Holiday Guide - 21 December 2022

A holiday message from the Mayor

Nelson has had a particularly tough year. We have had the international issues of Covid, the war in Ukraine as well as the sad loss of Queen Elizabeth ll. We have shared with other New Zealanders the problems of a surge in crime, the crises in the cost of living, acute skills shortages, soaring school truancy and now the sharp rise in interest rates. On top of this, we have had August’s devastating storm and the resulting landslides triggering the worst Nelson civil emergency in 50 years.

We can be proud of how we have come together in response to August’s storm. We collectively did a good job of keeping people safe and caring for each other. We are making good progress on the infrastructure with the Maitai Dams main water supply fixed in November and the completion of repair works on State

Highway 6. We are indebted to the engineers and hardworking construction workers for the long hours to get these difficult jobs done.

This will be a tough Christmas for the 43 households still unable to return to their homes. Our Council’s last meeting topped up support for the Mayoral Relief Fund and expanded rate relief. I have also partnered with Whakatū Rotary in providing gifts for those affected.

We still have a long hard haul ahead of us in getting all the infrastructure and homes fixed. The most difficult issues will be developing engineering solutions to stabilize the hundreds of landslides across the city, and this will take years.

These difficult challenges have not dampened my enthusiasm as your new Mayor. I am exhausted and need a holiday, but am optimistic

ardous time for pets.

Christmas is almost here and it comes with an increased risk of pets eating things they shouldn’t.

Pet insurance provider PD Insurance’s chief operating officer, Michelle Le Long, says the holidays are a particularly haz-

about what our Council can achieve in 2023.

I invite Nelsonians to enjoy the festive and summer season. The Carols by Candlelight on our Cathedral Church Steps on Christmas Eve at 8.45pm is an iconic Nelson Event. Tickets are also available for the complementary Mayoral Community Christmas Dinner on the big day from 11.30am at Greenmeadows Stoke. The New Year’s Eve countdown from 7pm is another great community event. Also ensure you put in your diary Sotheby’s Nelson Opera in the Park on Saturday 18 February 2023.

The most valuable gift of Christmas is time for our loved ones. Enjoy them and all that Nelson has to offer over summer in our wonderful parks and beaches.

Best wishes for 2023.

“Over the last year almost 10 per cent of our claims in NZ for dogs were due to accidental ingestion,” Michelle says.

“These ranged from dogs who ate something poisonous and needed to be treated with drips or medication, through to dogs who had an obstruction and were choking, and dogs who needed surgical removal of objects from their trachea or

stomach.”

Christmas mince pies and chocolates should be kept out of reach. Be alert also for cherry pits, Christmas nuts, onions, garlic and coffee, along with human medication, supplements and essential oils, as accidental ingestion of these could prove fatal to dogs and cats. Chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic to dogs and cats, so any food prod-

ucts containing these items should be kept far from the reach of a wandering tongue. The same goes for grapes and the raisins in fruit mince pies and slices of Christmas cake. This year PD Insurance has seen claims for ingestion of common household items like a nail, dishwashing cloth, shoe insole, meat-tray pad, pool cover, highlighter pen, socks and, very recently, tinsel off a Christmas tree!

The Beach Bus service runs regularly every day from Tuesday 27 December until Monday 30 January (including public holidays).

The bus departs from either Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park or Nelson city (cnr of Halifax and Trafalgar Streets opposite Burger King), stopping at Tāhunanui Beach in each direction.

Popular particularly with children, the service gives the thousands of holiday makers staying in the Tāhunanui area a car-less way of getting to the retail delights of the central city.

Alternatively, city dwellers and visi-

tors can ride to a day at the beach without parking hassles (or sand in the car).

Tāhunanui’s long familyfriendly shoreline has enjoyed many facility improvements in recent years including Nelson’s newest park playground, Te Pā Harakeke, which opened at the end of November.

Other attractions include a hydroslide and bumper boats, ProKarts and ProBounce trampolines, tennis and sand volleyball courts, a skate park and roller-skating rink, BBQ sites and two children’s play-

grounds. Within easy walking distance, Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park (the largest in the South Island with 1km of waterfront) offers a dogfriendly café and mini-golf open to the public.

The bus service is a collaboration between Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Nelson City Council. Single ride, return, family and group tickets are available on board.

Nelson → Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

Beach at Bisley Walk → Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park 10:10, 11:10, 12:10, 14:10, 15:10, 16:10

Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park → Nelson: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30

Beach at Bisley Walk → Nelson: 10:32, 11:32, 12:32, 14:32, 15:32, 16:32

Double-decker ride to the beach? Not a problem with the Tāhuna Summer Beach Bus once again in operation around the coastline between Nelson city and Tahunanui Beach and Holiday Park.

Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Café in Golden Bay

Most people love salmon due to its delicious taste and healthy Omega-3 benefits, and when it’s served with citrus fruits there’s a guarantee that it tastes as good as it looks on the plate.

The best thing about Anatoki Salmon fishing is that you get to catch the fish, pay for it and then have it cooked for you. What could be more fun than a fishing session with your family or friends?

Additionally, the farm is located next to Anatoki Tame Eels, so there are plenty of activities you can engage in after you’ve eaten your fish.

Anytime you are in Golden Bay ,or in case you plan to visit New

Zealand for the first time, then Anatoki Salmon Farm should come first on your bucket list. The farm is just 7 km from Takaka township in the captivating Anatoki Valley and on the banks of the Anatoki River which flows through the beautiful New Zealand forest.

There’s no doubt that this is a cool spot to bring your family, friends or come on your own and enjoy fishing like never before. They don’t charge any entry fee, and the fishing gear you need is provided free-of-charge.

Furthermore, you don’t need any fishing experience, and you get to spend as much time as you like catching your fish and enjoying the farm atmosphere.

For those who don’t know how to fish, a quick guide is provided by the staff as they hand you the fishing equipment.

The way it works is very simple; you only pay per weight of your catch. Then you get to watch as the team cleans, the fish for you at no extra cost.

If you want your fish cooked so that you can eat it on the spot or take away, they also provide those services at reasonable fees.

Nonetheless, eating your fish on the spot while on a picnic is the way to go, since there are plenty

of spots for picnicking. Anytime you are in New Zealand or around Takaka, Golden Bay, and you want to eat good fish, just come to Anatoki Salmon Farm. They are open 9am-4.30pm daily, and no reservations are required.

Murchison’s Adventure and Heritage Park

The Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park is a must-see tourism destination, rich with history, and flora and fauna that is a delight to explore.

Located just hours away from Nelson, Picton, Westport, the West Coast, and Christchurch, the Adventure Park is place of excitement and adventure where visitors can walk the heights of New Zealand’s longest swingbridge, feel the rush of the Cometline ride, experience the thrill of a jet boating experience, pan for abundant gold treasure, or simply relax on one of the many nature walks.

Suspended 19 metres high above the mighty Buller River, the 110m long Buller Gorge Swingbridge is

a must-do for locals and visitors alike. The park has attractions for everyone, whether you can spare five minutes, or a few hours, time will be well spent in the Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure and Heritage Park.

“Try a ride high above the river on our high-speed 160m Comet Line suitable for all ‘young at heart’ ages,” says owner Julian.

“Take the ride solo or with a friend – the more weight on the ride the faster it goes!”

The 40min Jet Boat ride will take you up the mighty Buller Gorge, between pink granite rocks, and through beautiful native forest before spinning around and heading upstream to the spectacular white water of the Ariki Falls.

“Forget the rest, do the best. The driver will pull over at Deep Creek to allow you to enjoy the

peace and tranquillity of the river, interrupted only by the calls of the native birds, before relating a short story of the natural history of the area.”

The land at the top of White’s Peninsula has been a working claim for more than 120 years and the river is still mined today, says Julian, with the team providing expert tuition on panning and ‘dirt’ from their favourite secret spot.

Located at 413 Upper Buller Gorge Road, Murchison, freephone: 0800 BULLER or email: swingbridge@bullergorge.co.nz for more information.

“Visitors are bound to find some gold. They are also able to go down to the river and pan for as long as they like – and what they find they can keep!”

room adventures

The perfect destination for holiday fun, Clue Hunters in Montgomery Square, Nelson, will put yourself, your friends and your family to the ultimate test, and share an experience that you’ll never forget.

Escape rooms is a themed environment where you must find clues and solve puzzles to escape the room or solve the mystery, and the phenomenon has exploded around the world. Playing with or against team members, you have one hour to escape the room or solve the mystery.

Choose from a Double Cross at Tony’s Bistro, where, in the grand tradition of the Godfather, Goodfellas and the Sopranos, Clue Hunters have an escape that’s as Italian

as a machine gun in a violin case. Help notorious hit man Rocco Calzone get his payoff after being ambushed at Tony’s Bistro. Or, if you think clowns are scary, you’re going to love the Little Candy Shop of Horrors where eccentric owner Sam Valentine imprisons you with sickly sweet riddles in the hope to claim you as his next victim.

If riding roughshod across the mid-western plains is more your thing, try your hand at the Wild West Heist. Complete your greatest challenge and biggest payday yet by entering the Roaring Temptress saloon and break into its impregnable safe, to retrieve a priceless jewel. Or perhaps you would be willing to help poor old Aunt Betty enter her flat and retrieve her carefully hidden inheritance and some personal belongings. Protected by

layers of tricks and traps, the sizeable life insurance policy is somewhere in Betty’s flat.

If you’re clever and quick, you may be able to find the wealth that has eluded many before you.

Game Master, Pete, says the Clue Hunters team are dedicated to giving the best immersive experience possible.

“We are all passionate about having a great time. As a Game Master I love hearing the reaction to a hidden clue, sharing in the feeling of victory when a group escapes one of our rooms with time to spare and taking the victory photo at the end of the booking.”

The team will be running a special holiday promotion for kids participating in a Clue Hunters escape. “We have a word find to solve for young Clue Hunters. The first two to

solve

Square. Email: team@cluehunters. co.nz or call (03) 548 2583 for booking information. cluehunters.co.nz

Kick back at your local Sprig + Fern

Craft beer fans have eight destinations to choose from this summer, with a Sprig + Fern Tavern open in all of the must-visit hotspots in the region.

Whether you are a regular or just visiting for the holidays, if you want to kick-back and enjoy locally brewed craft beers and ciders – head to your nearest Sprig + Fern Tavern.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. brew craft beers and ciders in the home of hops, Nelson-Tasman.

Master Brewer and Owner Tracy Banner and her team proudly brew award-winning beers across a range of 18 styles to form their year-round core range, and brew monthly Limited Releases showcasing bold and experimental hops and styles.

Every tavern offers a food and snack menu, occasional live entertainment, weekly entertainment events, and has a modern and clean décor, plus a family friendly vibe.

Outdoor areas with sun umbrellas mean you can enjoy that famous Nelson-Tasman weather whilst enjoying your craft beer or cider. Sprig + Fern Taverns are also home to the Proper Pint – a unique offering, ask them about it when you visit!

Customers can look forward to sampling some of the best craft beer in New Zealand coming from Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. Hazys, dark beers, lagers, pale ales through to IPAs, with many being award winners at the 2022 Brewers Guild NZ Beer Awards, as well as the NZ Cider Awards.

If you can’t decide what to try, you can order a tasting tray to sample

a few taps on offer. The Limited Release taps are always a popular option, with summer Limited Releases usually being some juicy and fruity hazys, or a lower alcohol beer for a relaxed drink.

All Sprig + fern Taverns offer a Non-Alcoholic beer, Wingmate Hazy IPA brewed by Tracy and the team. It’s a great option for those days when you want to take it easy.

Visit

- a Sprig + Fern Tavern;

MILTON ST 134 Milton St, The Wood, Nelson

HARDY ST 280 Hardy St, Nelson

TAHUNA 13 Beach Road, Tahunanui

UPPER QUEEN 126 Queen St, Richmond

THE MEADOWS 4a Central Park Ave, Richmond

BRIGHTWATER 54 Ellis St, Brightwater

MAPUA 67 Aranui Rd, Mapua

MOTUEKA 21 Wallace St, Motueka

Nelson-Tasman’s craft beer destination this summer

Food and nature - a classic kiwi combo

A longstanding Kiwi tradition, nothing says summer quite like packing up the picnic hamper with delicious treats and parking up at your favorite nature spot to while the day away. But what makes the perfect picnic?

Whether it is a classic hamper style, complete with wicker basket and wine, a chilly bin stocked with club sandwiches and egg salad or going lock stock with the bbq for a classic cook up at the beach with friends, one thing is for sure – with a little bit of planning, dining alfresco is the

perfect way to spend time with loved ones and soak up some of our country’s most stunning locations.

When planning for the perfect picnic, begin with the type of atmosphere you want to create.

Are you wanting to woo a loved one, create fun family memories with the children, share the love with a get-together of those nearest and dearest or create a fantastic feast with friends? If you’re going for a rustic affair, choose seasonal products, hearty foods and local wines.

If beach vibes is your thing, then opt for seafood, bbq food, fresh salads, cooling refreshments and easy-to-eat cuisine.

A romantic picnic for two? It is

Holiday Hours

Below

Customer Service, Civic House, Trafalgar Street

• Closing at 3pm on 23 December

• Closed 24 December - 3 January

•

03 546 0200 for emergencies; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

NBus Services

• No service 25 December

• 26 - 27 December, Routes 1 and 2 run a Saturday timetable. Routes 3 - 8 are NOT running.

• 1 - 3 January inclusive: Routes 1 and 2 run a Saturday timetable. Routes 3 - 8 are NOT running.

Broadgreen Historic House

• Closed 25 December

Open every other day from 10am - 4.30pm

Nelson Waste Recovery Centre

• Closing at 2.30pm on 24 December

• Closed 25 December

hard to beat delicious gourmet delicacies, local artisan products and indulgent desserts spread out on a blanket with pillows to treat your special someone. Backyard picnics or bbq’s are a relaxing way to entertain, eat, play and laugh with friends and family without a lot of the stress. Decorate with patio lights, bean bags, lawn chairs and set up

backyard cricket or badminton for a bit of after dinner fun.

Create a picnic to remember with these must do’s:

• Choose dinnerware and cutlery that is appropriate for the occasion and pack food into easily sealable containers

• Provide no-mess nibbles alongside breads, salad greens

and plenty of water

• Invest in a decent chilly bin and ice packs that will keep your food cool

• Think comfort options for the weather; ie umbrellas, blankets, pillows or chairs

• Be practical, always pack sunscreen, bug spray, wet wipes, a rubbish bag and napkins

STAY SAFE

Consider wearing a mask when you are out in public, especially in crowded spaces. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or sanitise. Spend time outdoors or in places with good airflow, especially in groups or when eating.

• 26 - 27 December: open 10am - 4.30pm, last vehicle entry at 4:20pm

• Closed 1 January

• 2 - 3 January: open 10am - 4.30pm, last vehicle entry at 4:20pm

Founders Heritage Park

Closed 25 December, open every other day

10am - 4.30pm as usual.

Isel House

• Closed 24 - 26 December

• Closed 31 December - 2 January

Nelson Public Libraries

• Closing at 1pm on 24 December

• Closed 25 - 27 December

• Closed 1 - 3 January

Marina Office

• Closing at 3pm on 24 December

• Closed 25 - 27 December

• Closed 1 - 3 January

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