Where history comes alive
Proudly sitting on the edge of the Awaroa Inlet, with stunning panoramic views and all-year-round sun, Meadowbank Homestead has been part of our family story for generations.
For over a century, our family has lived, worked and explored in this special corner of the Abel Tasman National Park. Meadowbank was once the heart of our early farming life here â built in 1884 by William Hadfield for his wife, Adele, and their children on the 'finest site in the bay.'
The homestead you see today is an enhanced replica, built on the same site, with all the comfort and conveniences of modern times.
Staying here is not simply accommodation in the park â it is a chance to experience a small part of our familyâs history.
A historic homestead in the heart of the park
Set amongst Meadowbankâs historic gardens, the homestead has retained its peaceful, pioneering character while offering all the modern comforts and a light environmental footprint.
The homestead is fashioned from recycled timbers and features heirlooms and local heritage artefacts passed down through nine generations of the Hadfield family.
There are thirteen comfortable, ensuite twin/double guest rooms, each named after a family member who lived at Meadowbank in days gone by.
Part of your Abel Tasman journey
Meadowbank Homestead is included in our 3 and 5 day Abel Tasman multiday journeys, where walking, kayaking and coastal cruising are combined with welcoming lodge stays.
By day you explore the park. By evening you return to the comfort and hospitality of the homestead.
Shared meals, shared memories
Meals at Meadowbank Homestead are an important part of the experience. Guests gather in the dining room each evening to share stories from the day while enjoying delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Our lodge menus are inspired by the surroundings of Abel Tasman National Park and feature fresh seasonal ingredients. The homestead setting creates a warm and social dining atmosphere that many guests say becomes a memorable part of their stay.
Breakfast, dinner and packed lunches are included as part of our lodge journeys, ensuring everything is taken care of while you explore the park.
Beer, wine and other cold beverages are available for purchase, so you can enjoy a drink with dinner or relax with a glass of wine in the evening.
A place for gatherings
Because of its secluded setting and generous space, Meadowbank Homestead is also a wonderful place for weddings, family gatherings and special celebrations.
For these occasions, the homestead can sometimes be booked for exclusive use, allowing your group to enjoy this special place together.
Continuing the tradition
More than a century after our ancestors first built the original Meadowbank Homestead, we are proud to welcome guests here again.
While much has changed over the years, the spirit of hospitality remains the same â sharing this special place with those who come to experience the beauty of Abel Tasman.
As the tides ebb and flow, so have people come and gone â each adding their thread to the story of Awaroa.