We arrived into our accommodation Te Koi The Lodge at Bronte late afternoon just as Ali (the host) was winding up her weekly cooking class which she holds there. Te Koi lodge sits on the end of Bronte Point looking out over the Waimea Estuary just a 20 minute drive from the centre of Nelson and it’s a blissful spot. Ali brings a wealth of hospitality experience to the lodge and offers an all round stay experience that will always be remembered. The estuary is tidal so the scenery changes and Geoffrey spent a lot of time looking through the binoculars during sunset and later on at the amazing night sky. For dinner we drove the short distance to Mapua which has a choice of restaurants good. This is another lovely spot and there is a regular ferry service that operates to Rabbit Island.
The next morning after breakfast we hopped back into the rental to explore the local area. We headed along the scenic road toward the start of the Abel Tasman National Park track stopping along the way at Motueka and Kaiteriteri Beach. Kaiteriteri is renowned for it’s turquoise water and golden sand beach and can be hideously crowded in summer but in April it was pretty quiet. From here you can take water taxis up to various points along the Abel Tasman track including a number of luxury lodges. We then took the short windy road up to the start of the Abel Tasman. Geoffrey had walked the track many years ago and would have been keen to walk a couple of hours into it if we’d had the time.
Next stop was Neudorf Vineyard for a short tasting and then to Motuere Hills Vineyard for lunch. Ali (our hostess from the Lodge) had recommended the restaurant there and I admit to some concern whether we’d get a table at the sight of the full carpark. However we were lucky and we ended up having the most splendid 3 course lunch there. It was also incredibly reasonable and it absolutely made the day. Make a note – Forsters Moutere Hills – absolutely devine food! Next stop was the famous Hoglund Art Glass before the return trip via the pretty Ruby Bay.
The following morning we checked out, thanked our lovely hosts and then headed to Nelson for a long lunch before the late afternoon flight back to Auckland.
If you would like more information about this destination please do not hesitate to contact me.
