Holiday Guide - 11 January 2023

Step back in time

Nelson’s heritage houses

Isel House is a distinctive stone homestead first built in 1849. Isel is the legacy of the Marsden family, an affluent family who were farmers, botanists, environmentalists, and philanthropists.

Peel back the layers of history inside the house with exhibits and collections that celebrate the house and its families (the Marsdens and its second owners the Nicholls).

Climb the beautifully crafted timber staircase, wander alongside panelled walls and see the stunning stained-glass skylight. Discover collections of fine ceramic treasures, 17th to 19th century European furniture, and reproductions of significant paintings. There are two special rooms for children, ‘The Tiny Room,’ and the ‘Dollhouses of Elaine Baumfield’ which make this a great place for families to explore. Relax with a cuppa and a bite to eat at the Garden Window Café before taking a stroll through glorious Isel Park and it’s gardens.

Just around the corner you will find Broadgreen Historic House, a two storey cob cottage, built in 1855. When you walk through the door you are truly taking a step back in time!

Wander through Victorian rooms, elabo-

rately furnished with ornaments, gadgets and art from Nelson’s past. Explore bedrooms of the past, a gentleman’s study and a fully-equipped kitchen and dairy. Learn about the families (the Buxtons and the Langbeins) who lived here and experience what domestic life was like for early settlers.

Our latest exhibition, ‘Langbein Time’ looks at the era of the Langbeins, owners and orchardists at Broadgreen for over six decades.

For fashion history fans, there are garments on display from Broadgreen’s nationally-significant textile and costume collection. Children can do the holiday parcel hunt, or play in the ‘box room’, an interactive space for children to dressup, and learn about history through fun activities. Finish your visit with a wander through the stunning Samuels Rose Garden.

Isel House, 16 Hilliard Street, Stoke. Open Tue-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 12pm-4pm. Entry by donation.

Broadgreen Historic House, 276 Nayland Road, Stoke, open daily 10.30am-4.30pm.

Entry $7 adult. Free for locals!

Pack a picnic and get up close with wildlife in Tahunanui

Fun for all the family, Natureland Wildlife conservation and education centre is the region’s only animal park to offer up close and personal experiences with native, exotic and domestic animals in a fun and familyfriendly environment.

Located opposite the Beach Café in Tahunanui, the community-focused charitable trust work hard to be a safe, affordable, and accessible place for families to engage with animals and bring the wild into Nelson.

Featuring a plethora of animals including porcupine, meerkats, dragons and monkeys, Natureland is also home to range of interesting domestic animals including alpacas, kunekune and goats, and unique New Zealand natives like tuatara and kea.

Currently holidaying at Natureland is Momo and Koshi, two adorable baby Nepalese yaks.

They will be residing for the summer and love to show off their zoomie skills to visitors.

For the summer calendar, recent new arrival Orisa, one of the Nigerian mini goats, is due to give birth in January, and the team are running their conservation and education project; the breed and release of monarch butterflies in the purpose-built tunnel house.

The Natureland wildlife park is the perfect spot for a summer picnic. Providing a safe, child-friendly space, it’s an ideal location to connect with animals and learn about the natural environment.

Chairman of the Trust, Glenn Turner, says the tuatara enclosure is one of few in the country where tuatara can be easily spotted.

“People can walk through the repurposed aquarium into the tuatara experience. We have terrariums with five juvenile tuatara. If you have never seen one before it is an amazing opportunity to visit them.”

The large volunteer team are committed to ensuring that Natureland is

accessible to everyone because they strongly believe that connecting with nature is vital for physical, emotional and mental well-being.

“We strive to do the very best that we can at Natureland, and we encourage families to pack a lunch, lay out the blanket and let the kids run around and enjoy what we have to have to offer.”

Natureland’s everyday prices are in credibly reasonable: $15 an adult and $7 for children aged 2-13 years. Un der two’s are free and group passes are available.

Pop down and enjoy a little slice of nature in the heart of Tāhunanui, and don’t forget to visit Natureland’s ‘New to You’ second-hand store on Hardy Street for great bargains, too. Every donation or sale goes directly to supporting the well-being, nutrition and ongoing care of Natureland’s resident animals and Natureland’s vital conservation work.

Visit www.natureland.nz

Enjoy the outdoors with high quality performance

Cycling is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors, reduce your carbon footprint, decrease stress levels and increase cardio fitness, muscle strength and joint mobility. “We also stock easy, low-step frames and adjustable dropper seats to assist in getting on and off the bike, for people with limited mobility. We’re all about inspiring riders as they prepare their equipment and their bodies, for the next

leg-burning adventure.” From beginner cyclists through to experts, the professional team are keen to help with advice, maintenance, cycling apparel, bike gear, tips, tricks, tubes and grips! They stock all your favourite brands and accessories under the one roof. As they say, ‘We don’t just sell bikes, we sell freedom’. Mike and his team are always receiving new shipments of topquality, new season e-bikes and

full suspension mountainbikes. Stocking all things bike-related - whether you are wanting to go off-road, or looking for low-impact aerobic exercise - their experienced staff have your needs covered. The My Ride team encourages people to call in and have a chat about their cycling needs and even take a bike for a test ride. “We’re there to fuel the relentless pursuit of dreams and excellence that creates ever

lasting memories. We want to change lives for the better, ours and yours, whether you’re a beginner or a professional athlete.”

Offering servicing on any brand, make or model, My Ride Richmond can ensure your bike is ‘good to go’ for your next summer adventure, fixed up if you’ve taken a bad turn, or cleaned up after an epic ride. Make sure to book ahead. Talk to a professional today. Visit MY RIDE RICH-

5445429

MOND – your trusted bike shop at 203 Queen Street, or call

for more information.

Fuelling dreams and excellence, My Ride Richmond are changing lives for the better. With petrol prices increasing and more and more people becoming aware of the impact they are having on the environment, now is as good a time as any to hit the road using pedal power. Mike Anderson and his crew at My Ride in Richmond are ready to get you on the road and doing your bit to help the planet.

Experience life high amongst the West Coast rainforest

A must-do treetop adventure, West Coast Treetop Walkway is an exhilarating encounter amongst temperate rainforest giants. Built in 2012, the steel platform is set 20m above the ground and spans over 450m in length.

Parking at the Café, enjoy a leisurely 45-minute to one-hour stroll through native bush, encounter life with the birds high in the ancient rimu and kamahi tree canopy, overlook the stunningly beautiful Lake Mahināpua and Tasman Sea, and enjoy the mountain vistas of the Southern Alps. Feel your heart pump and the adrenalin rush of climbing 106 steps to the top of the spiralled Hokitika Tower sited 47m above the forest floor, or feel the gentle sway of the cantilevered Mahinapua Springboard.

Recently completed, the team

opened West Coast’s first dual zipline, spanning 425m and bringing a speed in excess of 60km/h.

Sitting at 15 storeys high, the Tower Zipline is a must-do for everyone aged 6 to 106! “Hook up with a friend and be prepared to have your breath taken away as you step off into the sky 45m above the ground,’ says site manager Vonnie Cherry. “Fly through the rimu treetops at speed before landing right back where you started. Catch your breath, relax at the al fresco café with a wide range of seasonal options available or take your time and explore

the Tree Top Walk and surrounding rimu rain forest at your own leisurely pace. It is an exciting, educational and must do attraction for any traveller.”

The walkways are wheelchair and pram-friendly, and parents can let their children roam freely, whilst under direct supervision, as the walkways are completely

enclosed to ensure their safety. “We have a golf cart for people with mobility issues or those who prefer a more relaxing experience, and motorised wheelchairs are able to access the entire walkway.”An experience to remember, the friendly team at West Coast Treetop Walkways work hard to conserve the prop-

erty and help to protect agriculture, wildlife and private property from destruction and disease caused by introduced predators. For more information, phone: 03 755 5052. Or email: bookings@ treetopsnz.com

West Coast Treetop Walkway and Café: 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika, West Coast

Attractions

Loads of family fun to be had at Nelson summer races

Join the Nelson Harness Racing Club for Summer Festival Race meeting fun at Richmond Park Showgrounds on Friday 13th and Sunday 15th.

Proud to host their annual summer harness race meets this coming January, catch all the action on and off the track, family fun and entertainment, with the first race kicking off at 2.30pm on Friday and Sunday’s races starting at 12.20pm. There are plenty of fun activities for both children and adults to enjoy. This annual event will feature the Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup on Friday, and then Sunday is Magic Mile Day with all the races happening over one mile, providing super exciting action. A popular event on the local calendar, the Nelson Harness Races Summer Festival attracts around 5,000 people over two days. With full TAB facilities

available, people can back their winning horse, go for the crowd favourite or pick the underdog. You’ll love the atmosphere at the races with live music throughout the day, fantastic local food and beverages, fun competitions and stylishly-dressed people everywhere. ‘Fashion in the Field’ is held on Sunday at the summer race meet each year and ladies and gents are encouraged to dress up and strut their stuff on the catwalk for the chance to win some great prizes. There will also be free children’s entertainment including bouncy castles, pony rides and the chance to meet the Canterbury Kidz Kartz Ponies which will be racing on track during the day. MoreFM and the Club will provide plenty of games and activities during the day to entertain the kids. Celebrating over 130 years, the Nelson Harness Racing Club (then known as the Nelson Trotting Club) was formed in Nelson in April 1890.

Today the Nelson Harness Racing Club is an innovative and dynamic feature of the Nelson community. The club’s race meetings are community events that cater for all sectors of the community - from families, young children and the elderly to businesspeople. The race days are all about people having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves and the Club is very grateful to its many generous sponsors for their support of these great events.

The gates will be open from 11am on Friday and from 9.30 am on Sunday. There is plenty of parking available on-site. Admission charge is $10 per adult and under 18’s are free.

For up-to-date information on the race meeting and marquee bookings, visit www.nhrc.co.nz or Nelson Harness Racing on Facebook.

Peace, seclusion and pampering galore at popular holiday resort

In idyllic surroundings, surrounded by birdsong and lush native bush, overlooking the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, lies a retreat that has been catering to the health and well-being of locals and travellers alike for the last 35 years – Kimi Ora Eco Resort.

The ideal place to visit this summer, Kimi Ora is tucked away amongst the bush, with panoramic views and lovely chalets offering peace, seclusion, and modern comforts to its visitors. Book one of their fabulous Spa Treatments to help make your holiday extra special, indulge yourself in a Wellbeing Massage or enjoy a luxurious Body Spa Treatment, Facial, Manicure, Pedicure and so much more within their spa facilities. Whether you are staying at Kimi Ora Eco Resort or visiting for a few hours, you will be delighted by the lovely bush walks

through regenerating native forests, and the hugely popular Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park which boast a series of easy to intermediate-grade tracks through the forest. There are road bikes available for guests, and bikes can also be hired from the Kiwi Journeys kiosk. Providing top-quality accommodation, an on-site restaurant, exotic spa treatments, as well as pool and spa facilities is a true labour of love, and resort manager Angelika Mant shares a passion to preserving her father, founder of Kimi Ora, Dietmar Glaser’s legacy alive – where pro-

tecting the environment, water conservation and using renewable resources are the core values of the resort. The Views onsite restaurant is headed by talented chef Mathilde Bertholon who, Angelika says, creates amazing vegetarian delights to tempt every palette. From smoked and sauteed tempeh with spicy mixed green beans and tomato, black

lentil puree, homemade beetroot ketchup, to delicious hot stone pizzas, there is something for everyone at the unique resort. Bookings are essential for the on-site vegetarian and vegan restaurant where the food is ‘as delicious as the panorama.’

Located at Kimi Ora Eco Resort, the restaurant is open seven days a week from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

“Our team will offer you an enjoyable, delicious and nutritious experience. We know that you will be delighted by your meal made with love and you can pair it with some of our local vegan and/or organic drinks. The Views also offer a fabulous buffet breakfast for a great start to your day!” Check out Kimi Ora’s website www.kimiora.com for more information. Bookings are essential during the summer holidays, especially for spa treatments and accommodation. Email Info@kimiora.com or call 03 52 78027.

Play golf in one of the region’s most picturesque locations

Located in the peaceful Maitai Valley lies Waahi Taakaro, a picturesque 9-hole parkland course and home to the friendliest and most affordable golf club in Nelson.

Providing a surprisingly stern and scenic test, golfers must negotiate the river and a large hill as they play the tree-lined layout. Be charmed by the tui, kereru, kingfisher and quail that

create an all-day chorus and the ducks, eels and trout that swim in the river that winds through the well-maintained course. Relax afterwards in the clubrooms overlooking the river and enjoy the company and camaraderie of people from all walks of life. The course, complete with a new bridge, has fully reopened after suffering significant damage in August’s flood. A huge community clean-up effort has got it almost back to its best. Open and accessible to everyone,

including visitors to the region, Waahi Taakaro is less than 10 minutes from the Nelson CBD. The club averages about 200 members throughout the year and boasts friendly, down-toearth members that come from all walks of life. New members and visitors can expect a warm welcome, says club manager Peter Watson. “Golf for us is about having fun with your friends in a fantastic place. Visit our relaxing piece of paradise with great views of the valley which pro-

vides a good test for golfers of all abilities.” Golf lessons are available from NZPGA coach Nick Loach, to women, men and juniors, from beginners to long time players, and you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a game of golf at Waahi Taakaro. “As our course is owned and maintained by the Nelson City Council, it is open to the public every day of the week, except Christmas Day.”

“We offer locals and visitors alike some sharp deals to play our charming and sheltered course.

You can play five rounds of 9 holes for just $80 or 10 round of 9 holes for $160. Five rounds of 18 holes will cost only $100 and 10 rounds just $200. And in summer you can play as much golf as you like after 5pm for just $16 to take advantage of those long evenings. And if you time it right the clubhouse bar might even be open for a cold one afterwards.” Book your round and get your discount cards at the golf shop: phone 03 5487301 or email golfshop@ waahitaakarogolfclub.co.nz