Wilsons Abel Tasman - Walk, Cruise, Kayak, Stay in the Beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa was originally built in the 19th century.  It was the envy of the European settlers, built on the "finest site in Awaroa Bay" to capture the stunning panoramic views and all-year-round sun on the edge of the  inlet. 

The Wilson family brought to life a remarkable family heritage when they rebuilt Meadowbank Homestead as a lodge.

The Meadowbank experience:
After a day on the trail or on the beach, come home to a traditional Kiwi welcome of pre-dinner drinks and snacks while your hosts prepare dinner. Share a fascinating living history as the triumphs and tragedies of the original European settlement of the region unfolds through the personal stories of the Wilson family's ancestors. After a hot shower in your ensuite room, be lulled to sleep by the tides and then awake to birdsong and breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea. 

History comes alive:
In 1884 William Hadfield built a two-storeyed home, Meadowbank, for his wife, Adele and children. He built on the best site in Awaroa Bay. One hundred and ten years later, his great granddaughter, Lynette Wilson, and her family built a replica homestead on the same site, including all modern conveniences.

The bedrooms have been named after members of the Hadfield family who lived at Meadowbank. The property today is filled with family mementos, including the original piano and copies of old family photos and mementos of their lives as they attempted to settle in the remote Awaroa inlet. 

Accommodation:
The best of New Zealand's new and old is found at Meadowbank Homestead, rebuilt as an eco lodge in 1994 using recycled timbers and featuring heirlooms representing 8 generations of the family's association with the Nelson region. Each room is named after members of the family who lived at the orignal homestead. The Lodge provides all the comforts of modern living whilst minimising impact on the environment.

Set amongst the original gardens of camellia and rhododendron trees, the character of Meadowbank has been brought back to life through the extensive use of period windows, doors and timbers. There are thirteen comfortable twin/double guest rooms with ensuites, a friendly lounge with open fire and modern kitchen serving a convivial dining room. 

Cottage Accommodation:
If you want to stay longer, we do have two self-contained cottages in the grounds of Meadowbank Homestead – Awaroa and these can be rented for longer periods. Please contact our friendly team to discuss availability.

Please note: Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa is owned and operated by the Wilson family. It is a lodge located in the Awaroa inlet but it has no connection with the property known as "The Awaroa Lodge" that is located some distance behind the beachfront in a different area of the inlet.

Why stay with Wilsons?:
Make the most of your visit to Abel Tasman National Park and take the worry out of scheduling each day's activity. Let our friendly reservations team arrange the most suitable boat and travel connections for your needs and sort out the transport of your luggage too. Then allow the us to share our history of this special place with you. Read more... 

To stay at the heart of Abel Tasman with us is to experience the true essence of New Zealand’s finest coastal National Park. 

“From my initial enquiry by e-mail to the end of our 5 day guided walk we received prompt, friendly and professional service from everyone at Wilsons. Meadowbank Homestead where we spent 2 nights was the jewel in the crown. A truly stunning location and spacious, spotless and very comfortable accommodation. We arrived damp and tired following a day's walking to be welcomed with hot drinks, clothes drying facilities, an open fire and delicious food. We felt we were house guests rather than simply paying customers. It doesn't get much better than this”.

How to get here

There is no road access to Meadowbank Homestead.  This uniquely isolated place can only be reached by boat or by walking along the coastal track.  Therefore, any overnight accomodation includes all transfers into the Park.  For directions on how to get to Abel Tasman National Park, and our office in Motueka, Click Here

Other Our Beachfront Lodges Options

Accommodation at Meadowbank Homestead is available exclusively for guests of Wilsons Abel Tasman who wish to enjoy overnight stays in the National Park.

Getting Here: Walk, Kayak or Cruise:
Wilsons’ beachfront lodges can only be accessed on foot, by kayak or by boat, from Kaiteriteri or Marahau.  Any stay with us is inclusive of return coach connections to Abel Tasman National Park from Motueka or Nelson, although of course you can choose to self-drive.

With Wilsons walking and kayaking breaks, all travel and luggage logistics, food and accommodation are included. In addition our highly trained Guides will help you make the most out of each day, greatly adding to your connection with this special place.  All sea kayaking is guided, though you can choose to walk unguided if you prefer.

Whether you want to walk, kayak or a bit of both, we can arrange your itinerary accordingly, so simply choose the duration and timing of break which suits you best.

Be our Guest:
Join us for one of our holidays that can be tailor made to suit you.

• Guided Walking Breaks
• Kayak and Walking Breaks 
• Custom Itineraries

Lodge Facilities:

• All rooms twin/double with en-suite bathroom
• All bedding and towels provided
• Drying room
• Meals are freshly prepared by your Hosts at the Lodge. Read more about our delicious food.
• In-House bar serving hand-picked local specialties
• Central heating and open fire for winter comforts
• Beautiful gardens and sun-filled deck with panoramic sea views