Kissing Gate

Kissing Gate

Nelson

Kissing Gate is nestled on a 7-acre farmlet, set amongst a glade beside a pond, surrounded by grazing sheep, fields and organic orchards. Based in Mapua, it's just 5 minutes from the beautiful seaside village of Mapua, with its cafes and restaurants. It's 30 minutes drive to Nelson, 15 minutes from Motueka, and 30 minutes to Abel Tasman National Park.

Kissing Gate is made up of a Settlers' Cottage with a luxurious camp bathroom and quirky kitchen/lounge area - and the beautiful Outlander cabin pondside bedroom. Ruby the caravan provides additional accommodation when there are more than two people staying at Kissing Gate.

The view from Kissing Gate is across a pond to farmland beyond. The semi-rural property is peaceful and relaxing with an abundance of birdlife; from tui in the kowhai to kereru, quail, and kingfisher. In summer, finches and skylarks abound. A humid night might bring the sound of frogs from the private flax-edged pond 

Kissing Gate is glamping with a touch of whimsy.  A quaint and beautiful setting, intriguing sculptures, creative artifacts, antiques to admire and romantic hints will delight guests. An outdoor fireplace with 'sleeper' seating, an original 'toastie pie' maker, and a claw-foot bath for two on the jetty over the pond add to the magic. The actual 'kissing gate' (the entrance into the glade) sits underneath mistletoe beside heritage hydrangeas and curving paths. The convenient combination of semi-rural farm life and proximity to Nelson's beach, cafe, artisans, winery and rural cycling hub of Mapua makes for the best of all worlds.

FROM $265

Children aged 12+ only

  • Sleeps 4
address
 

197 Seaton Valley Rd, Mapua, Nelson

directions
 

Kissing Gate is based in the Mapua district, 30 minutes from the centre of Nelson, and 15 minutes to Motueka. Follow the Google Maps directions to get there.

When you get to 197 Seaton Valley Road, you'll see a driveway with a large sign saying 'The Gates'. Drive or cycle up the curving driveway and past Rocky and Cluck (the corrugated iron sculptures) and past the pumpshed - and there on your right is Kissing Gate behind the corrugated iron fence. Park there, open the wooden heart gate and walk through the kissing gate (compulsory kiss required...) Then make yourselves at home!

Kissing Gate

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  • Eating and Drinking

    Kissing Gate is self-catering, and everything you need to be able to cook is provided. If you fancy a break from cooking - Nelson's best restaurants are just 3km away at Mapua seaside village.

    There is a large organic citrus orchard and pip-fruit orchard right beside Kissing Gate on the 7-acre farm. Fresh free-range eggs from the Kissing Gate chickens may be available. Word has it that the field mushrooms in autumn are to die for!

  • Things To Do

    A stay at Kissing Gate can be as relaxing or as action-packed as you feel like. Relax at the campsite in the outdoor bath, or savour a glass of wine by the pond. Or head out to enjoy the sights and activities that the region has to offer.

    In the local area, you could wander the Mapua coastal walk or cycle the famous Great Taste Trail. Explore the Mapua village or the cafes, potteries, wineries, and artisans along roads and trails using the route guides available. Roger and Adele offer free half-day use of their standard bikes and also have electric-assist bikes also available.

    Make a visit to the historical thatched settlers’ cottage at Mahana or investigate the rock’pools and bush walks at McKee Domain. Walk from McKee to Kina Peninsula at low tide - and rest up at Jester House Cafe (wacky art, eel feeding, great food) on the way back.

    At night, check out the glow-worms on the walkway below Pine Hill Heights.

    A little further afield, you can cool off at lovely rivers or Rabbit Island. The World of Wearable Arts in Nelson is worth a visit as are the Saturday markets in Nelson or the Sunday market in Motueka.

    The Kahurangi National Park and Abel Tasman National Park are within the wider region and for those that fancy a drive - gorgeous Golden Bay is just over an hour away. 

  • Your Hosts

    Your hosts while at Kissing Gate are Roger Waddell and Adele Smith.

    Adele and Roger share a small 7-acre (2.4ha) farm with sheep, chickens, cats, numerous frogs, many varieties of birds. They are Kiwis who've lived in the Nelson / Tasman area now for over 20 years and have extensive knowledge of local places and activities that might interest you for your Kissing Gate stay.

    Adele is a superb designer and her flair is evident in Copper Gate, their 4 bedroom eco-designer holiday house and the romantic Paris Suite. Corru Gate, their bohemian-themed 3 bedroom cottage oozes rural iconic charm. These are elsewhere on the 7 acres.

    They've grown very fond of their slice of coastal, rural paradise, and often remind themselves about how lucky they are to live there. Roger and Adele enjoy everything from sea-kayaking on the Mapua Estuary, cycling the Great Taste Trail, cruising art galleries to having great coffee locally with friends, and heading out to movies and events.

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