The Best Nelson Tasman Accommodation Worth Travelling For

Located along the turnoff to the eponymous Rabbit Island, each of the six eco-friendly huts and single glamping tents at Rabbit Island Huts come with cosy Queen-sized beds in minimalist, light-filled premises that face north, over the Appleby plains and Waimea Inlet. 

The huts have similar but slightly different amenities—three share external luxury bathrooms, some have ensuites, one has its own private outdoor bath, and three have TVs. Everyone staying at the huts can access the complimentary common spaces, including the sauna, adorable converted caravan library, BBQ area and fully stocked kitchen.

There’s also a larger interior space on the property, perfect for retreats or group events. If you want to head out for the day, Rabbit Island and Mapua Wharf, where you’ll find Rabbit Island Coffee Co. and Rimu Wine Bar, are only a short drive away.

If you’re looking for a rural respite, head to the heart of the Maitai Valley where, surrounded by the tranquility of the native bush, you’ll find the Maitai Whare Iti adventure cabins. 

Each of the four cabins, communal kitchen and original house are named after native birds. The Korimako cabin comes with a loft bed; the cosy Tui cabin overlooks the fire pit; and the Ruru communal kitchen and patio brings everyone together for dinner and a chat. Each is minimalist but well-appointed, with fixings for morning tea and windows that overlook the lush, green surrounds. 

The adventure aspect of these cabins lies in their ready access to the region’s wealth of mountain biking and hiking trails. But if cycling is not your forte, it’s just as pleasurable to cuddle up with a blanket and a book or board game.

Connected by the Cable Bay estuary lies Pepin Island, a privately owned island northeast of Nelson. A working sheep station, the land still supports several thousand stock. There are also three beautifully situated huts—Passage, Rocky Point and Nikau—available for rent. With this accommodation, it’s about the destination and the journey, as you have to hike to your hut, giving you the opportunity to truly absorb the island’s natural beauty (don’t worry, the walking difficulty ranges, and Passage Hut does have 4WD access).

Each hut has ready access to the bush or coast, and you can also book a private island tour and farm experience, complete with a tiki tour of sightseeing spots, animal viewing and farmer-style morning tea. Head back across the causeway to access Cable Bay Café and one entry point to the Cable Bay Walkway for even more scenic trail opportunities.

Photo credit: Dominique White 

Have you ever wanted to stay in a shoe? The Boot, a bed and breakfast affiliated with Jester House, might be the most unusual accommodation the Tasman region has to offer, as it literally resembles a giant’s footwear. Remote and romantic, The Boot is an ideal getaway just outside of Nelson proper, right in between Mapua and Motueka. 

Dine outside by the fire, admiring the stars, then head upstairs via the winding staircase to sleep in the “top” of the Boot. The rest of the Jester House grounds are worth exploring, including a stream with (relatively) tame eels you can feed. 

In the heart of the Tasman Great Taste Trail and on the doorstep of several wineries and notable restaurants lie the five self-appointed cabins of Tilvery Boutique in Upper Moutere. Each compact, fully equipped cottage has its own colour scheme and theme, such as the French elegance of ‘rows’ cottage or the eighties glam of ‘sawtooth’. Expansive picture windows overlook the region’s rolling green hills, letting in swathes of natural light. Use them as a jumping-off point to explore the region, from its notable walks and art galleries to coffee shops and fine dining.

This petite oasis is tucked so subtly into the heart of Nelson’s CBD, you mightn’t know it was there. A converted retail space, Oak Tree House manages to combine two elegant bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and several outdoor terraces into its small footprint. Conveniently, it also comes with a free parking space (a definite perk to an urban stay). But you won’t need the car: Oak Tree House is within easy walking distance of Nelson’s bars, restaurants and nightlife. Smart technology and keyless check-in make it an even more stress-free stay.

Located within the bounds of the Abel Tasman National Park, the luxurious Awaroa Lodge is only accessible by foot or water. A true step back from the chaos of day-to-day life (there’s—gasp!—no reception), a stay at Awaroa Lodge is marked by a sense of tranquillity.

Spend the days outside walking, kayaking or lounging on the beach; afternoons in the lounge or library; and meals at either the outdoor pizzeria or upscale Harakeke Restaurant. Rooms vary in size and style, though any one of them would help ease you into the proper holiday mood.

Overlooking the sweeping vista of the Waimea Estuary, Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte is Kiwi hospitality at its finest. Husband-and-wife duo Ian and Ali are a sommelier and chef, respectively, which means fine dining is the star of your stay. Dinner features hor d’oeuvres and a multicourse meal paired with New Zealand wines, and every booking includes a full breakfast. 

But the rooms are no slouch, either. Outfitted in understated elegance, the suites and villas offer near panoramic views of the water. The property also boasts a heated pool for guests and easy access to the region’s various trails, wineries, galleries and other attractions. 

For a short- or long-term holiday with an eco-friendly ethos and artistic sensibility, look no further than The Gates Accommodation in Mapua. The different “gates” were built with sustainability in mind: the Kissing Gate, Copper Gate or Corru Gate have water-efficient plumbing, solar panels and rainwater collection to support wetland restoration, as well as a host of other clever attributes. But these sustainability measures don’t mean you have to sacrifice on amenities. Each accommodation has its own colourful style, with comfy, well-appointed furnishings and views overlooking the natural vista.