Global recognition boosts Nelson Tasman’s appeal to international visitors
Monday 12 October, 2026
A growing collection of internationally recognised luxury retreats is strengthening Nelson Tasman’s appeal to high-value international visitors and creating an opportunity to grow the value tourism brings to the regional economy.
Recent accolades for Lodge by the Beach, Pīhopa Retreat and Maruia River Retreat have put three distinctive Nelson Tasman experiences in the international spotlight, at a time when New Zealand is focused on growing visitor spend and attracting high-quality international demand.
Kaiteriteri’s Lodge by the Beach has joined the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection, recognised for its intimate four-suite offering near the Abel Tasman coast. Guests have access to a secluded beach, private dining and tailored experiences spanning kayaking, boating and helicopter journeys.
In Nelson, six-suite Pīhopa Retreat was named the #1 hotel in New Zealand in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, for the 2nd year running, recognising its highly personalised hospitality, heritage setting and strong connection to local food, wine and experiences.
Maruia River Retreat was selected as one of Newsweek’s World’s Most Extraordinary Spas for 2026, one of only five New Zealand destinations to make the list. Set within a 500-acre private nature estate, the retreat combines accommodation with seasonal cuisine, wellness, yoga, forest bathing and nature-based experiences.
Craig Boodee, Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), Visitor Destination Manager says the recognition provides powerful evidence of the quality of Nelson Tasman’s visitor offering and its potential to contribute even more to the local economy.
“The opportunity for Nelson Tasman is also about attracting visitors who stay longer, explore more of the region and spend across accommodation, hospitality, activities, retail and our local producers. These businesses demonstrate that Nelson Tasman is attracting the high-value international visitor. They are boutique, highly personal, deeply connected to this place; it’s incredible to see the quality of what they offer being recognised internationally.”
The opportunity comes as New Zealand's international visitor economy continues to strengthen. MBIE/Statistics NZ figures show 3.67 million international visitors came to New Zealand in the year to June 2026, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic visitor volumes. Tourism New Zealand is currently focused on growing international arrivals to 3.9 million by June 2027, with regional growth a key part of the opportunity.
Donna Adlam, NRDA’s International Marketing Lead, says internationally recognised experiences give the region valuable credibility when working with travel trade, media and high-value travel specialists overseas.
“When Nelson Tasman is being presented internationally, recognition from names such as MICHELIN, Condé Nast Traveller and Newsweek immediately gives the region another level of visibility and credibility, helping us to compete for visitors who are prepared to travel further, stay longer and invest in high-quality experiences.”
That opportunity aligns closely with Tourism New Zealand's (TNZ) current international marketing direction; using food and beverage, active escapes and wellness as three key themes to drive international demand.
The three award-winning businesses reflect a broader shift in what luxury travel can mean. Rather than luxury being defined solely by physical surroundings, these experiences offer something harder to replicate: privacy, access to nature, personal service, local food and the opportunity to understand a place directly through the people who live there.
Lodge by the Beach founder and curator Luba says the lodge was created around the idea that luxury can feel both exclusive and genuinely welcoming.
“For us, luxury is about privacy, personal attention and giving guests the freedom to experience this beautiful part of Nelson Tasman at their own pace. Being recognised by the MICHELIN Guide is wonderful validation for our team, and it also helps bring international attention to this part of New Zealand and everything visitors can experience while they are here.”
Pīhopa Retreat owner and host Sarah Mellor says its approach has always been centred around personal hospitality and a strong sense of place.
“Pīhopa has always been about creating a sense of place and belonging. We want guests to feel genuinely welcomed into Nelson Tasman and leave knowing something about the people, food and places that make this region special. Our guests are curious; they want recommendations on experiences they wouldn't necessarily discover themselves. That gives us an opportunity to connect them with so many other wonderful businesses across the region.”
Maruia River Retreat co-owner and host Cristina Holopainen says the retreat's approach to luxury is grounded in nature, wellness and connection.
“At Maruia River Retreat, luxury is about purposeful travel - having the space, time and thoughtful care in a stunning natural environment. Our Personal Restoration Retreat combines nature, wellness and thoughtful hospitality to help guests unwind, recover and find balance from all the wonderful outdoor adventures the Nelson Tasman region has to offer.”
The recent recognition extends across Nelson Tasman’s domestic visitor offering too.
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park took home three awards at the 2026 Holiday Parks New Zealand Awards, recognised for its sustainable commitment, community engagement and accessible gardens improvement project.
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve was named 2026 Large Holiday Park of the Year, recognising excellence across visitor experience, community and cultural connection, environmental stewardship and responsible park management.
Combined with the region’s recent luxury accolades, the awards demonstrate the depth and quality of experiences available across the Nelson Tasman region, from premium retreats to much-loved beachside holiday parks and the commitment of local operators to looking after both visitors and the places that make the region special.
Notes to editors: Lodge by the Beach is included in the MICHELIN Guide hotel selection. Pīhopa Retreat was ranked #1 hotel in New Zealand in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 & 2026. Maruia River Retreat was selected as one of Newsweek’s World’s Most Extraordinary Spas for 2026.
Sources: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)/Statistics NZ; Tourism New Zealand, September 2026.
ENDS