A spring escape for two
Posted on Monday 9 September 2019
It happens to the best of us. As days turn to months, and months turn to years, the romance that characterised the beginning of a relationship appears to take a back seat. Conversations about future aspirations are gradually replaced with those about packed lunches, and the excitement of spontaneity is gradually replaced with the comfort of routine.
Sound familiar?
Now, imagine a place where romance thrives and where opportunities to connect are plentiful, offering tranquil settings guaranteed to put the spring back into your step and the spark back into your relationship. A place where pure idyllic scenery, indulgent culinary experiences, and a bustling, boutique arts scene are just the beginning. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Top of the South, that place could be a lot closer than you think.
The luxurious setting of the Abel Tasman National Park is an obvious place to start. Explore the swooping golden beaches, glistening bays and lush native forest at your own pace, abandoning routine in favour of some light-hearted indulgence. With beachfront lodges ideally spaced throughout the park at both Awaroa and Torrent Bay, you can spend your days kayaking the pristine coastline, taking a stroll along the Coastal Track, or cruising to your hearts content. Escaping from the concept of time, days here transcend swiftly into night, marked only the gentle sound of the waves lulling you to sleep, and the chorus of birdsong alerting you to the dawn of a new day.
Awaroa Lodge | Harakeke Restaurant
Closer to the city, quaint terraced cottages and exquisite hotels offer ample opportunity to wine and dine the night away in Nelson’s central dining precinct. The hospitality hub is home to many of the country’s finest restaurants, watering holes and lively artisan markets, serving up fresh regional cuisine in a boutique urban setting. The perfect excuse to savour new flavours and indulge in a vast selection of artisanal wines, beers and ciders, Nelson Tasman’s famed craft beer and wine trails promise a unique and extraordinary tasting experience for two amongst the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
Rimu Wine Bar | Mapua Wharf
Home to one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, Nelson Tasman is undoubtedly a place where creativity breeds connection. Couples can seize any number of opportunities to immerse in the regions bustling arts culture, and even try their hand at it themselves. Shop for contemporary artisan jewellery at the Jens Hansen Studio, observe intricate glass-blowing techniques at Hoglund Art Glass, participate in a pottery making workshop at Alchemy Arts, or be mesmerised by the spectacular murals that stretch from the city to the bay.
Jens Hansen Studio | Nelson City
It’s all possible here in the Top of the South. So, if you’re finding yourself being swept away with everyday life more often than you’re being swept off your feet, some alone time with your loved one may be just what you need to put the spring back into your step this season.
