique event.
Special Occasions
Pihopa Retreat lends itself perfectly as a location for whatever special event you want to celebrate. With its historic chapel, stunning park-like grounds and luxury accommodation, we can help you create your perfect and unique event.
The Area
Nelson is a city at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, facing Tasman Bay. It competes and regularly wins the title of the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Surrounded by coastline and mountain ranges, Nelson offers a lot of everything, from National Parks, vineyards, beach life and beautiful food.
The Area
Nelson is a city at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, facing Tasman Bay. It competes and regularly wins the title of the sunshine capital of New Zealand. Surrounded by coastline and mountain ranges Nelson offers a lot of everything, from National Parks, vineyards, beach life and beautiful food.