Abel Tasman Lodge

Under normal circumstances Abel Tasman Lodge would probably have gained a 4 or 5 star review, however events that occurred and the poor response from the owner significantly changed my view of this establishment. We had noticed that the handle on the toilet door was sticking throughout our stay but thought no more about this until the catch failed to release early one morning when my partner became trapped inside. Being no stranger to DIY I tried a number of options to try to release the catch from the outside and eventually realised we needed help. The owner did come over but could offer no practical help at that time other than a couple of screw drivers telling us her husband had already left for work. In the meantime my partner was just about holding down a full panic attack having been locked in the small space a considerable time. I managed to remove the handle with said screw drivers but there seemed no way to easily get at the catch to release. With no immediate help in sight the only other option was to get my partner out via the small window by opening the window and unscrewing the window restrictions allowing the window to open fully which enabled my partner to climb onto the cistern and lever herself up onto the window ledge and over the top. It was a significant drop on the other side so had to catch her to break the fall but desperation to get out seemed worth the risk. That said I think very few people would have been able to get out the window but fortunately my partner is small and thanks to ongoing yoga classes is flexible. I can understand these things happen and it’s not anyones fault but there was not the slightest apology from the owner about the distress this caused nor the considerable wasted time that disrupted our planned day. If this had happened the previous day we would have missed our water taxi tour but the nearest we got to any apology was that this had never happened before. Tina you may have a beautiful hotel that runs smoothly but this means nothing when you fail to acknowledge the distress or inconvenience caused when something goes wrong, it’s how you respond that really matters and your reluctance to apologise or to accept any responsibility detracts from everything that is right about the place. So folks provided nothing goes wrong, you will have a nice time but if something is wrong you are on your own and won’t get any recompense or gesture of goodwill to try to put right a bad situation. Just a few words or small gesture would have made a difference in how we felt leaving the place - it seems that brushing it under the carpet and taking the money is the number 1 priority at Abel Tasman Lodge. It left us with definitely sour experience on leaving still without one word of apology.

We booked a chalet for two nights to hike and kayak in Abel Tasman. Nicely furnished comfortable room with a kitchenette (sink and fridge and french press for coffee). Loved the deck and the swamp hens that visited! Some good birdwatching across the lawn and in the trees and shrubs. We didn't meet Jocelyn but she booked a kayak trip for us ahead of our stay. Easy walk to the National Park, the kayak company office and the cafe at the entrance to the park. We didn't use the communal kitchen, but the coin operated laundry was appreciated for washing wet clothes after kayaking.

We were impressed by Abel Tasman Lodge as the unit we stayed in had everything we needed. The Lodge offers a communal - fully equipped - kitchen and professional washing and drying facilities. The entire place is spotless and the cleanest rooms and facilities we have seen during our entire 1 month stay in NZ. Hosts are very accommodating and give useful tips. Let them book you a water taxi to Anchorage so that you can walk back to the hotel and enjoy the amazing scenery and nature. This is a great place to stay and I can highly recommend it. Recommendation: more TV channels