Explore

EXPLORE NELSON'S FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS

This is a major reason why we moved here: go alpine in Nelson Lakes National Park, go wilderness in the Kahurangi National Park, go beaching or sea-kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. Perfectly located between Nelson (25 minutes) and Abel Tasman (40 minutes), and Kahurangi (30 minutes) and Nelson Lakes National Parks (1 hour) - and with Māpua seaside village to refresh you after exploring, - The Gates is the ideal location. As an ex-outdoor instructor and sustainability advisor, Roger can assist you in making the most of your adventure stay - he also offers nature tours. Photo: Roger and son Rowan above Blue Lake, Nelson Lakes National Park

INDULGE IN FOOD, WINE AND ART

Nelson's creativity manifests in many artisan studios, delectable wines, boutique breweries, produce from the land and sea, and some of NZ's best cafes and restaurants. Dine at the restaurants and cafes on the famous Māpua Wharf, cycle to country cafes, pop along to the many wineries just minutes from The Gates (Neudorf, Gravity, Flaxmore to name just a few) Photo: Roger and Adele take time out after a 15 minute cycle ride from The Gates to Gravity Winery.

HIT THE BEACH!

Nelson is NZ's sunniest place so beaching at Rabbit Island, Abel Tasman, Kaiteriteri, Tahunanui, Ruby Bay - and of course Māpua - is the logical thing to do. A 3 minute drive or 12 minute cycle gets you to divine beaches near The Gates. Photo: Rabbit Island. Catch the Māpua Ferry or drive/cycle to this safe, kilometres-long beach.

RELISH THE LOCAL CREATIVITY SCENE

Renowned internationally as a hub of creativity, Nelson art can be experienced through it's potteries, galleries and studios tucked away in rural villages and the city itself. Māpua sits at the centre of this hub; hop on one of our or local tour companies bikes like Wheelie Fantastic, take to the Great Taste Trail (one of the NZ Great Rides) and pop some local art or a bottle of your fav wine into your panniers from the likes of Fullmer Pottery, Katie Gold, Neudorf Winery. And why not grab some tempting cuisine from country cafes like Albertas, North Eatery, Fosters or Gravity? Photo: Thorvald Cheesemakers at the Moutere Artisans Open Day . (Image: Roger Waddell)

GO WILD WITH THE WILDLIFE

Rich in natural history, Nelson's low population density and ample protected wild areas mean this is a nature-lovers paradise. The Gates actively supports conservation efforts and kaitiakitanga (stewardship). Roger can take you on a 1.5 hour nature ramble from The Gates. The Māpua Inlet, 3km away, is one of NZ's richest wading bird habitats. Roger is involved with Project Janszoon, an initiative to restore the biodiversity of the Abel Tasman National Park. He is happy to provide advice for your seakayaking, tramping and other nature exploration locally. Photo by Roger Waddell: Roger and Rowan re-discovered the Cupola gecko, one of NZ's rarest geckos. A thrilling find for NZ herpetologists.

WANDER NELSON CITY AND LOCAL TOWNS

Nelson is a 'crafty' and 'arty' city nestled on the banks of the Maitai River and beside Tahunanui Beach and the Grampian Range. There is lots to explore here: galleries, vibrant retail outlets, theatre, fine dining, parks, the Centre Of NZ, the famous Saturday Market. Just 25 minutes from The Gates Accommodation, a day trip in to the city is to be recommended. Nearby settlements of Māpua and Motueka have a vibrant culture.

SAVOUR OUR LOCAL CUISINE

Eateries tucked away in rural villages or the city itself offer world-class dining. Pop down the valley from The Gates to Māpua Wharf where our region's best dining is to be had at The Appleshed, Jellyfish, Albertas, The Rimu Wine Bar, Golden Bear Brewery, the Sprig and Fern Tavern - to name just some. The Golden Bear often hosts bands so sip boutique ales and dance your holiday away! Fruit stalls dot the quiet country roads and The Great Taste Trail - one of the NZ Great Rides. Manuka smoked fish can be sourced from The Smokehouse on the Māpua Wharf.

Give Us a Call

Phone us on 0211671246 or 0272714752

Send Us an Email

We'll endeavour to reply as soon as we can. info@thegates.co.nz Please tell us how you found out about us

Drop By and Talk

We offer an 'open home' experience for you if you are interested in viewing our eco-focused and design-savvy accommodations. We are at 197 Seaton Valley Rd, Māpua seaside village, Nelson, New Zealand (Aotearoa)