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 $295

Children aged 12+ only

  • Sleeps 4

Directions

Kissing Gate

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WHAT ARE THE BED AND BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS?

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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. 

    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.

Testimonials

  • "

    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

    1 / 12

  • "

    Great place to stay, so relaxing and very engaging hosts.

    "

    Jackie Redai - 13 Sep 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Great place to wind down. Peaceful setting with bird noise. It’s a delightful place to stay.

    "

    - 18 Mar 2024

    3 / 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

    4 / 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.

    "

    - 14 Dec 2023

    5 / 12

  • "

    Very rustic and quaint.

    "

    - 06 Dec 2023

    6 / 12

  • "

    It was a real "escape from it all" location with all the facilities we needed. Beautifully and creatively furnished with some special touches.

    "

    - 06 Dec 2023

    7 / 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.

    "

    - 03 Nov 2023

    8 / 12

  • "

    The ideal setting to reconnect and relax.

    "

    - 02 Oct 2023

    9 / 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.

    "

    - 06 Sep 2023

    10 / 12

  • "

    Thanks for the amazing communication and beautiful location with great ambience. Highly recommended.

    "

    - 03 Jul 2023

    11 / 12

  • "

    A very unique piece of paradise, loved every single moment of it. The beautiful sunrise and the views and the cold and the warmth from the fireplace. The whole place was a vibe. Definitely going back there again. A warm thanks to our hosts Roger and Adele who made the stay very easy for us.

    "

    - 06 Jun 2023

    12 / 12

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