Destination Nelson Tasman
We have explored some hot spots and events for your next getaway and some places to truly unwind and soak up the last of the summer sun. Here in the Top of the South Island, you’ll discover a place to experience life beyond the ordinary. A place where all the best bits of New Zealand are distilled into a single destination, with a palpable energy, vibrant culture and arts scene, and an array of stunning natural landscapes to explore located just a stone’s throw away from Marlborough.
Located at the northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park lies Awaroa Lodge; a retreat nestled amongst nature offering peace and tranquility. Beautifully secluded, there is no direct road access meaning your arrival options by water or air are unique and spectacular. It is therefore essential that you arrange transport prior to your stay. The adventurous may choose to walk into the lodge via the stunning Abel Tasman Coastal Track, otherwise water transport is available by water taxi from Kaiteriteri, Marahau and Totaranui. If you feel like splashing out and arriving in style, how about a helicopter trip?
The lodge features a range of accommodation including family rooms and architecturally designed superior suites, built to maximise views over a protected wetland area. The lodge rooms have been carefully crafted to complement the environment while placing you amongst it. Some have outdoor decks and the popular family rooms have the rustic charm of an open-plan design with a mezzanine level.
There is a restaurant and bar which is open from breakfast through to dinner plus a cosy lounge and library for those days when sitting at the fire with a good book is called for. Many people choose to dine outside in the courtyard or during the peak of summer, head down to the outdoor pizzeria set in a glade of manuka trees; a popular spot with the locals and walkers, ensuring there is always a vibrant mix of locals and visitors. Check the website for opening hours of the pizzeria as it is strictly limited.
For those looking to do something active during their stay at Awaroa there is an on-site kayak company Awaroa Seakayaks who can take you on a fascinating tour of the inlets and coastal wonders; they also hire out SUPs for use within the Awaroa Inlet (tide dependent). There are plenty of walking tracks and lookouts and the beach is a great spot for some swimming and sunbathing on a calm day. The lodge is open from October to April only.
Awaroa Lodge | Abel Tasman National Park | awaroalodge.co.nz
The Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve is 250ha of Crown land that includes Kaiteriteri Beach, Kākā Point Historic Reserve, Kaiteriteri estuary, Kaiteriteri Mountain bike Park and the hills with native bush surrounding the beach and estuary. Businesses on the reserve including the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camp, Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments, Kaiteriteri Store, Waterfront Restaurant and Gone Burgers and the Kaiteriteri Mountain bike Park fully fund the Reserve and 100 percent of the profits are invested back into Kaiteriteri.
A mecca for the outdoor enthusiast, with a safe calm bay for paddle-boarding. Sailing, swimming and fishing are also popular pastimes. Many visitors make great use of the mountain bike park and nearby vineyard laden roads for road cycling. Child-friendly activities, safe beach and nearby walks make Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve a must as a summer holiday destination.
Waterfront Restaurant, directly oceanside to the beach, makes for a fine spot to enjoy a la carte dining, with local and seasonal produce and some of the best regional wines on offer. If it’s a more casual feast, then Gone Burgers ticks the boxes with in-house made ingredients, packed full of flavour.
A stay in the campground can be an affordable family break away, or splash out for a girl’s weekend or special occasion and stay in one of the beachfront apartments. Cabins are also on offer with plenty of space to park the boat and bikes. Kitchens are free to use for campers and many a fish caught directly in the bay can be seen being prepped for dinner.
The reserve has something for everyone, and can be as relaxing or as adventure filled as you wish. The Tasman sunshine never disappoints, and the entire region is at your feet when you base yourself at Kaiteriteri.
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve | W: experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz
Step into Ratanui Lodge’s freshly refurbished coastal retreat in the heart of Golden Bay this summer. Set amongst pretty cottage-style gardens and just moments away from the beach, the main lodge area features local artwork and is a welcoming, comfortable space making it the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails, light bites or a relaxed dinner. The menu showcases Top of the South produce and we are lucky enough to have some excellent suppliers on our doorstep providing the freshest organic vegetables, meat, fish and of course a wide selection of wines, beer and gin. The outdoor terrace is open whenever the sun is shining and locals, groups and casual diners are always welcome.
Décor in the 10 ensuite rooms has a contemporary, coastal vibe with high-quality, natural fabrics and furnishings. The rooms include several touches by local and top of the South artists and suppliers. Prints by artist Peter Geen feature in each room along with porcelain coffee mugs by Sue Newitt for that much-loved cuppa. The spacious ensuite includes a walk-in shower, and bathroom amenities are handmade using natural ingredients by Marlborough family-owned company Jeymar Soap and Body. Each room has outdoor seating, allowing you to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of the lovely flower garden, a favourite with the tui’s, and the perfect spot to unwind when you return from a day exploring Golden Bay when you may take a dip in the small, outdoor saltwater pool or have a soak in the hot tub.
Whether your day is spent lounging on Pohara Beach, which is just across the road, or meandering through the artist galleries in Takaka, there is plenty to do in the region. Ratanui Lodge is located near to the northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park and within easy driving distance of some of Golden Bay’s stunning natural attractions such as Te Waikoropupu Springs, Wainui Falls and World Heritage site Farewell Spit.So whether you are looking for a blissful getaway for a few days or you are visiting a bach in Golden bay, make time to drop in and check out their new look – the team would love to see you!
Restaurant hours are 7 days: Breakfast 8am – 10am | Dinner 4pm – close
Ratauni Lodge | Pohara, Golden Bay | W: ratanuilodge.com
At Gravity Winery, Cellar Door and Art Gallery you can sit and enjoy their many varieties of world-class wine, complemented by a delicious locally sourced platter, all while taking in the spectacular views across sweeping rows of vineyards to Kahurangi National Park, Tasman Bay and Mt Arthur.
Their range of superb offerings from Awatere River, Bannock Brae, Sileni, LV and Waimea Estate makes for fascinating wine tastings with twenty-five varieties on offer providing the opportunity to compare similar wines from different regions. Winery tours visit all aspects of the wine-making process along with the opportunity to see New Zealand’s only gravity fed winery. The locally sourced platters are put together entirely from local Nelson produce including cheesemakers Thorvald and Little River, The Sausage Press, as well as olive oil produced on the Gravity property.
When visiting, be sure not to miss the Gravity Gallery on site, featuring the work of local artisans with changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Gravity Winery | W: gravitywinery.co.nz
Glass can be mesmerising and at the Höglund Glass Studio in Lansdowne Road, there is a world of beautiful glass objects to be mesmerised by, in all colours of the rainbow.
Call in to visit their gallery, and on most weekday mornings you can watch the glassblowers at work. It’s a perfect stop when you are visiting the region and want a truly unique Nelson experience, and a lovely keepsake of your stay.
As well as the fantastic larger pieces that Marie and Ola Höglund are known throughout the world for, the gallery stocks many beautiful gifts under $100 that include jewellery pieces, goblets, and oil and vinegar bottles.
Ola and Marie have been a part of Nelson’s art community since 1984 and they love nothing more than sharing their family’s creations with visitors to the gallery. With Valentine’s Day this month, or for a treasured gift for any occasion, what could be better than a unique piece of local art? The gallery is open daily, and really is a visit that should be included on any visitor’s itinerary.
Höglund Glass Studio | W: hoglundartglass.com
There’s something very satisfying about the simplicity of having a break at a holiday park. Whether in a contemporary motel unit, basic cabin with shared facilities, or tenting with no power, the change in rhythm and the relaxing of everyday routine makes for a welcome break from the norm.
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel commands 1km of coastline across 22 hectares of parkland, just minutes from Nelson’s central city. Offering a broad range of accommodation types, the Park has been a firm favourite on the holiday menu for thousands of New Zealanders for more than nine decades. On-site activities include a flying fox and mega swing, several playground areas, giant bouncy pillow, mini golf, sand volleyball, petanque, mega swing and pedal-karts on-site, plus the café and function centre. The location allows direct access to the beach, as well as large playing fields and family attractions, activities, and dining options all within walking distance. Simple summer family fun at its best.
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel | W: tahunabeach.co.nz
In an idyllic location, surrounded by birdsong and lush native bush and overlooking the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, lies a retreat that has been catering to the health and wellbeing of locals and travellers alike for the last 34 years.Nestled amongst 12 hectares of tranquil hillside bush, Kimi Ora Eco Resort is within walking distance of the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach and is right on the doorstep of the popular Abel Tasman National Park and mountain bike park.
When you arrive, you will relax instantly in one of the cosy secluded chalets, each with its own picturesque view. With heated indoor and outdoor pools, supreme spa facilities, a day spa, bike hire, bush walks and a wonderful restaurant on the premises, it is the ideal health-giving haven, bursting with opportunities to go hiking, biking, kayaking or join tours into the Abel Tasman National Park.
Kimi Ora Eco Resort | W: kimiora.com