My partner and I stayed at the Karaka Lodge for two wonderful nights while we explored Nelson over Waitangi weekend. We were blessed with two and a half days of complete sunshine and cloudless skies. In terms of location, Manuka Island was ideal - close to Nelson and the Abel Tasman, and only a 2 minute drive to Rabbit Island Beach! The setting was idyllic - the lodge is nestled in native bush swarming with native birds. We ate dinner each night on the porch, marvelling at how peaceful it was - the utter silence only occasionally pierced by the sounds of nature. Without a doubt, the highlight of our stay was being welcomed, every time we arrived back at the lodge, by Blaze - the resident dog - who would beg us to throw a stick for him (and give him copious amounts of pats). The first chance we get, we will be back to Manuka Island to explore more of Nelson's beauty.