We can only confirm everything everyone else is saying - the Te Puna Wai Lodge is fantastic! We stayed for 3 wonderful nights in March. Great hosts, great food, great accommodations, and STUNNING views! We would higly recommend you book one of the rooms with a direct view to the sea. During our 16 day trip to NZ, the Te Puna Wai Lodge was our favorite spot.

For activities, we would recommend wine tasting in the Nelson area (you can even do this by bike if you're interested). Definitely ask James & Richard for recommendations on dining. If you have a chance, visit the Saturday morning market. And DEFINITELY take the opportunity to go kayaking in Abel Tasman. Check with the tourism office in Nelson's city center for booking information. We did a 2 hour kayak trip followed by a 2 hour hike along the beautiful Coastal Track. Both were fantastic; however, I had so much fun kayking - I think I would have gone for 4 hours on the sea. We had no prior experience - and don't particularly like water that much - but it turned out to be one of our best NZ experiences!

Afterwards - allow time to come back to the B&B, enjoy the amazing sunsets, drink some wine - and simply relax in a place we personally didn't want to leave.

What an amazing house. The feel of the house was great- amazing views and fantasic veranda. The view from our bedroom was incredible- sun shining, blue sea and island directly infront. The hospitality was great too- very helpful, friendly and made to feel very welcome.

What a great town too!

Ruth and Simon Ashworth, Manchester UK

Possibly the best b&b owners on the planet, Richard and James are terrific chefs, well read, verbose, quirky, and do everything in their power to make sure you have a wonderful stay in their equally beautiful home. I loved this place so much I left my passport in their new safe and they had to mail it to me in Christchurch! (gasp). But even amidst that panic, they were graceful and cheery: you leave wanting to be lifelong friends.

If you like B&B's, you'll LOVE this homey place. What can I say that hasn't already been said? The reviews made us very curious to see if it was all hype and we are glad to report; they speak the truth. Richard and James are there for you when you want them and genuinely want to make your stay enjoyable and be as much help as they can. They really know the area's activities and their restaurant recommendations are on the mark.
It's just the perfect lodging to experience Nelson and the surrounding area, a very sweet piece of New Zealand.