Is Atatū a private lodge or boutique accommodation?

Atatū is best described as a private lodge experience rather than a conventional hotel. Guests stay in a beautifully designed home set within a large rural property, enjoying the privacy, views and atmosphere of a countryside retreat. There are two ways to experience Atatū. For lodge stays, your hosts Gerald and Basia live in the home and welcome guests as they would friends visiting from abroad. Breakfast is included each morning. Alternatively, the entire house can be booked exclusively — popular with families or small groups — and functions as a fully private retreat with optional services such as housekeeping, provisioning and meal preparation.

How many guests can stay at Atatū?

For lodge stays, two guest suites with private ensuites are available, along with a twin room. When booked as an entire house retreat, Atatū comfortably accommodates up to eight guests across four bedrooms.

Does Atatū have a heated pool and sauna?

Yes. The property features a heated swimming pool and spa pool, as well as a sauna available by arrangement. Many guests enjoy swimming during the warmer months or relaxing in the spa and sauna after a day exploring the national parks, vineyards and beaches of the Nelson-Tasman region.

Can Atatū be booked as an exclusive retreat?

Yes. Many guests choose to book the entire property exclusively, allowing them to enjoy the house, pool, terraces and surrounding landscape in complete privacy. This is particularly popular for small gatherings, celebrations or executive retreats where privacy and atmosphere are important.

How far is Atatū from Nelson Airport?

Atatū is approximately 30 minutes' drive from Nelson Airport. Most guests hire a car at the airport so they can explore the surrounding wineries, beaches and national parks during their stay.

How close is Atatū to Abel Tasman National Park?

Atatū is about 40 minutes' drive from the main access points of Abel Tasman National Park. The park is close enough for a very rewarding day trip. A popular option is to take a water taxi into the park, walk a scenic section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and either walk out or be collected later in the day by boat.

Do you need a car when staying at Atatū?

Yes. Because Atatū is located in the countryside, having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore the region. Most guests are either on a self-drive itinerary or hire a car from Nelson Airport. Distances are short — vineyards, beaches, galleries and markets are all within a comfortable drive.

Can you visit Abel Tasman National Park on a day trip?

Yes — many guests do exactly that. There are several ways to explore Abel Tasman, including walking, kayaking, boat tours, or a combination of all three. A popular option is to take a water taxi into the park, walk a scenic section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and either walk out or be collected later in the day by boat.

Where can you go wine tasting near Atatū?

Some of New Zealand's most respected boutique wineries are located just minutes from Atatū. Neudorf Vineyards, internationally recognised for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is a short drive away. Other nearby cellar doors include Flaxmore, Moutere Hills, Seifried and Gravity Vineyard.

What outdoor activities are available in the Nelson-Tasman region?

Visitors can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and swimming in both rivers and the sea. Abel Tasman National Park offers coastal walking and kayaking, while Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks provide alpine landscapes and backcountry adventures.

What national parks are near Atatū?

Three major national parks are within easy reach. Abel Tasman National Park is known for its beaches and coastal walking tracks. Nelson Lakes National Park offers alpine scenery and beautiful lakes. Kahurangi National Park, one of New Zealand's largest, contains extensive wilderness areas, limestone formations and remote hiking routes.

What makes Atatū an eco-conscious retreat?

Atatū has a large solar power system and is fully self-sufficient for water, with rainwater collected and carefully treated for use throughout the home and property. The surrounding land is being actively restored with native planting, pest trapping and soil regeneration to support bird life and biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

Book your stay

Lodge & Accommodation

Atatū is best described as a private lodge experience rather than a conventional hotel.
Guests stay in a beautifully designed home set within a large rural property, enjoying the privacy, views and atmosphere of a countryside retreat.
The experience combines the comfort of a luxury home with the personalised hospitality of a boutique lodge.
There are two ways to experience Atatū.
For lodge stays, your hosts Gerald and Basia live in the home and welcome guests as they would friends visiting from abroad. Breakfast is included each morning, and we are always happy to help guests plan their time in the region or arrange dinner on request. Most guests book in for a two or three course lodge dinner.
Alternatively, the entire house can be booked exclusively. This option is popular with families or small groups travelling together. When booked this way, the home functions as a fully private retreat, with optional services such as housekeeping, provisioning and meal preparation available if desired.
Atatū can be experienced in two ways: as a hosted lodge stay or as an exclusive whole-house retreat.
For lodge stays, two guest suites with private ensuites are available, along with a twin room that can be used for children (age 10 and older) or for guests who prefer separate beds.
During lodge stays, your hosts Gerald and Basia live in the home and welcome guests much as they would friends visiting from abroad.
Breakfast is included each morning, and we are always happy to help guests plan their time in the region or arrange dinner on request.
When booked as an entire house retreat, Atatū comfortably accommodates up to eight guests across four bedrooms. Children of any age are welcome for entire house bookings.
The home includes generous living spaces, terraces and outdoor areas, making it ideal for couples travelling together, families or small groups of friends who want to share time together while still enjoying space and privacy.
Yes.
The property features a heated swimming pool and spa pool, as well as a sauna available by arrangement.
Many guests enjoy swimming during the warmer months or relaxing in the spa and sauna after a day exploring the national parks, vineyards and beaches of the Nelson Tasman region.
For some guests, the day begins with light yoga, followed by a sauna and a refreshing dip in the pool before breakfast. It’s a peaceful way to ease into the day before heading out to explore the many coastal and mountain outdoor adventures, wineries, restaurants and galleries nearby.
Yes.
Atatū can be enjoyed in two ways, making it well suited to both couples and small groups.
For lodge stays, couples often book one of the guest suites and enjoy the relaxed, hosted experience, with breakfast included and the opportunity to share dinner or conversation with your hosts.
For those travelling with friends or family, the entire house can be booked exclusively, accommodating up to eight guests across four bedrooms. The generous living areas, terraces, pool and gardens make it easy to spend time together while still having plenty of space to relax.
Atatū is a peaceful retreat designed for rest and reconnection. We warmly welcome children aged 10 and over for Lodge stays, or children of any age when the entire house is booked.
Yes.
Many guests choose to book the entire property exclusively, allowing them to enjoy the house, pool, terraces and surrounding landscape in complete privacy.
This is particularly popular for small gatherings, celebrations or executive retreats where privacy and atmosphere are important.
Unlike a traditional hotel, Atatū offers the experience of staying in a private home set within a large rural landscape.
Guests enjoy sweeping views, gardens, terraces and the rhythm of the countryside while still being close to wineries, beaches and national parks.
The atmosphere is relaxed, personal and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

Location & Travel

Our address is
680 Neudorf Road
Upper Moutere
Nelson Tasman
New Zealand
Atatū is located in the hills of Upper Moutere, one of the most beautiful rural areas of the Nelson Tasman region at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.
The property sits along Neudorf Road, an area known for its artisan food producers, vineyards and artists’ studios.
From Atatū you enjoy sweeping views across Tasman Bay while being within easy reach of the coast, national parks and the vibrant towns of Nelson, Mapua and Motueka.
It’s a peaceful rural setting that remains remarkably central to many of the region’s highlights
Atatū is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from Nelson Airport.
The drive takes you through the coastal plains and vineyards of the Tasman region, before climbing gently into the Moutere Hills.
Most guests hire a car at the airport so they can explore the surrounding wineries, beaches and national parks during their stay.
The short travel time makes Atatū an ideal base for visitors wanting the privacy of a rural retreat without being far from Nelson city and its airport connections.
We are centrally located in the Nelson Tasman region, close to local vineyards, national parks, coastal trails, and hidden gems in the area.
On The Area page, you’ll find curated suggestions and local experiences.
Yes.
Upper Moutere is one of the best locations in the region for visitors wanting both scenery and access.
From here you can easily reach Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Mapua Wharf, Motueka and the many vineyards of the Moutere wine region.
The area itself is also worth exploring, with quiet country roads, artists’ studios, cellar doors and artisan food producers scattered through the hills.
Staying here allows you to enjoy the region during the day and return to a quiet, elevated setting in the evening.
Your hosts, Gerald and Basia, can provide insight and ideas for your itinerary based on their deep local knowledge.
Atatū is about 40 minutes’ drive from the main access points of Abel Tasman National Park.
The park is close enough for a very rewarding day trip. There are several ways to explore Abel Tasman, including walking, kayaking, boat tours, or a combination of all three.
A popular option is to take a water taxi into the park, walk a scenic section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and either walk out or be collected later in the day by boat. This allows you to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the park without committing to a multi-day hike.
Neudorf Road has quietly become one of the artisan food and wine centres of the Nelson region and is home to many of the members of the Moutere Artisans Community .
Within a few kilometres of Atatū you’ll find internationally recognised wineries, olive groves, artists’ studios, and small producers creating everything from cheeses and cider to pottery and fine art.
The landscape itself is part of the appeal - rolling hills, orchards and vineyards with views across Tasman Bay.
It’s a place where food, craft and landscape come together in a distinctly local way.
Yes.
Because Atatū is located in the countryside, having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore the region.
Most guests are either on a self-drive itinerary, or hire a car from Nelson Airport.
Distances are short - vineyards, beaches, galleries and markets are all within a comfortable drive - but the rural setting means there is little public transport.
Having a car allows you to explore at your own pace and discover many of the hidden corners of the Moutere and Tasman regions.

Experiences & Activities

There are wonderful walks within easy reach of Atatū.
Short local options include exploring our beautiful property, or native forest tracks such as Beuke’s Bush, while further afield the region opens up into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Abel Tasman National Park offers coastal walks with golden beaches, while Nelson Lakes National Park provides alpine scenery and lakeside tracks.
Kahurangi National Park is New Zealand’s second-largest national park and is known for its diverse ecosystems, from alpine tops to West Coast rainforest, as well as iconic tracks such as the Heaphy.
Many guests combine short local walks with a full day exploring one of the nearby national parks.
Yes - many guests do exactly that.
The park is close enough for a very rewarding day trip.
There are several ways to explore Abel Tasman, including walking, kayaking, boat tours, or a combination of all three.
A popular option is to take a water taxi into the park, walk a scenic section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and either walk out or be collected later in the day by boat. This allows you to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the park without committing to a multi-day hike.
Some of New Zealand’s most respected boutique wineries are located just minutes from Atatū.
Neudorf Vineyards, internationally recognised for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is a short drive away.
Other nearby cellar doors include Flaxmore, Moutere Hills, Seifried, and Gravity Vineyard.
Many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon visiting a few vineyards before returning to Atatū to watch the sunset over Tasman Bay.
Several of the vineyards also have restaurants or picnic options for those wanting to incorporate lunch into their visit.
Gerald and Basia are happy to suggest itineraries and advise on current cellar door hours, as some vineyards and restaurants operate seasonally.
The region is known for its variety of outdoor experiences.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, sailing, fishing and swimming in both rivers and the sea.
Abel Tasman National Park offers coastal walking and kayaking, while Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks provide more alpine landscapes and backcountry adventures.
The combination of mountains, coastline and sunshine makes the region one of New Zealand’s most active outdoor destinations.
The rivers of the Nelson and Motueka region are well known for brown trout fly fishing.
The Motueka River system, including rivers such as the Motueka, Baton, Wangapeka, and Motupiko, is particularly noted for its healthy trout populations and varied fishing water.
Both experienced anglers and beginners can enjoy the area, with local guides available to introduce visitors to some of the region’s most beautiful rivers and streams.
Gerald is a keen fly fisherman and is happy to share local and seasonal fishing tips with guests.
Three major national parks are within easy reach.
Abel Tasman National Park is known for its beaches and coastal walking tracks.
Nelson Lakes National Park offers alpine scenery and beautiful lakes such as Rotoiti and Rotoroa.
Kahurangi National Park, one of New Zealand’s largest, contains extensive wilderness areas, limestone formations and remote hiking routes.
Together they provide an extraordinary range of landscapes within a relatively short distance.
Yes.
The Tasman Great Taste Trail, a well-known cycling route, passes through the region and is easily accessed from Upper Moutere.
The trail links Nelson, Mapua, Motueka and Kaiteriteri, passing vineyards, orchards, breweries and coastal scenery along the way.
Many guests choose to cycle a section of the trail during their stay, often combining it with winery visits or lunch stops along the route.

Food, Wine & Local Produce

Food is an important part of the experience at Atatū.
Many ingredients come from the surrounding region - local farms, orchards, vineyards and the nearby sea.
Lodge guests often enjoy relaxed dinners featuring seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, local wines and ingredients grown on the property itself. The style of cooking reflects a globally influenced kitchen rooted in local flavours.
Your hosts, Basia and Gerald, spent many years living and working in Asia and Europe and have developed a deep appreciation for diverse food cultures.
Their approach to cooking combines international influences with the exceptional produce of the Nelson Tasman region, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared simply and thoughtfully.
Yes.
The Moutere Hills and surrounding valleys are home to some of New Zealand’s most respected boutique wineries.
Neudorf Vineyards is particularly well known internationally, while other nearby producers offer excellent tastings in beautiful vineyard settings. The region is known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines.
The Nelson Tasman region has a vibrant artisan food culture. Visitors can explore farm shops, farmers’ markets, specialty food stores and small producers throughout the area.
Places such as Old Factory Corner, local markets and village shops offer everything from fresh produce and cheeses to breads, preserves and locally roasted coffee.
Atatū is located on Neudorf Road, in the heart of the Upper Moutere artisan food and wine district.
Many nearby producers are part of the Moutere Artisans Collective, a community of local makers known for fine food, wine, art and craft.
Guests can easily visit nearby vineyards, olive groves, studios and food producers while exploring the rolling countryside surrounding the property.
Yes.
Depending on the season and guest interests, we can often help arrange local experiences such as vineyard visits, artisan food tastings, private chefs or guided food tours.
The region has a remarkable number of small producers, making it a wonderful destination for travellers interested in food and wine.

Sustainability & Land

Atatū sits within a landscape that is gradually being restored and regenerated. Native planting, soil restoration and thoughtful land management help support bird life, biodiversity and the long-term health of the land.
The property operates with a strong awareness of environmental stewardship. Atatū has a large solar power system and is fully self-sufficient for water, with rainwater collected and carefully treated for use throughout the home and property.
More broadly, our aim is to nurture the land and leave it healthier and richer over time – restoring native plantings, encouraging biodiversity and managing the landscape in ways that support both wildlife and the people who spend time here.
The surrounding land is managed to encourage native plants and birds. Areas of the property are being replanted with native species, while pest trapping helps protect vulnerable bird populations. Guests often see tūī, fantails and other native birds, in our gardens and surrounding bush.
The property includes a range of trees and plantings that contribute to the kitchen - including olives, fruit trees and pine nuts.
Seasonal produce from the gardens and orchard often finds its way onto the table, reflecting the connection between the landscape and the food served to guests.
The goal is simple: to leave the land healthier and richer over time. That means regenerating native gullies, planting species suited to the landscape and managing invasive weeds and animal pests. These efforts help restore ecological balance while also supporting the broader vision of a living landscape that produces food and supports wildlife.