ABOUT NATURISM

Trying to find an absolute definition of naturism is impossible – each dictionary or reputable source comes up with a different answer! Each country that allows naturism also has different attitudes toward it and therefore different definitions.

For us it’s as simple as being naked in a space, usually but not exclusively outdoors, plus in the company of other people doing the same. The shared practice of letting go of the restraints of clothing brings us closer to nature, our unmasked selves and that of other people around us.

Sometimes naturism is called by its old name ‘nudism’ and sometimes it’s known as ‘clothing optional’; we are happy with ALL the terms. It can be as complex as some folks make it, or as simple as we choose it to be.

The social part is significant though and it’s through that we have met some of the most interesting people over the years. Being naked is a great leveller because our clothes can define our wealth, status, affiliation to social groups and often where we see ourselves in the ‘pecking order’ of society.

As Mark Twain wrote “[One] realizes that without his clothes a man would be nothing at all; that the clothes do not merely make the man, the clothes are the man; that without them he is a cipher, a vacancy, a nobody, a nothing… There is no power without clothes.”

With regards to wider society he was right however, we also believe that a person’s true worth is not the ‘shirt on their back’ but the quality of their character.

You may decide to stay with as complete newbies to naturism, or as a long-time naturist looking for something far less conservative than traditional destinations. Either way you’ll probably be aware there are several naturist clubs in New Zealand – most are called ‘Sun Clubs’.

They first appeared to great public opposition on the 1930s and were known as Sun Clubs to highlight the health benefits of sun exposure (vitamin D) and equally to avoid the word ‘nude’. WWII led to their recess and it wasn’t until the 1950s that the movement made headway. Many of the seniors we have spoken to say the 1970s saw their peak in popularity.

All the clubs work around a membership system, except KatiKati Naturist Park, which is the only privately run club that operates as a business like any other campground. Unlike many overseas countries, New Zealand has no official nude beaches, but nudity is legal provided the sun bather does not 'behave in an offensive or disorderly manner'.

Our space is not competing with the clubs and our guests are often those looking for something unique. Ours is a more intimate and relaxed naturist experience - one for those who dislike crowds, or find the club's organised activities, rules and conservative views don't match their own values.

Clubs may also restrict access to 3 visits before you have to apply to become a member, which makes casual visiting tricky. The committee will say 'yes' or 'no' and if you are accepted there follows a probationary year. Get past that and you're drafted into working days to help maintain the club along with membership fees. Quite a process. That said, they serve a valuable role focused around community, which is very different to ours.

At the Rural Naturist B&B it’s just you and us. We do the work, you do the relaxing. 

We don't see ourselves as a gateway to the traditional naturist clubs, though of course you are free to. We're more a stepping-stone to emerging events such as Naked In The Trees. If you have not been socially naked before you can start with us, practise your comfort levels, then move onto these type of events with more confidence.

Equally, many of our guests can only enjoy being naked indoors at home. These folks are not interested in the formality of clubs and the challenging joining process but just love to enjoy their own properties as solo naturists and wonder what it would be like to do so socially.

In our experience New Zealand has a less relaxed relationship with naturism than Europe. Inspired by our travels, we set out to create a unique adult-only naturist retreat for open minds. Something different.  

We don’t meet gender or sexual orientation, we meet people. We are all human.

Also, as we are not a club, and it’s only ever us and one single guest at a time, we are not technically ‘public’ in the sense that you could be with dozens of strangers, albeit in a gated defined area. We don't have 'walk-in' guests or day visitors. We have created an intimate space for adult naturism where small steps can start big journeys. 

Ours sanctuary is an escape from the often oppressive modern world outside and the confines of clothing. Its a space where it is just you and us, relaxing and enjoying moments.