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 the beautiful Mapua district, 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 full of cool collectables, as well as two uniquely styled vintage caravans, Ruby and Pearl. Ruby is the bedroom caravan - quaint and charming - offers a step back into an elegant colonial past, complete with super-comfortable queen size bed. Award-winning Pearl is the lounging caravan, like a 1960s Kiwi milk bar, with a booth style table and comfortable seating - a cheerful alternative lounging space to relax after a day exploring the region.
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 will bring the sound of frogs from the newly planted 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 - a highly unique campsite.
As well as Kissing Gate and the lovely Ruby and Pearl, there is Corru Gate, a rural chic 3 bedroom cottage, and Copper Gate, a four bedroom eco-house situated elsewhere on the 7 acre property. Plenty of room for the whole extended family to visit too!
A true one of a kind place to stay, extremely peaceful and a beautifully designed place. Adele and Roger were great hosts and the local area has plenty to see and do in it.
"21 June 2017
Thank you for sharing this wonderful slice of paradise! It was beyond what we hoped for and we had a magical weekend bathing under the stars and roasting marshmallows by the fire. You've created a truly special place and we hope to be back!
"Zoe & Frank - 20 Oct 2017
Kissing Gate is a little garden of Eden, felt like we were in paradise, very private, definitely camping in style, absolutely loved the whole experience...
"Katrina Stopforth - 14 Feb 2018