Te Puna Wai Lodge Nelson

Te Puna wai Delight

Te Puna Wai Lodge, Nelson New Zealand.

16 March 2006

We only had one day and a night with Richard and James

but we wish we could have re arranged our itinerary to

extend the stay. From the moment we arrived to the minute we left the service was a perfect blend of friendliness and helpfullness withiout being intrusive. The room was impeccable, the attention to detail delightful, the view quite astounding ( it was a beautiful day ) and the bathroom refreshingly contemporary yet blending superbly with this period house.

The whole experience was an aesthetic delight.

We travel a lot and have never before enjoyed such a unique environment where the line between commercial accommodation and "staying with friends" has been so successfully blurred.

Best B&B we've ever stayed at

My husband and I stayed at Te Puna Wai Lodge for two nights in late December 2005. I wish we had planned to stay longer. We are picky about accommodation but found few faults with Te Puna Wai. We were wowed from the first impression, when we discovered the grand house, gorgeous lawn and garden and the stunning view. We stayed in the Wakatu Room. Even though it's the smallest of the 3 rooms, it is comfortable and well-appointed. The bathroom was luxurious and done in marble and native timbers. The bed was comfortable, firm without being too hard. The room has no direct view of the bay or garden, but we found it hardly mattered. Guests have full access to the house, including a comfy and eclectic lounge with huge windows and a veranda spanning the width of the second floor, where we enjoyed relaxing in the hammock and taking in the amazing view with a bottle of complementary wine. The other guests seemed to lounge in the sitting areas or verandas of their rooms, so we felt like we had the place to ourselves. I hardly wanted to leave it to explore the town or Abel Tasman National Park.

We had opportunity to see the Fifeshire Suite and Haulashore Apartment thanks to fellow guests and found those two "rooms" very impressive. The Haulashore has a full kitchen and even a washing machine. We plan to return with my parents and book the whole ground floor. The Fifeshire seemed like it would be great for families traveling with children.

James and Richard, the hosts, are what really made Te Puna Wai stand out in our minds. Their hospitality was limitless. We were greeted with a vase of fresh roses, there's free wireless internet access and a computer that guests can use, they went out of their way to give us advice on activities and restaurants (even lent us beach towels, park maps and offered day packs), and served a brilliant gourmet breakfast. We felt sad leaving them and Te Puna Wai when it was time to check out.

The only caution we can offer is that because it's an old house, it's not exactly soundproof. I'm a light sleeper and could hear the clock in the lounge chiming the hours during the night. If you are a light sleeper, bring some earplugs. That said, however, it was much less noisy than we expected.

If you are looking for just a place to sleep and use as a base for exploring Abel Tasman, you might want to choose another hotel. Te Puna Wai is perfect if you are not in a hurry and enjoy savoring the view and conversation as much as taking in the attractions. It was the most expensive place we stayed on our two-week holiday, but it was totally worth it.

Wonderful home with a terrific view

James and Richard are terrific hosts. The guest rooms are impeccable. I only wish we hadn't been darting around NZ so much that we didn't have more time to enjoy breakfast the second morning we were there.

One of Best Places I've Ever Stayed

One of the best places I have ever stayed. The view was amazing and I'm still thinking about the breakfast I had there.

Home away from home

The best thing about staying at Te Puna Wai is that the hosts Richard and James make you feel right at home. The view is beautiful and the rooms are great, especially the suite on the top floor. Richard's scrambled eggs are also to die for.

Holiday Paradise

This is an exceptional place to stay! Not only is the house itself absolutely gorgeous but the reception we got from the owners Richard & James was far beyond anything i've ever experienced before. From the moment we arrived it felt as if we had known them for years & nothing was too much trouble for them to make our stay that little bit extra special. Nelson itself is a fabulous place, but staying with Richard & James it was sometimes difficult to tear yourself away from the laid back, relaxed atmosphere they have created at Te Puna Wai Lodge. Sitting on the balcony overlooking Nelson Beach with a glass of champagne in one hand & the relaxing music from their extensive & widely varied musical repertoire playing in my ears is one of the highlights of any holiday i've had. If you then consider what a beautiful country New Zealand is, you can imagine what a special place this must be to stay. Thank you Richard & James for a fantastic time & I know I will be coming back for as long as I keep returning to New Zealand.

The Best B&B we have stayed in !

Te Puna Wai is the most outstanding B & B we have stayed in.

Firstly, the views from all the guest

rooms are stunning; the property is elevated on a hillside looking out to sea

with mountains beyond.Secondly, all

the rooms are tastefully decorated

with antiques and interesting momentos.

Thirdly, James' and Richard's genuine

hospitality and friendliness made us

feel instantly at home. Fourthly,

their delicious breakfasts in the

dining room which also has a great

view out to sea, were

memorable.

Spectacular house, even nicer hosts

We were recommended this place from friends, and they were exactly right. It is spectacular. The house, the decorations, the breakfast and the view are all superlative.

James are Richard are both fantastic hosts and make the cherry on the top of the whole experience.

Highly recommended.

Beauty and Joy

The house is exquisite with views that are breathtaking and added to this are hosts who bring passion and joy. We were trying hard to find a way to stay longer and know that we will return very soon. Bravo.

The best place we stayed in New Zealand

This place is a must if you are in Nelson. It's a beautiful house with stunning views. The accommodation is first rate. The breakfasts are delicious. But most of all the hosts Richard and James are as welcoming and helpful as you could wish them to be. Whether it was restaurant recommendations, tips on visiting nearby attractions or offering to do our laundry, they were on hand. This was easily the best standard and best value accommodation we stayed in in New Zealand and we would certainly stay there again. There is lots to do in Nelson and it's a great base to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. Highly, highly recommended.