Compendium

Welcome to your Golden Bay Escape. We hope your stay with us gives you the opportunity to slow down, unwind and enjoy the beauty and unique charm of Golden Bay.

From relaxing beside the pool or soaking in the hot tub, to exploring our beautiful beaches, galleries and local attractions, there is plenty to discover. Our team is always happy to share local recommendations and help you make the most of your time here.

We invite you to enjoy our lodge facilities — savour a meal in our restaurant, relax at the day spa, take a dip in the pool, or unwind in our courtyard with afternoon tapas and drinks.

 If you need anything during your stay, please let us know. Our team is here to help make your stay comfortable and memorable.

 It is our pleasure to welcome you, and we hope you enjoy every moment of your Golden Bay experience.

 Warm regards,

Nick Biggins
Lodge Manager

Bathrobes: To make your stay even more relaxed, Ratanui branded bathrobes are located on the bathroom door. If you would like one of these at home, they are available to purchase from reception.

Bathroom Amenities: We are proud to provide Maraca Sevillian Neroli bathroom amenities, proudly made in New Zealand and thoughtfully selected to add a touch of luxury to your stay. Featuring gentle, refreshing formulations with beautiful natural ingredients and uplifting citrus and neroli notes, they are a wonderful way to enjoy a little taste of New Zealand. If you’ve enjoyed them during your stay and would like to take the experience home with you, Maraca Sevillian products are available to purchase from Reception.

Check-out is 10am.
Late Check out is subject to availability, please enquire at reception.

At Ratanui Lodge, we’re committed to caring for this special place and reducing our environmental impact. We’d love for you to help by placing towels on the bathroom floor when you’d like them replaced; towels left hanging will be reused.

Please place clean recyclable items such as plastic, paper and glass beside your bin, and our team will take care of the rest.

For a small fee we are happy to provide laundry services which can usually be returned the same day if turned in by 12pm. Please see reception.

Golden Bay, known as Mōhua, is a special corner of New Zealand, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Its natural beauty, adventurous spirit and fascinating history make it a unique destination.

The discovery of coal near Tākaka in the 1840s, followed by gold near Collingwood in 1857, brought new settlers, businesses and opportunity to the region. The gold rush attracted prospectors from across New Zealand and helped shape the towns and communities we know today.

Over time, farming, forestry, fishing, limestone and marble quarrying, and local crafts became important parts of the region’s story.

Today, Golden Bay is celebrated for its spectacular beaches, native forests, mountains, wildlife, creativity, local produce and relaxed way of life. Artists, craftspeople, farmers and local businesses continue to give the area its distinctive character.

We encourage you to explore and discover what makes Mōhua so special. Welcome to Golden Bay — where history, nature and community come together.

If you are planning to head out and explore Golden Bay, let us prepare a packed lunch for your day of adventure - perfect for the beach, a hike or exploring further afield. Please order by the evening before - $27 per person.

Tucked away beyond Room10, our secluded salt-water pool and hot tub are perfect spots to cool off, unwind and enjoy the Golden Bay sunshine. The hot tub is open until 10pm, with pool and beach towels available by the pool - please leave used towels in your room for Housekeeping.

For safety, no glass is permitted in the pool area; plasticware is available from Reception. If you need assistance with the hot tub cover, just let us know. Occasional maintenance may be required, and we appreciate your understanding.

Enjoy our Samsung Smart TV with all Freeview channels and built-in streaming apps. Use the remote to navigate channels and apps, and please remember to log out of any personal streaming accounts before departure.

Golden Bay is renowned for its artistic community throughout the region and Tākaka Village has many artists shops with local made treasures, clothes and art galleries. Great for an amble.

Paper Scissors Rock, Takaka
An art collective featuring beautiful pieces by local artists. 

Estuary Arts, Milnethorpe
Glass, ceramics, tiles, and water-colour paintings. 

Monza Gallery, Tākaka
Representing many local artists. 

The Art Vault, Tākaka
A showcase gallery for Golden Bay artists.

Sculpture 705, Pohara
A complex comprising of a Courtyard, Studio Shop, Archway, Sculpture Garden, Loft Gallery and Workshop.

In the event of accident or injury please contact any of our Lodge team for first aid facilities and care. A first aid kit is located at reception. A defibrillator is located at the Top 10 Holiday Park reception. For urgent medical assistance, dial 111.

Care has been taken to have all facilities provided in the best of condition. If you find anything that requires attention, please advise reception.

We accept all major credit and Eftpos cards except for AMEX and Diners. Credit card payments will incur a standard surcharge. We do not accept cash as a form of payment.

Upon arriving at your room, note the location of the exit and fire extinguisher.

Always know where your room key is and upon returning, place within easy reach.

When leaving the building, walk – do not run and close all the doors behind you.

If you are forced to stay in your room - do not break the windows, place wet towels and sheets
around the door and turn air conditioning/ ventilation off.

If you hear an alarm sound, exit your room immediately and proceed to the assembly point next to the Ratanui Lodge sign at the entrance to the carpark.

The Bar & Courtyard is open from 2pm, serving tasty tapas along with a Nelson/Tasman centric beverage list. Please note, the restaurant & courtyard is a licensed premise and therefore, please do not bring your own drinks to these areas.

Complimentary parking is available for all guests, no reservation is required. The Lodge cannot be responsible for items left in vehicles on the lodge property.

The Nearest Pharmacy is in Takaka, 12 mins away.

Golden Bay Pharmacy: 17 Commercial Street, Tākaka 7110

Phone number: 03 525 9490

Join us from 5.30pm for an exceptional a la carte dining experience, where fresh local ingredients, thoughtful cuisine and warm, attentive service come together. Our restaurant has become a favourite with guests, with outstanding reviews regularly praising the quality of our food, presentation and relaxed, yet refined atmosphere.

Reservations are welcome but not required - simply settle in, relax and let our team take care of the rest.

Golden Bay Kayaks, Tata Beach.
Kayak in the secluded waters of the northern Abel Tasman.  Kayak hire, guided trips, overnight trips.  

Farewell Spit EcoTours, Collingwood. Departing from Collingwood or Puponga. Farewell Spit is 34 km long and home to over 90 species of birds. Trip departure times are tide-dependent; please enquire at Reception. 

Anatoki Salmon Fishing, Kotinga. 
Fun for the whole family.  Catch your fish and let the friendly staff smoke it for you to bring home or eat right there.

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle, Totaranui.
Boat tours in the Abel Tasman, departing from Totaranui, with walk options.  Please enquire at reception for more details and bookings.

North West Horse Treks, Puponga.
Offering various day trip options, most noting the 3 hour return trek to famous Wharariki Beach.

Village Theatre, Tākaka.
First-run and foreign films in an intimate, independently run cinema

WALKS
Detailed maps available at reception. Abel Tasman National Park is just a short drive away and offers stunning walks through native bush and across golden sand beaches. 

Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Totaranui to Wainui. The most scenic and quietest stretch of the entire Abel Tasman Coast.  Golden beaches, rocky Separation Point, and native bush.  Shuttle service from Wainui to Totaranui to make it a one-way walk.  Shorter options exist.  Enquire at Reception. Allow 6 hours and bring food and water.

Wainui Falls
Follow the Wainui River to thundering waterfall.  1 hour return.

Rawhiti Cave, Motupipi.
Steep but worth it.  Switchback climb to a gaping cave mouth. 
1.5 hour return.

The Grove, Clifton.
Short and beautiful. Stroll through rata vines, nikau palms, and elaborate rock formations to a Golden Bay lookout. 30 minutes return.

Te Waikoropupū Springs, Tākaka.
Also known as ‘Pupu Springs’. Some of the clearest water in the world.  Stroll and explore. 30 minutes return.

Pupu Hydro Walkway, Tākaka. Loop track following a working classic hydro scheme and water races.  Great views of Golden Bay.  1.75 hour return.

Wharariki Beach, Puponga. Absolutely photogenic. Wind-blown beach and sand dunes, rock arches, and seal pups in season.  Best at low-tide. Many walk options 1 to 4 hours.

Labyrinth Rocks Maze Pohara. Amble about in the only karst rock formation in the southern hemisphere. Spend as long as you like!

The Lodge Reception is open from 8 am to 6 pm. If you require any assistance afterhours or in the event of an emergency, dial 03 525 7998 for the onsite manager.

Available from 7.30am to 10.30am each morning. Cooked breakfast is included in your room rate.

If you are inside a building, move no more than a few steps, DROP, COVER AND HOLD. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. In most buildings you are safer if you stay where you are until the shaking stops.
If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move no more than a few steps away from buildings, trees, and power lines, then DROP, COVER AND HOLD.

IN THE EVENT OF A TSUNAMI WARNING

Lodge staff will advise if we receive a Tsunami warning for the area. In the event you are advised to evacuate, do not stop to collect your belongings. Ensure you are wearing sensible footwear and have a warm jacket and make your way quickly to the assembly point at the entrance of the carpark and follow staff instructions to reach higher ground. Do not return to your room until given the ‘all clear’ by Lodge staff.

Our Housekeeping team are here to make your stay comfortable. Rooms are serviced daily between 10am and 4pm. If you prefer privacy but need fresh towels or additional supplies, please contact Reception.

Enjoy your coffee pod machine, complimentary still and sparkling water, and thoughtful local touches including hand-thrown mugs by Nelson potter Sue Newitt, a jewellery bowl by McGlashen Pottery, and Manuka Dreams Sleep Mist.

Loved something during your stay? All three are available to purchase from Reception and take home with you.

Unwind with a relaxing massage or treatment at our onsite Day Spa. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day exploring Golden Bay or simply enjoy some time to yourself.

View our treatment menu online or at Reception and book with our team. Advance bookings are recommended, although same-day appointments may be available. If we’re fully booked, we’re happy to recommend local alternatives.

All guest rooms and internal common areas at Ratanui Lodge are strictly non-smoking. You may be charged with a deep cleaning fee for smoking in your room. Please consider other guests and our environment and dispose of cigarette butts thoughtfully where you smoke outside.

Emergency: 111

Should you lose your room key please notify the reception immediately. Please return your room key to reception upon check-out.

If you need to use a landline you are welcome to use our cordless phone at reception.

We collect rainwater across the property, which is triple-filtered and safe to drink, and we kindly ask that you help us conserve water during your stay.