Compendium
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A WARM WELCOME
We hope that you will enjoy your home away from home and find the time and space to relax and enjoy stunning Golden Bay.
Whether your day is spent lounging by the pool, on the beach, or meandering through the artist galleries in Tākaka, there is plenty to do right on our doorstep and we would be happy to give you suggestions should you need them.
We invite you to enjoy our restaurant and lounge bar during your stay with us and do not hesitate to let us know if you need any assistance, have any questions, or want to give us any feedback.
We look forward to making your stay memorable. -
The amenities in your bathroom are handmade from natural ingredients especially for us by Marlborough based family-owned company Jeymar Soap & Body.
We believe in supporting local and taking a sustainable approach to the products that we use and offer our guests, so we refill these containers to ensure a plentiful supply for each new guest.
We hope that you enjoy using them and kindly ask that if you wish to enjoy these products at home just contact us at reception to purchase your very own supply. All products are $35 each.
Bathrobes- To make your stay even more relaxed, Ratanui branded bathrobes are in your wardrobe.
We have a very limited supply of these so if you wish to purchase one to take home with you these are $180 each. -
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is 10am.
Late Check out is subject to availability and charges may apply.
Should you wish to extend your stay, contact the Lodge reception. -
At Ratanui Lodge we make every effort to reduce our impact on this special place. As our guest you can assist us with this in the following ways:
• Linen policy - may we ask you to place the towels you intend to re-use on the hook, or
the towel rails in your bathroom. For those towels you wish to have changed, please place them on the bathroom floor.
• Recycling & rubbish - place any clean recyclable items (plastic, paper and glass) next to your bin and we will recycle these.
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We are happy to do laundry for you. Wash, dry, and fold can usually be returned same day if turned in by 10am. Laundry bags are available at reception. $40 per load.
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Māori know Golden Bay as Mōhua. It was named Murderers' Bay after four of Abel Tasman’s crew were killed in a skirmish with Māori in 1642.
In 1770 James Cook included it as part of Tasman Bay (which he called Blind Bay), but in 1773 he corrected his mistake and referred to it as Murderers' Bay.
In 1827 French explorer Dumont D'Urville, changed the name to Massacre Bay, which it retained until the 1840s.
Following the discovery of coal at Tākaka in 1842 the bay was called Coal Bay for a time.
It was renamed Golden Bay after gold was found near Collingwood in 1857.
Source: https://teara.govt.nz/
You don’t need to go very far to find out more about the history of our piece of the South Island and we recommend a visit to the Golden Bay Museum in the centre of Tākaka. -
If you are planning to head out and explore the area, we can offer a packed lunch. Order the evening prior – cost is $25 pp
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Lodge shuttle can be arranged from Ratanui Lodge to Totaranui (vice versa) $150 for 1 to 4 pax per transfer, Ratanui Lodge to Wainui (vice versa) $85 for 1 to 4 pax per transfer. Advance booking is essential. Please contact reception for more information or booking.
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The hot tub and small salt-water swimming pool are tucked away beyond Room10 and is not only a lovely place for a refreshing dip if you prefer not to swim in the sea, but a great suntrap in a relatively secluded setting.
Extra towels are available at reception.
The spa and pool is open until 10pm.
Please do not bring any glass containers into the pool area.
Let us know if you need any assistance with removing/replacing the cover.
From time to time we may need to undertake maintenance on these facilities, and we thank you for your understanding. -
Use the remote to operate your Samsung Smart TV; we have all Freeview channels which can be accessed via the channel button. You may stream your device directly to the TV.
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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.
Earth Sea Gallery, Pohara
Peter Geen’s gallery featuring realism landscapes, acrylic on canvas. Originals and prints.
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.
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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.Due to our remote location, obtaining urgent medical assistance will require calling the Nelson Marlborough Air Ambulance dial 111.
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Care has been taken to have all facilities provided in the best of condition. If you find anything that requires attention, please advise Lodge reception.
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We accept all major credit and Eftpos cards except for AMEX and Diners. Credit card payments will incur a standard bank fee.
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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 Lounge Bar is open from 4pm, with signature cocktails, premium New Zealand gin, tapas menu, and a full Nelson-centric wine and beer list.
If you’d like a drink earlier in the day, just let us know.
While you are welcome to enjoy your own drinks and food at your outside tables by your room, we kindly ask you to note that the outside dining area and restaurant is a licensed premises
and therefore, do not bring your own drinks to these areas.
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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.
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The Nearest Pharmacy is in Takaka, 12 mins away.
Golden Bay Pharmacy: 17 Commercial Street, Tākaka 7110
Phone number: 03 525 9490 -
We operate an a la carte menu as well as breakfast, tapas and drinks, reservations are recommended. Enquiries and bookings at reception.
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If you require additional supplies let us know. Our hand thrown porcelain mugs are by Nelson potter Sue Newitt. If you really enjoyed drinking out of it and wish to purchase one please let us know; they are priced at $60 each.
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WiFi Network: RatanuiLodge Password: PoharaBeach
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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.
Allow 4.5 to 6.5 hours.
Cape Farewell Horse Treks, Puponga
Short, long, and overnight trips available along the stunning west coast of Golden Bay.
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.
Remote Adventures, Puramahoi
Flightseeing over Farewell Spit, Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Lord of the Rings locations. Heaphy Track transport.
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle
Boat tours in the Abel Tasman, departing from Totaranui, with walk options. Please enquire at reception for more details and bookings.
Aroha Health Spa and Café, Pohara
Massages and treatments just around the corner. Garden café.
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 kaarst rock formation in the southern hemisphere.
Spend as long as you like!
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The Lodge Reception is open from 8 am to 8 pm.
If you require any assistance afterhours or in the event of an emergency, dial 03 525 7998 for the onsite manager. -
Available from 8am to 10am each morning. Cooked breakfast is included in your room rate.
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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 happy to assist with additional supplies and services to make your stay more comfortable. Rooms are serviced between 10am and 4pm daily.
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Massage and treatments are available at Aroha Health Spa just around the corner. Enquire at reception for an appointment.
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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.
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Emergency: 111
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Should you lose your room key please notify the reception immediately. Please return your room key to reception upon check-out.
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If you need to use a landline you are welcome to use our cordless phone at reception.
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Pohara does not have a town water supply. We catch rainwater for the entire property; all water is triple-filtered and safe to drink. Please conserve where appropriate.