“Beautiful cottage, magic location” We had a fabulous stay at Karaka Cottage. The cottage is lovely - it has everything you could need and is beautifully furnished - a very stylish 'kiwi bach'. The location on the estuary at Mapua is stunning too - totally tranquil, but still close enough to everything (a couple of minutes to the wharf at Mapua, which has some good places to eat) and about a 20 minute drive back to Nelson. It's also on the way to abel Tasman of course - but we were just in the mood to relax, so were quite happy just to enjoy the cottage surrounds. The outside bath was amazing, with just the sound of the many estuary birds for company in the evening. Just perfect! And in the morning, the sun streamed in from across the water - which was gorgeous on a late winter morning. (the cottage is very warm in the winter too - has a great wood burner). Thanks so much - we'll definitely be back!

“What magnificient days - What a breathtakig view - What a superb” We have truly enjoyed our four-day trip to Kina Beach. We were staying right in the main building of the sprawling luxury estate. The morning swim in the beautifully designed 25 m pool - overlooking the gorgeous Kina Beach gave our days a very special beginning. The breakfasts on the spacious terrace with view on the magnificent vineyards and the incomparable sight on the sea, made it difficult for us to break up in order not to linger longer. The excursions in the area are varied and wide-ranging; it would be an unforgivable sin, to be there and have not explored, the outstanding abel Tasman National Park with all its natural treasures and its superb impressiveness. A hang glider flight over Kina Beach was simply breath-taking and unforgettable. The trip to the most northern point of the South Island to Farewell Split with silent walks on the lengthy stretched beach plus resting on the sand dunes was healing balm for our souls. The crowning end of our perfect days was the jointly prepared dinner in the luxury kitchen of the property and of course the comfortably relaxing bath in the well-tempered indoor whirlpool. A holiday location where "nothing is must but anything is possible". From golfing on the idyllic 9-hole course - only a two minutes' drive or kayaking in the beautiful Kina Bay, shopping at the nearby Nelson to unforgettable excursions to abel Tasman- everything was just fantastic, but the next time we will stay longer to admire the wonderful nature, and the unique ambience of the estate more extensive. Andreas & Barbara

“Waking and looking down through the sun-tipped flax” We were lucky to find the Mapua cottage, perched on top of the Mahana ridge, successfully hidden by maturing native bush. Kenneth and Vivy welcomed us, though we arrived late, with a fire in the pot belly, bread and coffee set for breakfast. We were woken by Ken calling a young doe up to the fence to get her breakfast, and the glorious Nelson sunshine forced us out of bed. I thoroughly recommend the Mapua Cottage as a haven for travellers and only wish we could have prolonged our stay.

“Fantastic place with a fantastic view” Such a nice apartment, designed with a lot of heart, a place to calm down, relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Close to the beach as well as the city and still a quiete place. We really appriciated the mix of a self contained stay and still providing all the nice food. Lovely hosts!

“A Fabulous Place” On arrival we received the warmest of greetings from our fabulous host Jenny and Graham, who then left us in luxurious peace, only to reappear again to offer full and warm assistance on departure. The accommodation was faultless. Jenny's thoughtful touches though out the apartment immediately put us into holiday mood, and we wanted for nothing. Our only concern was the steepness of the access to the apartment, and no off street parking.

“Beautiful house in fabulous location” After a long day travelling through bad weather to reach Kaiteriteri, we were greeted by the warmest of welcomes from Sheila, and immediately felt right at home. When we saw Bay Vista we felt that we never wanted to leave (and did actually extend our stay). Bay Vista is a lovely, comfortable house. It is extremely well equipped, and every detail has been thought of. It has great views and is in a perfect location for exploring abel Tasman park, and all the beauty of the surrounding area. We had very good weather once we'd arrived, and had a wonderful time swimming, walking and relaxing in this lovely part of New Zealand. Thanks Sheila and Bill for a great stay, we want to come back and stay even longer next time.

“wonderful” we spent 9 days there and we loved every day - even the 2 it was pouring. (so we could light the fireplace!) it is a very cozy little cottage, totally private, very clean, perfectly equipped (esp. the kitchen), great beds to sleep well, we loved the retro interior and the views from all windows - even the toilet one ;) we stayed there with a 1 year old and she liked it just like us. the location is excellent because it's right by the water, which is coming and going twice a day ;-), very close to nice little mapua, also close to motueka (e.g. big supermarkets) and also abel tasman ntl. park, beaches etc. nelson is also not too far. the owner was very helpful and friendly and we'd definitely come more often ... if we didn't live on the other side of the globe.

“Perfect villa” I stayed 7 nights. The views are magnificent, the villa is spotless and modern and nothing was too much trouble for Nicola when I needed something. The villa is 5 minutes by car away from the town in the hills and it is the best location to be in nelson.It is a good base to go across the coast and perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.