Nelson
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The Nelson / Able Tasman region really covers five distinct geographic regions, being: Nelson & Richmond; Mapua, Motueka and Motuere; Abel Tasman; Golden Bay; and, St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes & Murchison.
There also three important New Zealand National Parks in: Abel Tasman; Kahurangi; and, Nelson Lakes.
This is a region of arts and crafts, of food and viticulture, where much of the produce is locally grown and consumed with great enjoyment. There are over 350 recognised artists with galleries or workshops around the region. Vines are grown and wines made in the 23 local boutique wineries, where you will be able to sample Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir and the ever popular Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
It is also a region with lots to do in the great outdoors, from sailing and kayaking on the sea to white water rafting on the swift flowing Buller River; from fly fishing (for large Brown Trout) to birdwatching ; from caving to rock climbing; and from strolling along a beautiful beach to trekking one of NZ’s great walks.
The region has a proud history with the first Maori peoples arriving some 600 years ago, and the first European settlers in the first half of the 19th Century. A visit to the Nelson Town Museum and Founders Heritage Park, as well as the museums at Collingwood and Murchison townships will bring the rich history to life. Another interesting piece of history was made at The Botanics Reserve, where the first game of rugby was ever played in New Zealand, our national game has come on a long way since then !
There is something here for everyone.
Nelson, with a population of 45,000 has art and sculpture walks, one in the city itself and one along the waterfront. There are boutique galleries and art cafes, including the renowned Suter Art Gallery, and an interesting collection at the Bead Gallery. A Museum of Wearable Art & Classic Cars provides an unusual mix but is a most definitely rewarding visit.
A Saturday market, in the Montgomery Square, Central City, also provides an excellent venue for artisans with authentic local produce and products. Farmers Markets for food produce only can be found at Founders Park (Fridays) and in Richmond on Cambridge Street (Sundays).
Taking the self drive coastal highway will delight with local galleries, vineyards and cafes along the way. There are boutique breweries to discover for those who prefer a cool beer.
Seafood is plentiful, with scallops, cockles and mussels as well as snapper and salmon being popular choices. You can purchase fresh fish from the waterfront in Nelson, or simply visit one of the local cafes and restaurants.
Turning to the national parks, Abel Tasman is NZ’s smallest at just over 22,000 Ha, but reckoned by many to be the most beautiful. The Park boast golden beaches, lagoons, native bush and a 3 to 4 day coastal track which is one the New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. Sailing and sea kayaking are popular pastimes here.Kahurangi is a much larger park at over 450,000 Ha, and contains forest scenery, alpine flora, and a significant population of the great spotted kiwi bird. Walking is available from each of the main towns, and there is also the start of another of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Heaphy Track.
The Nelson Lakes Park is around 2 hours south of Nelson and reaches to the northernmost section of the Southern Alps. This park has tranquil beech forests, mountains and lovely lakes countryside. Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa are both popular areas for walking (or tramping), fishing, boating and birdwatching. It is also possible to ski here in the winter at the small but welcoming Rainbow Ski field – suitable for families and beginners.