Pen Cropper
Room to gather, play and pause
Some retreat houses make room for quiet while leaving plenty of ways to spend time together. Pen Cropper is a large-group holiday house in Clive, with eight or nine ensuite bedrooms and an unusually generous lineup of recreation: a saltwater pool, pickleball court, tennis court, putting green and wood-fired pizza oven. That mix gives groups options between sessions, or simply makes the house work for a gathering where not everyone wants the same kind of downtime. The range of facilities lends itself to retreats with an informal, sociable feel, rather than a stay built around a single prescribed rhythm. For groups who value private bathrooms and activities close at hand, the house offers a practical base for time away together. Ask the host about meals, the retreat schedule and which facilities are available during your stay.
Highlights
- Saltwater pool for a swim between sessions
- Pickleball and tennis courts at the house
- Putting green for an easygoing change of pace
- Wood-fired pizza oven for group gatherings
- Eight or nine ensuite bedrooms
Good for
Setting
In Clive, the atmosphere is shaped by the scale of the house and its social, activity-rich facilities. The pool, courts and putting green create easy options for time outdoors, while the pizza oven gives groups a place to gather over a meal.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat. The house's courts, pool and putting green offer ways to spend time between planned activities; confirm the schedule with the host before booking.
Accommodation
The holiday house has eight or nine ensuite bedrooms, making it suited to larger groups who want private bathrooms. Ask the host about room configurations and what is included with your booking.
What to bring
Pack comfortable clothes for sitting and moving, plus layers for Hawke's Bay's changeable conditions. The annual average temperature is 15.1°C, and rain is more common in June, July and January, so bring a light waterproof layer and suitable outdoor shoes; add swimwear if you plan to use the pool.
How to get there
Hawke's Bay Airport is about 13 km from the center. Arrange onward transport to Clive and confirm the exact address with the host before setting out.
Nearest airport: Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE) (13 km)
Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE), near Napier, is approximately 13 km away. A taxi or pre-arranged ride can cover the onward journey; confirm options with the host.
Nearest city: Napier
Contact the host through https://www.lawnroadretreat.co.nz to ask about reservations.
Stays are paid, but rates are not listed here. Ask the host for current prices and what is included.
Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.
Visit Pen Cropper websiteClimate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Feb, Aug, Sep
Avoid: Jul, Jun, Jan
Clive has an annual average temperature of 15.1°C, with warmer conditions generally in November, December and February and cooler months from June through August. June, July and January tend to be wetter, while February, August and September are among the driest.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What activities can groups do at Pen Cropper?
The house has a saltwater pool, pickleball court, tennis court, putting green and wood-fired pizza oven.
Can beginners attend a retreat here?
Ask the retreat organizer about the practice, experience level and any preparation needed for a particular booking.
How do I book a stay?
Contact the host through the center's website to ask about dates and reservations.
How many people can the accommodation sleep?
The house has eight or nine ensuite bedrooms. Ask the host about bed arrangements and the maximum group size.
Are meals included, or can guests cook?
There is a wood-fired pizza oven, but meal arrangements are not stated. Ask the host what is included and what cooking facilities guests may use.
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