I will be staying in Kateirei for two days and I need another place to stay for three days near Mapua or Motueka in early February. If you know another region that is nice please let me know. We are interested in hiking, beaches, wine, art,kayaking and good food.

I have had difficulty finding available accommodations for early Feb.

The only places that I have emailed so far that have availability are the following.

Please let me know if you have any knowledge of these accommodations. This is our honeymoon so I don't want to blow it.

Lakeside Lodge:

http://www.lakeside-lodge.co.nz/luxurylodge.htm

Avocado Adventure:

http://www.avocadoadventures.co.nz/

Komako

http://www.komako.co.nz/

Coastal Palms Luxury Apartment

http://www.coastalpalms.co.nz/abel.html

Does anyone have any advice on these accommodations and locations.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Laura -

I assume the places I mentioned in your earlier thread are booked (including the villa in Mapua)?

I'm not personally familiar with the accommodation you've listed, but from a location standpoint, the first two appear to be located very near Nelson, the third one is in Mapua and the last one is in Motueka.

Of these four, the closest to Kaiteriteri is the apartment in Motueka (the last link) - probably a 20 minute drive or so and the furthest are those in Nelson.

They all look nice, but since you're already spending two nights in Kaiteriteri, suggest you select one of the places near Nelson or the place in Mapua to give you a different perspective of the area.

You have been so amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I did check on the places you suggested and they do not have availability. They all looked great. The Bay of Many Coves resort does look great but it is a little bit above our budget. We want to save money so we can do all the activities and eat in nice restaurants.

I am still searching for the perfect place to stay but I really want to knock it out today.

Thanks again!

Thanks again

Glad to help.

I have another accommodation that looks great and I think it is in the right location.

http://www.casapacifica.co.nz/accommodation/

What do you think?

Now you're just torturing me. What a wonderful looking place! The website indicates that it overlooks the Mapua estuary, so I'm guessing it's somewhere between Mapua and Nelson, but not right in town, perhaps near Ruby Bay (?). Looks good to me.

I'm taking notes for my next trip...

Laura -

I found the following description of Casa Pacificia on another site, so it sounds like a perfect location:

"We are in a place called Silkwood. It is set on 25 acres of mass plantings of native bush, ponds, walkways, to attract native birdlife. 2 minutes drive to Mapua where there are lots of galleries,restaurants and shops. 20 minutes to Nelson one way and 20 minutes the other to the Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its pristine clear and clean waters, suitable for hiking, kayaking, diving.Also surrounded by lots of vineyards and top wineries. One and half hours away is Marlborough, a wine lovers paradise, while in the other direction one and half hours drive are the first skifields."

Here's some info on Mapua:

http://www.mapuaadventures.co.nz/mapua.htm

You rock!

Sorry about torturing you!

I will definitely send you a full report of our travels when we get back.

I think I am going to go with the Casa. I have another question for you. Is it worth it to stay there two days and spend another day at Te Mahia Bay Resort http://www.temahia.co.nz/or the www.lochmaralodge.co.nz in Marlborough sound before we head to Kaikoura?
Or should we just stay put at Casa for 3 days. Someone told me that the Marlbourough sound area was nice but I wasn't sure if it is worth it for just one day.

Perplexed?! Normally I wouldn't be so crazy about planning but this is a belated honeymoon. I've traveled many places and I usually don't have much of a plan so this is stepping out of the box for me.

MANY THANKS!

Personally, I'd stay put. There's PLENTY to keep you busy in the area and switching accommodation for just one night is more trouble than it's worth IMO. Why not detour to Picton on your way to Kaikoura and take a mail boat into the Sounds to get a wee taste, or perhaps just stop to check out the waterfront? If you opt for the mail boat, suggest you check departure times in advance.

There's a nice little cheese shop near Blenheim (Karamiko) that might interest you - good smoked cheddar - you'll be needing some cheese to go with all the wine you'll collect during your winery visits in the Nelson area.

If you have time, you might also want to stop at the Mud House Wine Company in Blenheim. It's right next door to Prenzel's, makers of liqueurs, schnapps and olive oil - try the Rigid Richard at Prenzel's.

For a nice dinner out, I highly recommend Flax on the Mapua Wharf (you'll need to book). We've had some very good food there.

I'm going to hold you to that trip report.

Have fun!