About us
The Retreat sits on a terrace overlooking the Hutt Valley and is surrounded by native bush, making it an ideal setting for your break away, wedding, conference, function or group booking. We have a dedicated professional team to ensure your event is successful. Our in-house Executive Chef and catering team will work with you in every aspect of your planning to create a memorable occasion. Our renovated buildings have been designed in a modern rustic style with a variety of event spaces available. We have a range of beautiful four star motels, and our Twin-share and bunk accommodation areas are ideal for group bookings.
Contact us today for more information about our function venues or accommodation options. If you would like us to send a copy of our wedding, conference, school camp or function packages, email us and let us know which one you require.
Our history as a hospital
The construction of the rehabilitation centre and hospital was authorised in early 1941. The Initial plans of the buildings had a total floor area of 66,500 square feet, and provided accommodation for 450 patients.
Water was to be supplied to the hospital by pumping from a well near the river bank to two 30,000 gallon reservoirs, 300 feet above the river, and by gravitation from there to the hospital. The buildings were heated by steam.
The construction of the hospital commenced in September 1941 and was completed in May 1942. Shortly after, the institution was handed over to the US Navy and enlarged to accommodate 1,200 patients. This figure was later increased to 1,600.
The completed hospital consisted of 46 buildings and had a total floor area of 143,000 square feet. All services had to be increased in proportion. For example, two further 30,000 gallon reservoirs and one of 250,000 gallons were constructed.
The hospital was in use by the US Navy from August 1942 to April 1944, and during this time approximately 20,000 patients were treated. For short periods the accommodation was taxed to such an extent that the gymnasium, part of the staff quarters and even part of the theatre block were used as wards.
During occupation by the US Navy all maintenance work and operation of services at the hospital was carried out by the Public Works Department. The total cost of that work was £293,000. The institution was later taken over by the Wellington Hospital Board for the accommodation of long term patients.
All photos supplied courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand
Parade of officers, nurses and marines hearing an order read at the opening of the US Naval Hospital at Silverstream, Upper Hutt.
Marines receiving Purple Hearts decorations for gallantry.
The grounds were the property of the Government, and the buildings although soundly built for the most part, were by the 1970s considered to be outdated in design. Throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s Hospital Boards suffered from funding restrictions.
Brownies visiting disabled children at Silverstream Hospital.
Brownies visiting disabled children at Silverstream Hospital.
Sister G. A. Dryden (left), matron of the new infantile paralysis 'hospital at Silverstream, talking to Miss Bk*oon, of the Health Department, at the opening of the new hospital on Saturday , afternoon.
During the 1960s there were many staff shortages. At Silverstream Hospital they were seven staff below what was then considered a bare minimum. Nursing didn't appeal to many women with its low pay and long hours.
Eleanor Roosevelt talking with a wounded marine.
View of the ward. (Now known as The Grasslands venue)
J McDonald standing behind a Douglas motorcycle at the Silverstream Railway Station.
A photo and brief description of Martin P. Foley's (former marine) time at Silverstream Hospital.
Train carrying spectators from Wellington to the Trentham races, crossing the Silverstream railway bridge
View of the hospital
Drone shot of the Valley
A map of Silverstream Hospital
U.S Marine band performing at the opening of Silverstream Retreat.
What our guests and clients say
“Absolutely amazing! Amanda and the team are just wonderful! Great contact from when we booked 2 years before our wedding! Amazing with everything we wanted to do and supported us all the way. The food was perfect, everyone loved it.”
Lynsday
