The ethos at Split Apple Retreat New Zealand is one of peace, tranquility and serenity. On arrival at this exclusive eco-lodge near the Abel Tasman National Park, you’ll discover a delightful combination of luxurious interiors, vibrant art, nutritious gourmet food, and healthful spa treatments. These are all designed to refresh and reinvigorate travellers looking for a dream escape.
Overview:
Split Apple Lodge is nestled on a pristine forested clifftop near the Abel Tasman Park. With only three suites the retreat is very private and peaceful. Each suite has a balcony with ocean views to infinity! You also have private walking access to Split Apple Beach for swimming, walking and relaxing.
Split Apple Retreat:
- Type: Luxury Eco-Lodge for guests over 12 years of age
- Price Range: $$$$
- Best for: Spa Treatments, Gourmet Food, Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Breakfast Included, Near Abel Tasman National Park
- Guest Rating: Super! Highly Recommended
- Location: 370 Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri
- Check availability and prices at Agoda
Split Apple Retreat New Zealand Location:
- From Nelson: 65 kms, 1 hour 9 minutes driving time
- From Nelson Airport: 1 hour drive. Shuttles are available at the airport. You can also fly by helicopter from Wellington or Nelson.
- From Kaiteriteri: 2.2 kms
- From Abel Tasman Coast Track: 2.6 kms
Suites at Split Apple Lodge:
You have three luxury suites to choose from and a daily gourmet a-la-carte breakfast is included in the price of your stay.
Lotus Suite:
- Room for two guests
- Japanese-style suite
- Super kingsize bed
- Ocean views
- Private bathroom with a Japanese Granite Bath
- Two private decks with sunbeds and fragrant gardens
- Free WIFI, Large LCD TV
Rainbow Suite:
- Room for up to three guests
- Large western-style split-level suite
- Super kingsize bed and sofa can be turned into a bed
- Ocean views
- Private bathroom with a Western-style bath with LED lights
- Two private decks with sunbeds and fragrant gardens
- Free WIFI, Large LCD TV
Fuji Suite:
- Room for two guests
- Japanese-style suite lined in beautiful cherrywood
- Kingsize bed
- Ocean views
- Private bathroom with a Japanese granite bath
- Two private decks and sunbeds with fragrant gardens
- Free WIFI, Large LCD TV
What are Popular Facilities at Split Apple Eco Retreat?
- Infinity summer Pool
- Hot Tub for all seasons which is set in a private natural spot with amazing views
- Spa Treatments, including massage
- Yoga classes
- Sauna
- Restaurant serving healthy gourmet dishes
- Free Parking
- Tea and coffee maker in all rooms
- Daily housekeeping
- Amazing stars at night!
Here’s a list of some of the eco-conscious and sustainable practices at Split Apple Lodge:
- No air-conditioning in the suites since this is very energy intensive. So fans are available in the rooms
- The lodge is run on rainwater
- No toxic cleaning products are used – all natural products
- Local and Organic produce is used in the restaurant with a focus on vegan cooking
- Food waste is composted
- Renewable energy is used to power the retreat
- The staff are paid fair wages
Good to Know:
The best time of year to visit this luxury eco-retreat is from November to late March when the weather is warm for swimming and kayaking. The best time to hike through the Abel Tasman Park is during these months too although November and March are quiter times outside of the school holidays.
Popular Things to do Nearby:
Abel Tasman National Park: this glorious beach track can be walked in 3 to 5 days with huts and camping sites as accommodation options. You can walk with your packs or have them delivered for you by boat. Kayaking is also a fun way to see the park and marine life.
Take a boat trip to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve for kayaking, snorkelling and friendly seals. Here’s a place you can book the tour with: https://seakayak.co.nz/trip-details/20-big-tonga-marine-reserve
If you feel like some 4 star comfort then the popular Awaroa Lodge and organic restuarant – Agoda.com offers accommodation and spa treatments. The Lodge is based at the north end of the park and is in “one of the most special locales on the planet!” The only way in or out is on foot or by boat shuttle. You could walk to the lodge from the park’s southern entrance at Marahau and catch the scenic boat trip back. Here’s the link to the Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle: https://abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/sea_shuttles_news.php?id=79
If you don’t have time to walk the whole park, day walks from Marahau or the lodge give you an excellent taste of the park. The track meanders by white sand beaches, turquoise water, and through beech forest with incredible views.
Kaiteriteri Beach is a lovely place to frolic in the water but can get very busy in summer. Lots of places to eat here – see list below.
Tasman Great Taste Trail: biking through Nelson, Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka and Kaiteriteri, with fun things to see and do: beaches, boutiques, breweries, wineries, cafes, amazing scenery and lots more: https://nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/22-great-rides/tasmans-great-taste-trail/
The Waka Paddling Tour is highly recommended. “Paddle from Kaiteriteri up to Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock) with your small group and immerse yourself in Māori culture and customs along the way, learning karakia, paddle commands and a waka salute – all in te reo Māori. You can book the trip here:
Eateries Near the Split Apple Retreat:
- The Mermaid’s Beach House is a coffee caravan in Kaiteriteri for cake and light meals
- Beached Whale Restaurant and Bar – friendly local eatery in Kaiteriteri
- Samaritas by the Sea – eat amazing muffins while watching the boats come and go at Motueka Port
- Kai Restaurant and Bar – yum dining at Kaiteriteri beach
- The Views Vegetarian Restaurant at the Kimi Ora Eco Resort – Agoda.com (will be posting about this place soon). Delicious healthy cuisine for everyone.
More Tours:
The Upshot:
At the top of the South Island Split Apple Retreat New Zealand is a delightful eco-friendly lodge on a remote hilltop that’s easy to reach. Enjoy the compelling views, natural environment and all the spa treatments you can fit into your stay at this luxury lodge. With ravishing beaches and the unforgettable Abel Tasman Park nearby this is an easy choice for a dream New Zealand escape in one of the most stunning spots in the world.