At 67 High Street, a five-minute walk from Motueka's town centre, Nautilus Lodge is a modern motel set in the Tasman region on New Zealand's South Island. The establishment caters to travellers seeking a self-contained, functional base to explore Tasman Bay, Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay, without sacrificing the comfort of a human-scaled town.

Why stay here

Nautilus Lodge ticks three useful boxes for those touring the South Island: a central location that eliminates the need to drive for shopping and meals, units equipped with kitchenettes for self-catering, and direct access to Abel Tasman's main gateway, just fifteen minutes' drive away. It's a practical base for one to three nights before or after a kayaking trip or coastal walk.

Atmosphere

The property embraces urban comfort over character: standard New Zealand motel architecture, units arranged around a car park with private courtyard or balcony for each. The mood is calm, functional, unpretentious. High Street itself hosts cafés, restaurants (Thai, Indian, and New Zealand cuisine), craft galleries and the Sprig & Fern pub—a setup that transforms a typical motel stop from a mere overnight pause to somewhere you'll want to explore on foot.

The rooms

The lodge features twelve air-conditioned units in four categories to suit different travel configurations:

• Queen Studio (2 people): private courtyard, with one unit wheelchair-accessible.
• Twin Studio (up to 3 people): ideal for a couple with child or a trio.
• One Bedroom Unit with spa bath (up to 4 people): separate sleeping area, family-sized layout.
• Superior Suite (2 people): separate lounge, full kitchen, ensuite with spa.

All units come with a kitchenette (fridge, microwave, cooktop, kettle, toaster, crockery), private bathroom, sunny balcony or courtyard, 43-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels and unlimited Wi-Fi. Practical extras include air-conditioning, heating, electric blanket, hairdryer, iron and ironing board in each unit.

Services and facilities

On-site parking is free and secure. A bike shelter with charging points for e-bikes makes the lodge appealing for cyclists exploring the region. Free laundry access, luggage storage and daily housekeeping round out the essentials.

A shared barbecue area allows outdoor cooking when weather permits. The team can connect you with local activity providers; many offer direct pick-up from the motel, simplifying the logistics of kayaking and hiking excursions.

Location

Motueka is a strategic waypoint between Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. Nautilus Lodge sits on High Street, the main thoroughfare, within a five-minute walk of shops, the local museum and galleries. From here, Kaiteriteri and Marahau beaches, plus Abel Tasman's southern entrance, are around fifteen minutes' drive away.

Around the area

The region boasts a rare concentration of activities for the South Island: sea kayaking, Abel Tasman cruises, coastal walks, fur seal spotting, skydiving over the bay, catamaran sailing, horse treks on the beach, traditional waka trips, local wine tastings and mountain biking at Kaiteriteri. To extend your journey elsewhere in New Zealand, other Nomadays properties can round out your itinerary, such as Paparoa Park Motel on the west coast, Lake Lodge Rotorua in the North Island, or Godley Hotel near Lake Tekapo.

Plan your stay

Nautilus Lodge integrates well into an itinerary combining Nelson, Abel Tasman and the west coast. To build your complete journey, explore our New Zealand trips and suggestions for stops across both islands.