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 $295
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!
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. The drive-in is a tarseal road with good access for low vehicles.
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:
Sorry! Kissing Gate has a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights with no exceptions.
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 3 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Peak Season (1 Oct - 30 April)
The nightly rate during this period is $355 for up to two people.
Off-Peak (1 May - 30 September)
The nightly rate during this period is $295 for up to two people.
Kissing Gate can accommodate an additional two extra guest in Ruby the Caravan. The rate is $55 per each guest, per night. (Children 12 and over welcome)
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 Canopy Camping Limited (Canopy Camping Escapes, also referred to as we, our and us) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (Hosts).
1.2 By making a booking through our website (here) (Website), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (Booking Conditions).
1.3 Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host.
1.4 In these terms:
2.1 If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, 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 check-in time, 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 credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.5% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.
2.2 Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process.
2.3 If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. 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 payment has not been received within 24 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.
2.4 If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
3.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time.
3.2 Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
3.3 Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid.
3.4 Force Majeure
You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons:
Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure.
Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.
4.1 Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance
Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time 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 property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest.
(b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property.
(c) A death in the Host family.
(d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason.
In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled.
4.2 Cancellation for breach
Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.
5.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk.
5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk.
5.3 To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during 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.
Hunting or motorcycles are not permitted on the properties.
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.
8.1 Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website.
8.2 You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property:
8.3 You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking.
8.4 You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking.
8.5 You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person.
8.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties.
8.7 The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with.
8.8 The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted.
8.9 You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.
If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken.
If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early.
If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [email protected] with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.
To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise:
Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes.
If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking.
Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.
Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 2 years of purchase. If a booking paid for using a gift voucher is cancelled, any refund will be by way of a gift voucher with the same expiry date as the original gift voucher. Gift vouchers are not refundable or redeemable for cash and cannot be transferred or on-sold.
These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
We may amend these Booking Conditions at any time. Any changes shall apply to bookings made from the date of such changes. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Booking Conditions each time you make a booking.
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.
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.
Kissing Gate was a wonderful experience. Rustic with so much charm, and they have thought of everything that you might need. A wonderfully relaxing place.
"Olivia Martyn - 07 Apr 2025
1 / 12
Loved being among the nature!
"Sanjay Chauhan - 22 Nov 2024
2 / 12
Loved the separate bedroom from the eating area. It had a nice open outlook with great birdlife and friendly sheep. Sitting beneath the large shade tree and soaking up the experience was wonderful.
"Simon Winterbourne - 13 Sep 2024
3 / 12
Great place to stay, so relaxing and very engaging hosts.
"Jackie Redai - 13 Sep 2024
4 / 12
Great place to wind down. Peaceful setting with bird noise. It’s a delightful place to stay.
"Leon - 18 Mar 2024
5 / 12
Very unique and quite an exciting place to stay. The surroundings gave you privacy while enjoying getting away and just chilling. Have told lots of people about the great experience. They loved our photos.
"- 28 Feb 2024
6 / 12
Kissing Gate is such a special place. It's super private, but you have the company of some friendly sheep and plenty of birds! The hosts are very helpful but also very mindful of your privacy. You can totally just stay there and completely relax and embrace the tranquility of the place. But if you want to explore, it's close to lots of interesting places too! Highly recommend.
"Aida T. - 14 Dec 2023
7 / 12
It was a real "escape from it all" location with all the facilities we needed. Beautifully and creatively furnished with some special touches.
"Annabel Smith - 06 Dec 2023
8 / 12
Very rustic and quaint.
"Kevan Stewart - 06 Dec 2023
9 / 12
We had a wonderful stay at Kissing Gate; it truly is a fantastic and special place. We hope we can visit again in the future.
"Laura and Ben - 03 Nov 2023
10 / 12
The ideal setting to reconnect and relax.
"Frank Bantjes - 02 Oct 2023
11 / 12
As a 30th wedding anniversary getaway, it was the perfect spot to spend it. Excellent communication and advice from the hosts. Will most certainly return.
"Mandy Piper - 06 Sep 2023
12 / 12
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.
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