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!
FROM $185 p/n
Winter Escape
Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.
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 drive way 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...) and in front of you, awaiting your arrival, will be the Settler’s Cottage, plus Pearl and Ruby. Pearl is the 1967 ‘milkbar’ style caravan as your lounge; Ruby is the sumptuous 1964 boudoir caravan. Make yourselves at home!
Check in: 3pm
Check out: 11am
Kissing Gate has two retro caravans (Ruby and Pearl) that make up the sleeping and alternate lounge areas. Pearl is a lounge caravan and Ruby is the 'sleeping' caravan and she sleeps 2-3 adults in a luxurious queen size bed and good-sized single bed. It may be possible to accommodate extra adults upon negotiation with the owners.
100% cotton linen is provided, including towels (guests only need bring beach towels). The bed will be already made upon your arrival.
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. There is a microwave, kettle and toaster, an electric cook-top and electric frying pan for cooking on, and plenty of storage. An under-bench fridge/freezer is provided, and you'll find all the kitchen equipment you need.
The Settlers' Cottage bathroom has a 2-person glass-walled shower. Outside is a 2-person claw-foot bath with hot and cold water. There are hand-basins in the bathroom and in the separate toilet, and hot-water is delivered by gas califont. The toilet in an adjoining room is a pleasant-to-use 'Kakapo' composting toilet.
Yes - Kissing Gate has electricity. Wifi is available on the property.
Yes - Mobile phone reception (Vodafone and Spark) is available on the property as is wifi.
There are electric column heaters in both caravans and an electric blanket and hotties in the bedroom caravan, which also has ceiling insulation, plush carpet and throws, and is toasty warm, even on the coldest winter night. For cooler evenings, outside warmth is provided by a wood-burner in the semi-outdoor Settler's Cottage, a basket of vintage rugs, and an outdoor fireplace with seating.
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 adults and couples only accommodation due to the pond being a potential water hazard for children. Both Corru Gate (3 bedroom cottage) and Copper Gate (4 bedroom eco-savvy house), also on the 7 acres, are children-friendly.
If you're looking for a family friendly glamping site, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes campsites that are super-safe and fun for kids. You can select 'child-friendly' in the search bar to find these sites easily.
Kissing Gate is a strictly 'no dog' campsite (with no exceptions), and is not suitable for horses.
Kissing Gate is close to the quaint little village of Mapua so is one of our less remote glamping sites. However, the campsite itself is privately situated on this 7 acre farmlet, tucked in it's own little spot by the the pond.
The walk from car-park to Pearl and Ruby 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.
Yes - There is a designated outdoor fireplace at Kissing Gate with seating in front.
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.
Single nights can be booked on weeknights (Sun-Thur) with a surcharge of $50. There is a standard two-night minimum stay on all weekends (Fri/Sat).
Kissing Gate has a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights for weekends all year round. Single night stays can be booked during the week (Sun-Thurs) in the period 1 May to 16 December with a $50 Single Night Surcharge that can be added on during the booking process.
From 17 December to 30 April the minimum stay period is 2 nights Mon to Sun inclusive.
The minimum stay period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend etc is 3 nights. The minimum stay period for Easter is 4 nights.
Where there is a single night gap between bookings, it may be possible to book that single night with a surcharge of $50. If you are interested in this option, please email us with your date request.
Shoulder season (16 September - 16 December) - $205 per couple, per night
Peak season (17 December - 30 April) - $245 per couple, per night
Off-peak season (1 May - 15 September) - $185 per couple, per night
Kissing Gate can accommodate an additional two adults if required. The rate is $50 per each extra adult, per night. Extra people are subject to negotiation with the owners so let us know if you're interested in the option.
Single Night stays can be booked on week nights at some times of the year (see minimum nights section) with a Single night surcharge of $50.
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 A deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit card at the time of booking. A 2.75% credit card payment surcharge will be applied to this payment.
1.2 On receipt of the deposit, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.
1.3 The remaining balance will be due 4 weeks in advance of your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you 3 days prior to this date, where an outstanding balance remains. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by internet banking or, if your internet banking payment has not been received within 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit card used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.75% credit card payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit card. Credit card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.
1.4 Bookings made within 4 weeks in advance of your arrival date will be charged the full balance at the time of booking (this may be processed in two payments).
1.5 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
1.6 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 2.75% credit card fee).
2.1 Some campsites may have limitations due to weather. If severe weather is forecast we will call you as soon as possible prior to your scheduled arrival date to advise you and cancel your booking. You can choose whether to defer your holiday to a later date subject to availability or receive a full refund.
2.2 Your 10% deposit is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 3 weeks prior to your arrival.
2.3 Cancellation by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
3.1 Campsites are 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.
3.2 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.
3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.
No pets allowed. Campsites are often situated on working farms, and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.
GST of 15% (where applicable) is included in the daily per night cost. A GST invoice will be supplied if requested.
6.1 The Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.
6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the tent.
6.3 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.
6.4 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, repair or extra cleaning costs where reasonably demanded by the owners for damage caused by the guests.
6.5 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
6.6 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 consulation 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 pipfruit 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 savouring 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, 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 at 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
Really enjoyed the bath and living area, loved the privacy and close proximity to great cafes in Mapua and the swimming at Mapua.
"16 February 2019
Kissing Gate is a delight. It’s like a whole other world once you step behind that gate. I was in awe at the extra amenities, the space, the comfort of the beds and just the general attention to detail. I would definitely recommend this space to others.
"8 February 2019
This is a beautiful, welcoming and relaxing place. Loved it.
"19 December 2019
We can't believe the level of care and creativity that went into Kissing Gate - truly an amazing experience. If you have the opportunity to stay here you must.
"11 October 2019