Environmental award-winning Lodge set in 50 acres of wilderness alive with native birdsong. 

Arrive at The Resurgence.  Explore the 50-acre property with 3km of pathways or take an hour long walk to the magical source of the Riwaka River, the resurgence.  Come back for a dip in the pool before pre-dinner drinks with your hosts, Peter & Clare.  Join the other guests for a convivial evening with 4 courses of fresh seasonal local produce, lovingly prepared for you by Clare.   After dinner, soak in the outdoor hot tub gazing up at the magnificent stars and listening to the “morepork” native owls.   

Day 2 - Meet the Winemaker workshop    

This half-day workshop introduces you to wine appreciation and gives you an understanding of the winemaking process.  Your tutor is Wietske van der Pol, a Lincoln University Oenology and Viticulture graduate who has worked for Waimea for the past five vintages. She previously worked in Australia's Hunter Valley. To further her experience and winemaking knowledge, Wietske has worked the vintage in Long Island and Burgundy. 

The workshop starts with a walking tour of the winery which describes the complete winemaking process, followed by vineyard tour and an explanation of viticultural techniques employed. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the development of New Zealand's wine trade and for questions on all aspects of winemaking. Morning tea follows. 

The second part of the workshop will use your newfound knowledge with a tasting session where the winemaker will take you through a range of different wines describing them in detail. You will learn about the language of wine and improve your ability to recognise different grape varieties and the impact of different wine making practices, and we will finish the session with game of wine options. 

The workshop finishes with lunch at the Waimea Estates Café, prepared by chef Chris von Schreibern and his team.

 Day 3: Abel Tasman – Luxury Boat Cruise             

Enjoy breakfast on your deck listening to the birds before heading over to Stephens Bay for a 10am departure.  The Taranui day trip, explores the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline; past Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands and on to Tonga Island seal colony.      

After boarding your boat at Stephens Bay we cruise around the headland to Split Apple Rock, taking our time to enable you to get the best views and photo's during your scenic cruise. Here you may see several shags drying their wings above the warm rocks after their early morning fishing.Taranui's cruise itinerary is flexible so if there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then we'll go take a look. Similarly if there's a particular bay you want to visit or park feature you want to see, then please do let the skipper know and he'll try to accommodate your wishes.

After we've said goodbye to the seals we find a sheltered bay for a light lunch. You can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on Taranui while we prepare your lunch. We have plenty of snorkelling equipment if you are keen to work up an appetite and kayaks on board for your enjoyment.

We provide a delicious platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients. If you have any special dietary requirements (like food allergies) please let us know in advance. We aim to show you the beauty of New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park and the Tonga Island marine reserve in a relaxed and unhurried day with us aboard the Taranui.

We provide towels, lunch, sunscreen, sea kayaks, snorkelling gear and lifejackets. Please bring your own camera, hat, sunglasses, warm jacket (just in case ...) and swimming gear.  If you intend hiking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track then don't forget your sturdy footwear.                                                                              

At the end of the day stop at the shops to buy something to enjoy on your private BBQ  

Your private guide will come to pick you up and take you on a scenic drive to the Flora car park and lookout, at 9.45m, is one of the most popular access points to the park.   Depending on your interests, fitness and the weather your guide will help plan the perfect day.  From the track end, a well graded track leads through the beech forest to the bush edge and the Mt Arthur hut. 

For the fit, a poled route continues up the main ridge to the summit (1,795m). In the forest you will see groves of Mountain Neinei (Dracophyllum traversii), Tree Daisy (Oleria lacunosa), and some Mountain Cedar.  Above the hut is a karst (limestone) landscape. For the less adventurous who don’t wish to go to the summit, we will take a closer look at the alpine flora, laze in the sun whilst eating your prepared picnic lunch taking in the magnificent vistas, and walk down another track to the Flora Hut. Completing a circuit back to the car park. 

The ‘Friends of Flora’ conservation project can be seen en route. The Resurgence are active supporters of this project and can tell you more.At the end of the day, stop at the resurgence at the end of the Riwaka Valley to discover some of the finest lowland bush in New Zealand. 

Join drinks at 7pm before a well-earned dinner at the Lodge!     

4 Nights accommodation in a Bush Lodge or Bush Chalet

Daily breakfasts,  3 lunches, 2 dinners

Half day Meet the Winemaker Workshop including lunch

Abel Tasman Luxury Cruise including lunch

Kahurangi Guided Nature Walk  

***BLOW THE BUDGET OPTION***

Looking for that extra special and unique holiday experience? Let the team at Bay Tours custom design a one-off tour especially for you. Whether in the Nelson Region for Wine or Wine and Art, Art Tours. Nelson is brimming with diverse experiences, from gourmet food classes, behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, extreme sport activities, visiting arts practioners, to exploring our pristine scenery - the choice is yours! With our local knowledge and contacts, we guarantee to design a tour that will fulfil your wishes and create wonderful holiday memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.