Now that we are happily at level 1 inside NZ you might be looking to explore. We have cut our long stay (7+ nights) prices on already low off peak rates ($149 Blue, $169 Orange) by 35 % for the rest of this winter (up to Sept 1) . If you aren’t able to stay as long as 7+ nights we do take an additional 10% off for 4+ night stays. For discounts during the Spring time please send us an email
We may extend this offer so keep in touch or send us an enquiry. Explore prices and availability here .
Summer is definitely the time for fresh fruits in Tasman Nelson region. I’m a real fan of peaches nectaraines apricots pineapple strawberries blueberries…all cut up and combined into a fruit salad.
But …where do you find the best and freshest fruit salads? Over the years I have frequented Lowes orchard in Brightwater, but they have unfortunately have had to close their orchard shop (too much theft). They do however sell at the two Nelson markets, one on wednesday 8-30 to 1-30 and the big and busy guy on Saturday. You can find more details here on whats on Nelson
I also often drop in to The Big Berry on McShanes road – these guys make the best fresh fruit ice cream and usually have a superb selection of fresh berries- also pick your own.
But…I need to develop this resource. For example over the last few weeks we have been buying local botsenberries in a small honesty box fridge on Mapua drive. Absolutley delicious. But what about blueberries? Cherries are a bit over now, at least at Ruby Bay cherries. Apples? Stone fruits?
Many guests find our web site after first searching for “accommodation” or “holiday stay” in Mapua or Tasman – either via a search engine like Google or through one of the larger booking accommodation sites: AirBnB, Homeaway, Booking.com, etc.
You may or may not be aware that these sites typically charge service fee commissions between 8% to 10% to you, the guest, and between 5%-15% for us the host. On a 3 night booking worth around $600 those commission fees will be around $50- $60 from you and between $30-$90 for us. For longer stays those commissions increase proportionately
You (and we) can avoid those commissions if you book directly with us. Our Little Hotelier payment gateway is secure and the booking experience is easy to navigate and use from a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop . not quite “1-click” but not more than 2 or 3!!
Note – the major online booking sites provide an excellent service in helping smaller accommodation providers like us to be discovered on the wordl wdie Web . To a limited extent they also provide a form of “insurance” to you as first time buyers of unknown accommodation providers: eg by screening hosts and enabling user ratings. I definitely don’t begrudge paying for that service as it allows me to signal my high quality . At least Air BNB and Homeaway “split” their service fees between hosts and guests. Booking.com and Expedia don’t – they expect hosts to fully absorb their 15% service fee charges. I question the extent (or lack) of competition in price levels and fee structures for those services. 15%-18% gross commission applied to gross dollar value is a lot, for travellers and for small providers like ourselves, and completely unrelated to the limited “quality” protections being provided. So…we offer you a cheaper book direct alternative. Please give it a try.
Who are these guys? Moutere Artisans?
Check out their website – they make glorious wine, stunning sheep cheese and olive oils. They grow gourmet mushrooms and strawberries and make traditional cider from real cider apples. Local conserves are made and bottled in the village using plums, blackberries and boysenberries. It is home to leading ceramic artists, sculptors and wood workers. The Moutere Inn is the oldest pub in New Zealand and pours 13 artisan beers.
These people are the Moutere Artisans and they invite you to explore their very special village. Check out their website:
Lynne and I walked down to the Mapua Wharf the night before New Years eve last year . The weather was perfect, and the Wharf was buzzing on this ideal summer’s evening. Here’s a short video clip to celebrate the magic that night.
ps: Thanks to the TDC management and all the businesses on the Wharf – you all should be VERY pleased, and proud. Thank you for creating such an amazing ambience for such a great variety of people.