Nelson-Tasman Getaway

Brent Palmer
Brent Palmer
Published on February 1, 2018

Where can you go if you just need to get away, but not too far away?

We are so spoilt in the Nelson/Tasman region for a getaway.  Not only have we got it made with day to day living, but one can have a weekend getaway within such a short distance, yet feel a million miles away.  Here are a few examples of my favorites with something to tempt everyone.

Kimi Ora:  Tucked away in the bush above the Golden Sands of the Kaiteriteri Beach estuary, Kimi Ora offers an all round experience not only with accommodation but a pool and fitness track.  It also has its own european-style spa centre and vegetarian restaurant.  I’m sure it would be perfect for a girls weekend.  And the room rates include a continental breakfast buffet. What more could you need for a getaway, all within 45 minutes of Richmond?

Lochmara Lodge: Located in Lochmara Bay on the Queen Charlotte Sound, Lochmara Lodge is a Boat or Kayak trip from Picton or a drive to Mistletoe Bay plus 2.5hr walk.  Getting there is all part of the fun.  Once there it has plenty of things to do, including a bath house, underwater observatory, kayaking, petanque, glow worms, and plenty of animals to feed.  Naturally, it has its own restaurant too.  If you can’t get a booking, or want another alternative, then rent a Holiday Home nearby and kayak or walk to Lochmara to still enjoy all it has to offer.

Quinney’s Bush:  True Kiwi Style family camping, it has so much to offer.  With non-powered sites, powered sites, camp easy tents & cabins available you are bound to find something to suit a budget.  But the real show stoppers are the array of activities for kids, from river slides, to confidence courses and flying foxes, to eel feeding, it really is a camp with a difference.  Located in Motupiko it’s only 30 minutes from Richmond, so makes the option of extended stays for the family and the breadwinner commuting a practical option.

Sans Souci:  Want to feel like you’re overseas but on a really small budget?  Well, Sans Souci Inn might be your answer! This delightful eco-friendly building has a real Mediterranean feel, with its own organic restaurant.  It’s only a short stroll from Pohara Beach in Golden Bay, and it’s even child-friendly.  They do one set menu during the summer months, using fresh ingredients sourced locally or from their own garden.

Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts:  So close you could even bike there!  With a variety of options from the holiday home, to apartments, by the room, hut or glamping, you’re bound to find something to suit you.  There are some lovely options for star gazing with your own private or shared outdoor braziers.  Check out their two night stay getaway packages.

Bethany Holiday Park and Camp:  With a variety of options including camping, cabins, motels or group facilities, so many needs are catered for.  It also has playgrounds, bmx track and concrete table tennis so there is plenty to do without even mentioning the array of choice Kaiteriteri beach itself has.  There is also a big slip water slide at the group camp, so if you’re lucky your kids will be entertained for hours!

Nelson Lakes:  It’s often a day trip destination for a ski, to find some snow or for a day walk.  However, it makes for a lovely weekend destination too.  With lodge, backpacker or motel accommodation options, it also has a large variety of holiday homes.  A nice opportunity to sit back, relax, take a few walks and just get back to nature.  Or give the kids their first overnight tramping experience, perhaps a night in Bushline hut or Lakehead hut?

Murchison:  It may not come to the top of mind when you think of holidaying in our region, but actually it’s a real undiscovered gem and the white water capital of New Zealand.  Only 1 & 1/2 hours drive from Richmond it has a huge variety of activities and accommodation to suit every budget.  Check out their pre-prepared itineraries for some ideas to suit your getaway. Rafting is a popular activity and they have some to suit all levels. A visit to the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge is another must see attraction.

Para Para:  A great Golden Bay beach.  It’s so so quiet, yet so convenient.  You’re only 15 minutes from Takaka, a few minutes from Collingwood and last, but definitely not the least – just 5 minutes from the Mussel Inn!  Safe for swimming, and plenty of cockles to collect and birdlife to watch, you can have such a lovely time without going anywhere or paying for any activities.  It doesn’t have any dedicated accommodation providers but there are plenty of holiday home options.  It’s also a dog-friendly beach, so if you can find a holiday home that welcomes pets (there are a few on book-a-bach), your dog will love you for it.

You don’t have to travel far to have a wonderful break or a Nelson-Tasman Getaway, perfect if you are short on time but need to have some relaxation or adventure.


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Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant

About the Author: The above article on Nelson-Tasman Getaways was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.

He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.

Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.

I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman  towns  & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.

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