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.
On the same property as Kissing Gate, there are a number of other holiday houses available to rent, so if you're booking with a larger group, check out The Gates Accommodation for further options.
FROM $265
Children aged 12+ only
197 Seaton Valley Rd, Mapua, Nelson
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!
Checkin: 3pm
Check-out: 11am
The Outlander Cabin contains a comfortable king-sized bed.
Ruby, the optional extra caravan bedroom is only available where more than two people have booked. Ruby has an extra-long queen bed and a narrow single bed.
Full linen (100% cotton), towels and bedding are supplied.
The Settlers' Cottage kitchen/dining/lounging area can be mostly closed (with roll-down weatherproof blinds) or open on one side to views beyond Pearl and Ruby to the pond and farmland.
A microwave, kettle, toaster, an electric cook-top and electric frying pan for cooking on, as well as plenty of pantry space, are provided. An under-bench fridge/freezer is available for cool storage. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.
Some pantry basics are supplied - salt, pepper, oil, a variety of teas and coffee...also lollies!
The Settlers' Cottage bathroom has a 2-person glass-walled shower. There are hand-basins in the bathroom, as well as in an adjoining room with a pleasant-to-use 'Kakapo' composting toilet. Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.
Outside is a 2-person claw-foot bath amongst nature.
Towels are provided.
Yes, Kissing Gate has electricity and Wifi is available on the property, and wall points are available to charge your devices.
Yes, mobile phone reception (Vodafone and Spark) is available on the property, as well as Wifi. Wall points are available to charge your devices.
There are heaters in both the Outlander Cabin and Ruby the caravan. The Cabin is fully insulated and is warm with plush sheepskins on the floor and hot water bottles on hand. Ruby, the caravan, has carpet, ceiling insulation, and a luxurious toasty-warm Woolrest electric blanket.
A wood burner in the semi-outdoor Settler's Cottage, along with a basket of vintage rugs, and just outside is an outdoor fireplace with seating.
Yes, there is a designated outdoor fireplace at Kissing Gate with seating and blankets to keep you cosy.
Kissing Gate is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking a semi-outdoor escape - without the usual luxuries of a hotel or home. Glamping is still a form of camping!
Kissing Gate has lots of warm bedding, heaters in the caravans, a fireplace in the Settler's Cottage, and lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills, and be prepared for the elements!
Kissing Gate is suitable for children 12 years and over due to the pond being a potential water hazard for children.
Both Corru Gate and Copper Gate, on the same property, are child-friendly.
Kissing Gate has a 'no dog' policy, and it's not suitable to bring your horse.
If you're looking for animal-friendly glamping, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes sites that welcome dogs or horses - you can select the filter in the search bar to easily find them.
Kissing Gate is close to the quaint little village of Mapua so is one of our less remote glamping sites. However, the accomodation itself is privately situated on this 7-acre farmlet and tucked in its own little spot by the pond.
The walk from the car park to the cottage is only about 30 metres, so you're very handy to your car. It's easy to get out and about to explore the region any time you like.
Most of our stays are nature-based with components of outdoor living, and Kissing Gate is no exception. Because of this, you may be exposed to various creatures and critters that you wouldn't usually find at your average hotel or motel.
Kissing Gate is on a small farmlet, with some hazards both farm related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural (ie. ponds). Caution needs to be exercised, as there are specific water hazards, such as troughs and the pond. For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter any other buildings on the property.
All Year Round:
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies for Kissing Gate.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Kissing Gate.
All Year Round:
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Shoulder Season (16 September to 16 December)
The nightly rate during this period is $295 for up to two people.
Peak Season (17 December - 30 April)
The nightly rate during this period is $325 for up to two people.
Off-Peak (1 May - 15 September)
The nightly rate during this period is $265 for up to two people.
Kissing Gate can accommodate an additional two extra guest in Ruby the Caravan. The rate is $75 per each guest, per night. (Children 12 and over welcome)
Bike Hire
The hosts offer standard bikes for free use, subject to availability. Please enquire about hiring electric bikes. Jump on the bikes and enjoy a leisurely cycle around the surrounding area. Cycling the famous 'Great Taste Trail', just a few minutes away, is a great way to soak up the sights and vibe of the region.
Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.
1.1 If you book within 28 days of your stay, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.
1.2 Once you have made the online booking and payment, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.
1.3 If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 days prior to your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your internet banking payment has not been received within 24 - 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.
1.4 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
1.5 Bookings made online within 48 hours of arrival will not be confirmed immediately. Once the campsite has agreed that the booking can be honoured, the guest will be informed by Canopy Camping Escapes and the credit card used for the online booking will be charged the full balance of the stay. Note that there is a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) fee.
2.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.
2.2 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
2.3 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.
2.4 Force Majeure
Under our Force Majeure policy, you will be entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons:
Canopy Camping hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:
(a) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(b) Unexpected damage or destruction of the site;
(c) A death in the host family.
Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to the refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option, it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund or to alter the booking to another date or site at no additional cost or penalty.
4.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.
4.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.
4.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.
No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.
GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.
7.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.
7.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.
7.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.
7.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.
7.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.
7.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
7.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.
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!
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 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.
Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.
Find your escape