Holiday Guide - 21 December 2022

Mayor’s Christmas Message

It’s at this time of year that many of us take time to reconnect with family and friends and reflect on the past 12 months.

We have again seen how resilient Tasman people are, helping family, friends and neighbours during the major weather events that we faced.

The last three years have shown

how much communities rely on the often-unsung members of our community who work in our service industries and businesses. In addition, thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who commit their own time to a broad range of community groups, from emergency services to sport and recreation and cultural and environmental research groups, who provide value beyond what we could ever

pay for. While some of these people are officially recognised from time to time, now is an opportunity to appreciate the value all of them add to our community. I would like to thank the people of Tasman who have taken the time to engage with us throughout the year. I reckon an engaged and committed population is the key to a healthy democracy and is always welcome. We live in one of the most beau-

tiful places in the world. One that we share with thousands of others over the holidays, and it is not a hard place to relax and appreciate what we have. Best of all, we don’t have to go home after the holidays. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing and whoever you are with, take the time to chill out and enjoy the summer season in Tasman, and all the best for 2023.

Christmas treat pet warning

Christmas is almost here, but along with the fun and extra time we get to spend with our fur kids, the festive season does come with an increased risk of them eating things they shouldn’t.

Pet insurance provider PD Insurance’s chief operating officer, Michelle Le Long, says the holidays are a particularly hazardous time for pets.

It not only includes the perils of specialty foods that are fine for humans but toxic to animals, it’s followed by long summer days outside where pets

can come across all manner of poisons, toxins and choking hazards.

“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 are popular

food items to have around at Christmas, but pet owners should be very careful to keep these out of reach of pets.

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.

Both chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic to dogs and cats, so any food products 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. They could prove fatal if your fur kid decides to wolf a couple off a plate set out for visitors.

In the last couple of months, PD Insurance has seen lots of claims – many in the thousands – for ingestion of common household items such as a nail, dishwashing cloth, shoe insole, meat-tray pad, pool cover, highlighter pen, socks and, very recently, tinsel off a Christmas tree!

kerbside collections

Resource Recovery Centre hours

Richmond Resource Recovery Centre

• Monday– Saturday 8.00 am – 5.00 pm

• Sunday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Closed on Christmas

•

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.

“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!”

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

Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Café in Golden Bay

Do you have a big craving for fish? Then you need to try out Anatoki Salmon fishing 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 fish ing session with your family or friends?

Additionally, the farm is located

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 pro

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.

Quinney’s Bush, popular summer destination

A popular summer destination for locals and travellers alike, Quinney’s Bush Holiday Park is set amongst 10ha of spacious grounds, surrounded by native trees and a safe swimming spot in the Motupiko River.

Hosts Mark, Marama and Andrew Quinney would like to welcome you to their campground which promotes memorable and traditional family holidays.

Started in 1961 by the late Ray Quinney, the camp has grown in popularity over the years and holds many fond memories for families, remaining a popular holiday camp destination. “The appeal seems to be the many amusements,” says Andrew, “A great swimming hole, backto-basics feel, camp-whereyou-wish system and firewood

for campfires. Children have a fantastic holiday experience here and parents are able to relax and enjoy their holiday with the kids actively occupied.”

With flying foxes, a water slide, go-kart hire, trailer rides, a skate park, basketball court and BMX track, giant tyre swing, a confidence course, animal feeding and a kids programme running from Boxing Day to the start of January, Quinney’s Bush really does have something for everyone.

“Every year we dig out ‘Quinney’s Lake’ in the river, which features the pontoon ‘Marks Ark’, and a river slide and diving platform are planned to replace the ones swept away in a flood two years ago.

“From hammocks, to walking tracks, to sunbathing by the river, at Quinney’s Bush you can sit and relax in our swing seats or enjoy some of the many activities.”

Campfires are welcome at Quinney’s Bush campsite as long there is no fire ban in place, say the team, with firewood for sale or campers can bring their own. “One thing our campers love at Quinney’s Bush is that if they choose a non-powered site they can choose where they want to go, as long as guests set up at least 10m away from power sites!”

Bookings are required for tent sites, power sites, cabins, set-up tents and on-site caravans right through the holiday season. “We are also pet friendly! You just need to register your dog with us at reception.”

Located close to Nelson, Murchison and Motueka, Quinney’s Bush offers a wide variety of accommodation and sites to meet everyone’s needs. Contact the friendly team on 03 5224249 or email quinneysbush@xtra.co.nz for

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.

MILTON

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 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

Explore our region