Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers
Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers
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Avg. $67 /night, 3/21 - 3/22
$68
per night
$34
per night
$0
per night
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About
#1 of 2 hostels in Kaiteriteri
Location
4.3
Rooms
4.0
Value
4.5
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.4
Sleep Quality
4.2
Stuart and Andrea welcome you to our friendly and peaceful accomodation at Kanuka Ridge Lodge. We are located on a sunny ridge surrounded with native bush and birdsong. With only a 5 min. drive by car to the start of the Abel Tasman National Park, it is the perfect base to explore the National Park and surroundings. We offer private double and twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, double, twin and triple rooms with shared bathrooms and a family room with shared bathroom. Information for water taxis or other activities like kayaking or canyoning are all available here with us. Free WiFi in all rooms and all around the property, a lounge with a good selection of DVD's and games, shared kitchen, tea and coffee, herbs and spices and a BBQ. Luggage storage available and free and secure parking. If you like staying at a peaceful place in nature and have your own car, our place is right for you.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Canoeing
Hiking
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Wifi
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Horseback riding
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun umbrellas
Room features
Coffee / tea maker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English
Location
21 Moss Road, Kaiteriteri 7197 New Zealand
Getting there
14 Restaurants
within 5 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 70
- 26
- 9
- 5
- 2
Time of year
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Detailed Reviews
Fantastic place. The location is incredible in the middle of the forest, close to all the local activities but once you there you feel away from everything.
Facilities are one of the best ones we came a cross during the trip.
If you going to Marahau this is the place to stay.
Will definitely return in the future.
Facilities are one of the best ones we came a cross during the trip.
If you going to Marahau this is the place to stay.
Will definitely return in the future.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Lots of parking.
Close to all activities
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highly recommend Kanuka Ridge Lodge. It is a lovely location surrounded by trees and very peaceful. The facilities are superb, cannot speak highly enough of the kitchen with everything available to use for guests & a herb garden! Lounge room with comfy sofas is cosy and wonderful for playing games, watching DVDs or just relaxing. Hosts Stu and Andi just great people.... definitely include this when visiting Marahau 😃
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for christmas 2013. Despite a miscommunication about a kayak trip cost (price quoted was single!) the stay was amazing. Pay for the ensuite rooms. Well worth it. Kitchen well equipped and stocked with spices and tea. There is a lovely living room with a huge dining table. There are lovely outdoor spaces and its easy to find. You are well removed from everything so make sure you get your groceries on your way there.
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Date of stay: December 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’ve been coming to New Zealand for years, staying in back packers, hotels and home stays and the hospitality has always been wonderful.
I was genuinely shocked how the owner here spoke to my husband when we were staying.
When we arrived we said to the lady on reception that we had two suitcases and she said we should have received an email to say that their rooms are for people with a small amount of luggage. We hadn’t received an email saying this but it seems surprising as New Zealand isn’t somewhere you come for a short trip.
The room was clean but basic and quite small and we couldn’t fit our cases in without clambering over them all the time. We had a shared balcony at the back with a transparent glass door straight into our room which wasn’t ideal.
I went to speak to reception to see if we could upgrade but there was no space. We were happy to stay the first night but asked if we could possibly cancel the next two nights. She was helpful and said she’d try and rebook the rooms but couldn’t guarantee it. We were happy with that plan as we didn’t want to be climbing/tripping over our cases.
My husband went the next day to let her know we had found somewhere else and the owner was incredibly rude to him and said to leave the following day and not to come back to reception but to leave the key in the room. We were genuinely shocked. I have never experienced anything like that in my life.
We found a great spacious room in a holiday park for only $30 more where they looked after us really well.
I was genuinely shocked how the owner here spoke to my husband when we were staying.
When we arrived we said to the lady on reception that we had two suitcases and she said we should have received an email to say that their rooms are for people with a small amount of luggage. We hadn’t received an email saying this but it seems surprising as New Zealand isn’t somewhere you come for a short trip.
The room was clean but basic and quite small and we couldn’t fit our cases in without clambering over them all the time. We had a shared balcony at the back with a transparent glass door straight into our room which wasn’t ideal.
I went to speak to reception to see if we could upgrade but there was no space. We were happy to stay the first night but asked if we could possibly cancel the next two nights. She was helpful and said she’d try and rebook the rooms but couldn’t guarantee it. We were happy with that plan as we didn’t want to be climbing/tripping over our cases.
My husband went the next day to let her know we had found somewhere else and the owner was incredibly rude to him and said to leave the following day and not to come back to reception but to leave the key in the room. We were genuinely shocked. I have never experienced anything like that in my life.
We found a great spacious room in a holiday park for only $30 more where they looked after us really well.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cannot praise this lodge too highly!
The bedroom units are finished to the highest standard, the kitchen is immaculate and well-equipped, the location is convenient for the Abel Tasman National park, but best of all is the Kiwi welcome from host Stuart and Andi, who go out of their way to ensure you get the very best out of your stay.
Plenty of advice available on what to do in the local area, beautiful estate including hammocks and a lounge and a BBQ area. And there’s glow worms to see - just ask Stuart!
So glad we stayed here!
The bedroom units are finished to the highest standard, the kitchen is immaculate and well-equipped, the location is convenient for the Abel Tasman National park, but best of all is the Kiwi welcome from host Stuart and Andi, who go out of their way to ensure you get the very best out of your stay.
Plenty of advice available on what to do in the local area, beautiful estate including hammocks and a lounge and a BBQ area. And there’s glow worms to see - just ask Stuart!
So glad we stayed here!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived at Kanuka very late on 4th April in the dark.
We were still greeted at reception, by the friendlist owner we have met in backpacking accomodation yet. Sadly we can't remember the names but the couple had just taken over ownership in the last few days and i think it was their first evening left alone to manage. They were lovely- they told us how to get down to the front for dinner as all shops were shut. Showed us the facilities and room. The room was all we needed, a bunk bed in private chalet. The seperate shower block was clean and warm and reminded me of going camping! The kitchen etc was a small block but so homely and had all we needed. we were the only two staying, with one other lady in the chalet next door who was lovely and slipped us a note into our food box in the kitchen, with the wifi code on. In the morning we went to reception and chatted to the lovely couple who called to ask about kayaks, sadly that day they were not hiring out ANY kayaks on abel tasman due to bad weather. So he suggested a water taxi and to walk out of the park.He booked it for us (we paid them) We did this and it was brill even in the rain. The next morning we set off for Kaikoura (which was due some bad weather - ended up being the end of Cyclone Debbie so we made it to kaikoura only to have to leave again strait away as it was going to be cut off), anyway in the morning the owners waved us off and wished us safe travels and even showed us their ideas for a working backpacker lodge. Thanyou to you both for being so welcoming it really is what we remember most and wish we remembered your names.
Literally the ONLY thing i would suggest is Lighting up the drive and around the lodges. It was very hard to see our way in and to see from our lodge to the toilet block in the night there was no light. xx
I would suggest to anyone staying - DO NOT ARRIVE IN THE DARK - its not worth it as shops shut and it very remote (but near the kayaking area for the park) so arrive in the day and explore the bush its wonderful.
We were still greeted at reception, by the friendlist owner we have met in backpacking accomodation yet. Sadly we can't remember the names but the couple had just taken over ownership in the last few days and i think it was their first evening left alone to manage. They were lovely- they told us how to get down to the front for dinner as all shops were shut. Showed us the facilities and room. The room was all we needed, a bunk bed in private chalet. The seperate shower block was clean and warm and reminded me of going camping! The kitchen etc was a small block but so homely and had all we needed. we were the only two staying, with one other lady in the chalet next door who was lovely and slipped us a note into our food box in the kitchen, with the wifi code on. In the morning we went to reception and chatted to the lovely couple who called to ask about kayaks, sadly that day they were not hiring out ANY kayaks on abel tasman due to bad weather. So he suggested a water taxi and to walk out of the park.He booked it for us (we paid them) We did this and it was brill even in the rain. The next morning we set off for Kaikoura (which was due some bad weather - ended up being the end of Cyclone Debbie so we made it to kaikoura only to have to leave again strait away as it was going to be cut off), anyway in the morning the owners waved us off and wished us safe travels and even showed us their ideas for a working backpacker lodge. Thanyou to you both for being so welcoming it really is what we remember most and wish we remembered your names.
Literally the ONLY thing i would suggest is Lighting up the drive and around the lodges. It was very hard to see our way in and to see from our lodge to the toilet block in the night there was no light. xx
I would suggest to anyone staying - DO NOT ARRIVE IN THE DARK - its not worth it as shops shut and it very remote (but near the kayaking area for the park) so arrive in the day and explore the bush its wonderful.
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Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stuart R, Owner at Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers
Responded Sep 21, 2017
Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad that you enjoyed your stay with us at Kanuka Ridge backpackers and the Abel Tasman National Park. You will be pleased to know that we have installed a number of Solar lights in the areas that you have spoken of and have spent the winter months redecorating the backpackers to which we hope is a higher standard. We are about to reopen in October. Cheers Stuart and Andrea
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great location but not particularly good facilities unless you don't mind taking a torch and walking out through the car park to the toilet in the middle of the night in the pitch black. No torch or lights outside. The double room incredibly basic, well empty infact and was literally the size of a double bed. The advertised double bed was a cheap bunk Bed a single bunk bed on top. The advertised and promised free wifi did NOT work. When we arrived I asked the owner for a key to my room as one had not been provided and I wanted to go back out and was told he was too busy to get me one and that I didn't need a key as there was no crime. He followed that with the fact that his WIFI had been hacked. Oh yes, no crime then! He eventually and reluctantly got me a key but by that time it was too late to do what we had planned. The room and linen was however clean and if you just want a bed then this is fine. The kitchen facilities were good and clean although fairly small and very busy. No apology for lack of internet or trouble with room key.
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Date of stay: March 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a nice, hidden place with all comfort to sleep, to cook and to stay, even if it's rain. It's near to the great walk and the water taxis. Cath or Al (the owners) will drive you there or fetch you, if you have no car. Al booked all things, we wanted to do, he even managed it, that my lost Camera get back to me, thanks again!! There is a well equipped kitchen, a cosy living room, the bedrooms an baths have a good size. Sit in Front of your hut an enjoy the amicable atmosphere
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a new, smallish place in the woods about 2 km from Kaiteriteri Beach so it offers a nice refuge from the crowds, but is still close to kayaking and tramping tracks.
The facilities are new and the kitchen is well equipped. A nice place to meet fellow travelers in a serene nature setting.
The facilities are new and the kitchen is well equipped. A nice place to meet fellow travelers in a serene nature setting.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al & Cath are some of the most generous and loving hosts you'll ever meet. Apart from the superb location and great facilities, the staff in this hostel knows everything about the environment and cycling in the area. Al is also one of the best bike technicians on the island and has inside information on little backroads and wonderful mountainbike paths. If you're not a dedicated cyclist like me, they'll be able to tell you anything about the National Park, kayaking, tramping, horseback riding and everything else that can be done in the area. Have fun, you'll love this stay!
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alycatnz, Owner at Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers
Responded May 26, 2014
Thank you for your positive feedback and all the info you shared with us,it has been very helpful. We wish you safe and happy travels.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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"We were lucky enough to get room 1, it's the furtherest up away from the main bunkrooms and kitchen."Read full review
"The private rooms have a great balcony with stunning view, and luxurious bathrooms!"Read full review
"Select double room which has toilets attached. During nights , there wont be much light... so it would be very pathetic to walk for some meters in dark and cold night."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$67 - $85 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandNelson-Tasman RegionKaiteriteri
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingKANUKA RIDGE ABEL TASMAN BACKPACKERS - Updated 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Abel Tasman Coast Track (2.0 miles), Kaiteriteri Beach (2.4 miles), and Riwaka Resurgence (4.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, free internet access, and self serve laundry.
What food & drink options are available at Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea, free instant coffee, and an outdoor dining area during their stay.
Is parking available at Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Hooked On Marahau, Fat Tui, and "The Views" Vegetarian Restaurant.
Are there any historical sites close to Kanuka Ridge Abel Tasman Backpackers?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Church House Gallery (6.7 miles).