37 minute read
A Day in the Life of
A Day in the Life of Andrew Hogg
Andrew Hogg is the Nelson Harbourmaster and the Marine Operations Manager for Port Nelson. He manages the ships coming in and leaving Port Nelson as well as overseeing the safety of the harbour and Nelson region waters.
Advertisement
6am
I drag myself out of bed and head out for a run. I try and get one in before the house wakes otherwise its hard to find the time. I prefer heading into the hills and trails but weekday runs are normally limited to the road because of time constraints.
7am
Back home in time to get the girls (two and four years old) up and fed. Olivia wants her hair in a french braid today which is well outside my capability so I manage to negatiate a pony tail with a very high ratio of bows and hair clips as a compromise.
7:45am
I drive past the boat ramps and beach on the way to work to get a feel for how busy it is. The craziness of summer has settled down now and there are only the paddle boarders and powerboats making the most of lighter winds.
8:30am
First thing at the office is a daily morning meeting with all the operations departments at the port where we coordinate shipping, cargo and people. I attend a Zoom meeting about Covid at the maritime border with Public Health, NZ Customs and Port Marlborough.
10am
I head out in the harbourmaster boat to patrol the harbour. Most people were being safe today, but there there were still a few I needed to educate - like paddle boarders needing a lifejacket and staying out of the swim zone, boats staying on the starboard side of the channel and jet skiers sticking to five knot speed limits in the harbour. No infringement fines today, which is great.
2pm
Back into the office to look through some survey results from dredging in the harbour. This is something Port Nelson does every year and ensures there is enough depth of water for ships to come in and out. I am just starting work on a harbour risk assesment when I get a call that there is an old pile floating in the harbour that could be dangerous to other water users (the irony).
4pm
Out in the boat again to try and find and then retreive the object. I find it over by the lay-up berths and it is close in to the rocks. The wind has increased a lot now and it is very tricky to get in close enough to tie a strop around it without getting too close to the rocks. On the third attempt I manage to get it and tow it to safety where it is picked out of the water and disposed of.
5:30pm
I get back into the office and answer emails and make some phone calls.
6:30pm
Arrive home and spend time with my girls and chat about their day. If I’m lucky I get home in time to bath, read a story and put them to bed but my partner Holly is a super mum and has things running like clockwork at home.
7:30pm
Dinner with Holly once the kids are all tucked up and we have time to ourselves. After dinner and dishes we watch the last episode of The Queen’s Gambit, a short Netflix series which we both have been a little hooked on, before heading off to bed.
Coppermine Trail.
Riding a mountain of bike tracks
VIRGINIA WOOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s not just houses that are being built with gusto in Nelson. Our network of mountainbike trails is growing every day and local Enduro World Series circuit rider Jess Harvey reckons they are up there with the best in the world.
Does anyone know the opposite of ‘instant gratification’? You know, those activities we used to do in the past that we knew were beneficial for the long-term goal, but not necessarily providing all that much pleasure or satisfaction at the moment. Remember those? Better yet, remember how it made you feel? Delayed gratification, I believe, is the correct term. When you work hard for something that you know will be worth it in the end and from memory, feels bloody good! The last few years has been one heck of a marshmallow test for the Nelson Mountain Biking Club (NMTBC) who has put in an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to ensure the entire NMTBC community can reap the rewards this summer.
Finally, after a long period of advocating, planning and trail scoping, creating an area wide resource consent, working through the included conditions of this consent and a lot more, the delayed gratification is making itself known as a building phase which essentially means
that all the groundwork has been laid and it’s time to smash out some trails.
As well as NMTBC there are several areas and groups that have upped the ante during spring and produced some quality opportunities for having a great time on a bike in Nelson Tasman. Below is my account of a couple of these new assets, but to be honest, by the time you’ve finished reading this article, there will no doubt already be a few more. Nelson is well-known in New Zealand for its plethora of long, techy and steep descents. In fact I would go as far as saying it rivals most venues I came across during my two seasons following the Enduro World Series circuit in Europe and South America. But if that’s not your style and you would prefer to develop your airborne moves, Nelson has provided you very little option, until now. Many of us will already know Gravity Nelson as one of the go-to stops for developing skills on a bike and if you haven’t yet had a session out at their privately-owned, purpose-built progression area called Field of Dreams then 2021 is when it is at!
HENRY JAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wheel Woman at Kaiteriteri MTB Park.
Justin Russell, one of the developers of Branford Jump Park. Rumour has it, this is where the biggest drops in Nelson Tasman can be found and, as if that wasn’t quite enough of an asset to the NMTBC community, they have gone ahead and employed ‘G.A.B.E’, the kind of guy that is more than just hot air for your jump progressions. Whilst the Gravity Air Bag Experience is currently living out at Field of Dreams it is small and light enough to be set up anywhere for any event. At this stage it is likely you are still marvelling at my use of ‘more than just hot air’ when talking about an airbag. That is fine, I’m rather pleased myself, in fact, I think I might have peaked and it will be all downhill from here… Moving right along, once you have started getting the feel for being in the air, instead of travelling to Rotorua, Christchurch or Queenstown, you can now simply cruise over to Branford Jump Park up the Maitai Valley where a group of boys, all possessing high levels of coordination in the air, have spent a fair bit of time turning an area with unrealised potential into a hub of sick shapes and good energy. After many years of solely existing, they have brought the Branford Jump Park to life and, much like an old-timer hitting retirement, you never know what will happen next. But you can be sure the party has just begun.
Jess navigating her way along Whaimana.
...Whaimana, (possibly better known to many as 660) still manages to rise above the rest, a list of suitable adjectives would be; long, varied, committing, techy, flowy, steep, fun, interesting – it just has it all.
Returning briefly to what we are regularly visited for by out-of-towners, try the cluster of trails encircled by the Coppermine loop. The Coppermine itself, also a fantastic ride and since receiving attention from Easy Trail Services, is looking better than ever, but I am thinking about the likes of 629, Peaking Ridge, Cranknstein and if you’re mega-game; Mutleys. This area is the gift that keeps on giving as there is now also Whaimana (possibly better known to many as 660) which, in an area where every section of trail is close to perfection, still manages to rise above the rest. A list of suitable adjectives would be; long, varied, committing, techy, flowy, steep, fun, interesting – it just has it all. However, this area is well-known to man as being some of the hardest-toreach corners of the earth, or so Sir David Attenborough would have told us had he been interested in mountain bike trails. The new climbing trail, E Tū, that cuts out the final fire break up to 629, has been established not even a second too soon and allows us to be friendly as we ascend and have enough energy left to ride a bike for the descent. Brilliant!
Whilst on the topic of ‘brilliant,’ one cannot bypass the fact that we are now privileged to having a regular shuttle service up Fringed hill or Sharlands, another service that has taken a good few years to make happen. And once again the rest of us are benefitting from someone understanding the value of delayed gratification as we cruise up Fringed Hill for a casual after-work lap of Whaimana or Peaking Ridge. ‘Excuse me’ you say, ‘I’ve almost finished reading and you still haven’t mentioned Wairoa Gorge. Are we still talking about Nelson Tasman MTB assets?’ Yes, still on that topic and this is where we introduce Greg (not G.A.B.E. We already talked about him.) Greg! Greg is the newest, shiniest asset to this NMTBC run facility and operation and came onboard early last year. Whilst we were in the midst of comparing our routines to those of other TikTok-ers, baking sourdough bread and stocking up on toilet paper, Greg got stuck in figuring out how to make ‘The Gorge’ even better. Cheers mate!
Something else we're very good at here in Nelson Tasman is being located on the Coast. Man are we just great at that! So, to play to our strengths we have trail areas in close proximity to the sea; Kaiteriteri Bike Park being one and Cable Bay Adventure Park being the other. Not long ago the newest addition to the Kaiteriteri bike park was launched in the form of a Grade 5 trail called Karmakaze. This is a great option when you want to combine good riding with one of the world’s best beaches. I believe there are also donuts on the way but that is a different topic. (Perhaps if you have enjoyed this little yarn I will give you an account of my favourite donuts next.) As for Cable Bay Adventure Park, the newest addition is a Grade 3 trail called Stinger which can be reached by a gentle 20-minute pedal from the carpark. It’s worth a lap or five before heading out to Cable Bay for a soak. To finish off, I would like to mention something a bit closer to home. The Fireball Trig, and the view from it really is the Nelson classic for a ‘look at my sick bike in this beautiful spot’ photo, and again, thanks to the fine folk of Easy Trail Services, we have got another very good reason to head up there. The new Grade 3 that was officially opened in late December is packed full of flow and berms and even though I’m one of them that wouldn’t opt for berms and flow I’ve been up there three times in the last three days and might fit in a cheeky lap this afternoon.
Mountain biking for mountain bikers
Situated deep in the Wairoa Valley, The Gorge is home to well over 70km of hand-built mountain bike trails that run through lush native beech forest.
The sublime trails range from three up to five. Book a seat on one of their scheduled shuttle days — five shuttles a day with nearly 1000m descent in each run.
Wairoa Gorge Bike Park thegorge.nz
An experience you’ll never forget
Helibike’s mountain and helibike adventures take you to places few have been, and to trails that will blow your mind. See the best NZ has to offer on family friendly rides or more hardcore tracks, choosing from single day or multi-day adventures.
Stay dry and fully protected
Grangers Clothing Repel is a wash-in product designed to restore the water-repellent finish found on all outdoor and technical clothing. Suitable for use on all Gore-Tex® and eVent garments, and simple to use in any domestic washing machine.
Outpost Supplies 53 Quarantine Rd, Nelson Ph: 021 063 4450 | outpostsupplies.co.nz Big climbs, fast descents and a beer at the finish
There’s no better finale to a hardout ride than a pint of craft beer or cider. Call in for a pint of Hazy IPA at one of the local Sprig & Fern taverns.
Recovery, rehabilitation and wellbeing
Whether it is an injury or just niggles and strains that are getting in the way of what you want to do, Proactive 4 Health physiotherapists can help provide treatment, get you back into sports or everyday activity and help you to avoid it reoccurring. Nelson Mountain Bike club members enjoy 25% off appointments — this offer is extended to everybody’s first appointment when you mention this ad.
Proactive — Four Corners of Health Ph: 03 929 5559 | proactive4health.co.nz
Mountain bike coaching workshops
A wide variety of work shops to suit all abilities. A supportive environment offers constructive and encouraging advice for all riders. Offering kids coaching with Krankin Kids and guys workshops on offer too, and look out for dates for supported rides on the Old Ghost Road and the Heaphy Track.
Wheel Woman and Krankin Kids Contact Emma: 027 624 5368 wheelwoman.co.nz | krankinkids.co.nz
Inspiration starts here
That’s the promise from Guthrie Bowron Richmond. Inspiration is the first thing they’ll provide, followed up with expert knowledge, quality products and honest advice about how to turn your house into a home you’ll love.
Trish and John Gray have long been the go-to people in Richmond for interior design inspiration and practical and helpful advice, and many local homes have benefited from their creative touch. Previously Colourplus, their store has recently rebranded, becoming part of the Guthrie Bowron family.
When the opportunity to change to Guthrie Bowron came up, it didn’t take too much time for a decision to be made. “It just made sense,” says John. “Guthrie Bowron is NZ’s most recognisable and trusted name in home decoration and being part of the group has given us access to exclusive product ranges and ultimately provided more choice for our customers.” One of the big changes is that they are now Richmond’s exclusive supplier of Dulux paints, another name that goes hand in hand with home decoration. Still the local stockists of ever popular Luxaflex blinds, access to extra brands of topquality wallpaper and designer curtain fabrics means that their already impressive selection just got even better. One thing that remains the same is the service and dedication of the Guthrie Bowron team. “Through this period of change it’s important to let everyone know that we are still the same team,” says Trish. “We are still locally owned and dedicated to our local community.” Led by Trish and John, the award-winning team offers the very best in interior and exterior decorating and design. From new builds to renovations, redesigns, and updates on homes, baches and offices, Guthrie Bowron takes pride in creating individual concepts from planning to completion. When you are in the process of building or redecorating it’s often hard to see beyond the plans and budgets, and when surrounded by trusses and tools, to envision how beautiful your home can be. That’s when you need to call in Trish and her consultants. Highly trained and with extensive backgrounds in the decorating industry, they work with colour, texture and design to enhance client’s decorating projects. “Our consultants are available to visit in our spacious showroom or we can come to your home, holiday home or office to go over what you want to achieve.” “It’s always beneficial to take advantage of our free in-home consultations – they give us the opportunity to see your home environment and take factors like natural light and views into account when we work on your design.” Trish is passionate about interior design, and many local homes have benefited from her touch and creative flair. With a background in fashion, she discovered the joy of combining fashion, style, textures, and fabrics and how to pull them altogether to create a fabulous look. When her love for interior design saw a change in career path, she found that all that experience helped her to create bespoke interior looks that clients enjoy every day. “I love it; I get excited and enthused for each and every client and project I work with.”
Guthrie Bowron Richmond New name, same friendly team, same great service – just better. 4 McGlashen Ave, Richmond | Ph 03 544 6613 guthriebowron.co.nz
My home
A major transformation of this 1970s house in The Wood has resulted in a comfortable, fun and happy home for Bonnie and Jason and their children Willa and Finn and cat Moe.
Who lives here? Our home is in The Wood and I live here with my husband Jason, children Willa and Finn and black cat, Moe. We have lived here for nearly seven years and have almost finished a rather mammoth renovation done by my clever husband at Mike Callister Builders.
What four words would you use to describe your home? Transformed (it was a major renovation project), comfortable, fun and happy.
What inspired this look? Nothing specific. Maybe our love of art, but the colours started from desperately wanting blue wooden floors and grew from there. What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live? The proximity to town, rivers, beaches and all that Nelson has to offer — we walk or bike almost everywhere. Plus, our neighbours. We have some great families in this ‘hood, lots of impromptu drinks, BBQS and child minding goes on.
What’s your favourite spot in the house? Our outside “room” in summer and funnily enough our downstairs bathroom, with its concrete render walls, concrete floor and yellow vanity!
Jason's custom-made shelving is home to treasures, books and the family television in their lounge.
What piece would you never part with? Definitely the Sara Hughes art installation in our stairwell. I love it more and more every time I go through that space. Although it’s permanent, so I guess if we ever sold, I would have to part with it!
Where do you shop for homewares? I don’t have any favourite places — and a lot of what you see has been picked up on our travels around the world and New Zealand at various times.
Above left: Colour adorns the walls and floor of Bonnie and Jason's house. Follow @looking_in_the_corners on Instagram for a collection of Bonnie's favourite photos of her own home and other peoples homes. Above right: This 1970s home has been re-imagined by Jason and Bonnie.
What’s your decorating style? My decorating style is ‘no set theme’. A little of this, a little bit of that — a mixture of modern, on trend, retro etc. Someone once described my colour choices as “brave”, which I think was a nice way of saying they’d never do it to their own house! I do like to think we’ve been able to use colour well though, so it’s not overpowering.
What’s next on your interiors list? Getting the last of the joinery done — and a built-in wardrobe for the kid’s room.
When it comes to homewares, do you save or splurge? Both! But I always buy really good quality bedsheets. It sounds so precious, but I can’t stand cheap sheets! I also buy Green Collective (a Nelson company) compostable dish cloths — the designs are so cool and they are really good cloths — a little bit more than your usual dishcloth but last for ages and look great!
Have you done any renovations? Yes, this whole house is a renovation, top to bottom! If money was no object what would you buy for your home? Amazing furniture. Furniture that looks like art (anything from Kelly Wearstler) …although even with all the money in the world I think I’d still wait until the kids weren’t quite so messy — that does happen, right?
Did any of your purchases cause a debate? My new salt and pepper mills. My husband really didn’t think we needed to replace the old ones (of course we did!). The kitchen totally deserved Cacti salt and pepper mills!
Which items or fixtures did you splurge on and where did you save? I can’t give away all my secrets!
What should every home have? A piece (or better yet, a lot) of you. Get things for your home that reflect you, not just because they are on trend, it adds so much more personality.
Designed for the kiwi home
Original furniture from the showroom, or a custom designed piece. Discuss ideas or get advice on design, fabrics, colours and more.
The Lounge Suite Company 120 High St, Blenheim E: info@loungesuitecompany.co.nz | loungesuitecompany.co.nz
Everyday free curtain making
Guthrie Bowron have selected some of their favourite fabrics to make up their ‘Everyday Free Curtain Making’ range. Call into their Nelson store and see the full range on offer.
Guthrie Bowron 45 Vanguard St, Nelson guthriebowron.co.nz
Health is our wealth
Goulters are Nelson’s very own vinegar specialists. Visit their website and discover fabulous vinegar products including apple cider vinegar capsules, and great all natural non-toxic vinegar products for your family and home.
Goulter’s | The vinegar people Order online at vinegarpower.co.nz Wireless freedom with MOVEit
Connect wireless via Bluetooth and listen to music from your smartphone, computer or tablet. The built-in battery allows you to move the speaker around your home or bring it with you on the go. Let it rip for 12 hours on a single charge.
Beggs Music Works 264 Hardy St, Nelson | beggsmusic.co.nz
Add some pop and fun to your summer knitting
A fantastic range of luxurious knitting yarns with colours and fibres, including Cruellas own exclusive hand dyed yarns.
Cruellas 155 Hardy St, Nelson cruellas.co.nz
Go tenting
Nothing says summer more than a tenting adventure. Outpost supplies have an extensive range of top quality tents to choose from.
Nelson’s new home of curated homewares
Fusing eclectic, timeless styles with a modern classic form and bringing a breath of fresh air and creativity in the heart of Nelson. Sourced from all over the world for locals by Ana Stevenson - stylist.
Pablo Home 153 Trafalgar St, Nelson pablohome.co.nz
Proudly Nelson made
Expert design and superior fittings
Valleycrest Furniture is a kitchen renovation company specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of customised kitchens. They also offer a kitchen cupboard re-face service if you'd like to freshen up your existing kitchen. The Veggie Guy Strawbridge Square, Stoke (next to Squires Cafe) Open Mon-Fri, 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm www.theveggieguy.co.nz
Valleycrest – Furniture | Kitchen | Cabinetry valleycrestfurniture.co.nz
Beautiful blown glass art
Anthony’s glass art, utilitarian ware, neon sculptures and signs can be found at flamedaisy, his centrally located studio and gallery which is often open into the evenings. The featured piece is ‘Kawakawa’.
flamedaisy 324 Trafalgar Square, Nelson E: art.neon@icloud.com
Real beer, real people, really local
It’s not summer in Nelson Tasman unless you’ve spent time at a local Sprig & Fern Tavern enjoying a pint of craft beer or cider.
Try their Hazy IPA for summer, take it home in 888ml bottles from your local supermarket.
Sprig & Fern www.sprigandfern.co.nz Seven great locations across Nelson Tasman: Hardy St, Nelson City | Milton St, Nelson | Tahunanui Upper Queen, Richmond | Brightwater | Mapua | Motueka Holy guacamole!
Avocados are plentiful at the moment and great to eat fresh, but did you know you can freeze them too? Just 69c each or five for $2.99 – while stock lasts.
Allwood Sheds 15 Gladstone Rd, Richmond Ph: 03 547 7026 | allwoodsheds.co.nz
On the move
Call in and visit the new display shed and find out how easy it is to have a functional extra room at your place. Their rustic style sheds are perfect for so many uses and any buildings under 30 square metres no longer need a council approved building consent. Easy.
Home delivery
Rediscover the taste of fresh milk from glass bottles, straight from your fridge. And get it delivered from the local home of real milk… right to your door.
Oaklands Milk Order online today from www.oaklandsfarm.co.nz
Oaklands
We sell sleep!
Talk to Nelson Beds before you buy your next bed. Quality beds made right here in Nelson at prices you won’t believe.
Total decorating, total satisfaction
Often the finishing touch to a perfect house is a perfect paint job, so it is no wonder that Total Decorating are in such high demand.
Over the past three years the Stoke-based painting company has won two of the four major awards at the Master Painter of the Year competition, including the award for Residential Master Painter of the Year in 2018 and Group Home Master Painter of the Year at last year’s awards.
Owner Aaron Mallinson says he was thrilled with the latest award because a lot of their work is based around finishing homes built by group housing companies like GJ Gardiner, Jennian Homes, Signature Homes, Stonewood Homes and Latitude Homes.
“It’s a large percentage of our work now so we’ve been able to develop really good systems and plans but at the end of the day it comes down to the painters we have working here. They take a lot of pride in what they do and the reaction from the homeowner is more important to us than any award.”
But it isn’t just new-home work that defines Total Decorating. While the Group Home Master Painter of the Year award was the most prestigious they won, Aaron and his team also won other categories at the awards, highlighting the vast range of work they excel at. Aaron says the team can do anything including commercial work and residential homes, both inside and out. “We have a huge amount of experience which means we can tackle any job with confidence. We enjoy technical work like heritage homes. It’s a real thrill to see it come together.” Aaron says detail is the key to a perfect paint job, making sure the little things are done right. “Because all of our painters are either qualified or going through their apprenticeship it means that emphasis on quality and on doing the job right is central to what we do and what we stand for. It all starts from those foundations. If we do them right then it flows into everything else that we do and I guess that comes to a head when we end up winning these awards.” Total Decorating has a team of 21 painters, including five women. “We have a diverse crew and that helps build a strong culture, which in turn reflects in the quality of our work.”
Above: Total Decorating takes pride in their work, and it shows in the quality of the finish. Below: Total Decorating collected an armful of awards at the 2020 Master Painter Awards, including Group Home Master Painter of the Year.
Aaron says, while they are extremely busy at the moment, he is keen to continue to work with local homeowners to get that perfect finish for their home. “There’s a lot that goes into painting an existing home and that’s why the better quality painter you use, the better finish you get. You have to get all of those little things right along the way and ensure that communication with the owner is right. We pride ourselves on that, we’re happy to work in with people and ensure they’re getting a paint job they are proud of.” Aaron knows all too well about how to work towards something you’re proud of. A painter for more than 20 years, he did his apprenticeship locally and worked around the region before starting his own business in 2010.
In 10 years he’s turned that business from a one-man band to the region’s top decorating company, and certainly its most awarded. He says the key has been passion for what he does, a focus on his clients and a desire to be the best at what they do.
So, what’s the plan for the next few years?
“Continue to strive to be the best, we want to make sure that every painter here is proud of what they produce, that they have the best training opportunities and love what they do. It can be a stressful industry with a lot of demands. It helps if you’re proud of what you’ve achieved at the end of the day.”
Looking for the right builder for you? Looking for the right builder for you?
For a quality Nelson Tasman builder and access to the peace of mind of the Master Build For a quality Nelson Tasman builder and access to the peace of mind of the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, choose a Registered Master Builder. 10-Year Guarantee, choose a Registered Master Builder.
Andrew Eggers Builders Contemporary Homes IMB Construction Roger Kenning Builders Andrew Eggers Builders Asset Builders Contemporary Homes CT Builders IMB Construction Inhaus Roger Kenning Builders Rowberry Builders Asset Builders Atlas Building Services CT Builders Dan Anderson Building Inhaus J Lewis Building Rowberry Builders Ruby Bay Construction Atlas Building Services Barrett Armstrong Building Solutions Big Bad Wolf Carpentry Bruce Design and Build BUILDRIGHT C Moore Building Barrett Armstrong Building Solutions Big Bad Wolf Carpentry Bruce Design and Build BUILDRIGHT C Moore Building Dan Anderson Building Dan Darwen Builders Dean Wareing Builders D.R Build Endeavour Homes Fitzgerald Construction Foothold Developments Dan Darwen Builders Dean Wareing Builders D.R Build Endeavour Homes Fitzgerald Construction Foothold Developments J Lewis Building Jason Gardiner Builders Jennian Homes Nelson Bays John Erni Building Johnson Residential Kennedy Builders Keystone Building Jason Gardiner Builders Jennian Homes Nelson Bays John Erni Building Johnson Residential Kennedy Builders Keystone Building Ruby Bay Construction Salter Builders Scott Construction Sentinel Homes Nelson & Malborough Smith & Sons Motueka/ Golden Bay Salter Builders Scott Construction Sentinel Homes Nelson & Malborough Smith & Sons Motueka/ Golden Bay Coman Construction Coman Construction Building Projects Building Projects Longview Homes Longview Homes Smith & Sons Nelson Smith & Sons Nelson G J Gardner Homes Nelson G J Gardner Homes Nelson M2 Build M2 Build Stonewood Homes Nelson Stonewood Homes Nelson Gardiner Building Contractors Gardiner Building Contractors Mainland Homes Mainland Homes Tasman Holdings Nelson Tasman Holdings Nelson Gibbons Construction Gibbons Construction Manuka Homes NZ Manuka Homes NZ The Little Pig Building Company The Little Pig Building Company Glenn Grant Builders Glenn Grant Builders Mecca Built Mecca Built Trubet Building & Joinery Trubet Building & Joinery Golden Bay Builders Golden Bay Builders Mike Greer Homes Nelson Mike Greer Homes Nelson Ultraspec Building Systems Ultraspec Building SystemsHigher Ground Construction Homes By Orange Homes Created Higher Ground Construction Homes By Orange Homes Created Milestone Homes Nelson Bays Mudgway Construction NW Projects Peter Ray Homes Nelson R Fry Builders Milestone Homes Nelson Bays Mudgway Construction NW Projects Peter Ray Homes Nelson R Fry Builders Urban Box Construction Versatile Building Nelson Vining Construction Whiteridge Construction You Build Urban Box Construction Versatile Building Nelson Vining Construction Whiteridge Construction You Build
For more information and builder contact details visit: For more information masterbuilder.org.nz/checkyourbuilder and builder contact details visit:
masterbuilder.org.nz/checkyourbuilder
Tahunanui Beach. NELSONTASMAN.NZ
Fun ways to spend your days
In February and March, the weather in Nelson is typically calm and sunny with long summer days allowing time to bathe yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
On a gloriously hot summer’s day, you could take a plunge into the ocean off Rocks Road — a refreshing, soulful experience. Children love the playground and an ice cream at Tahunanui Beach, and after the family has enjoyed frolicking and basking in the golden sands, everyone can take a dip in the gently rolling sea. Holidaymakers can savour the same blissful pleasure at Kaiteriteri beach, with plenty of nearby walking tracks for expending extra energy and admiring the amazing scenery, while the Riwaka Resurgence offers a uniquely tranquil experience; take the 10-minute walk to the sparkling crystal pool and, if you dare, dive into the cool, clear waters. Head over the Takaka Hill and follow the pathway which weaves its way through farmland and coastal forest to beautiful, windswept Wharariki Beach. Perhaps one of New Zealand’s most photographed beaches, it is well worth a visit, as is Whanganui Inlet, home to a wildlife and marine reserve like no other.
Near the town of Takaka, Te Waikoropupu Springs are also known as a sanctified place and are the largest cold-water springs in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere, with a clarity rating of 75 metres. From the foothills of Richmond to the Moutere Hills, the Nelson region is blessed with lush vineyards which have fabulous cellar doors for local wine tastings and visiting some of them by bike can be a fun option. Wander the streets of Nelson City and Richmond and you’ll find an abundance of great cafés and restaurants to keep you hydrated and energised while you browse through the boutique shops. And if retail therapy is high on your wellness checklist, Motueka and Mapua also provide shopping and dining experiences like no other. If it’s a sweltering hot day, Rabbit Island is the ideal spot for cooling off. Or Aniseed Valley if you prefer the freshness of a river swim. So, pack a picnic, round up the kids, hop in the car and away you go!
Buller Gorge Swingbridge and Heritage Park is a must-see tourism destination located in the Upper Buller Gorge. Walk along New Zealand’s longest swingbridge to access several bushwalks and explore the site's fascinating geological, natural and historical features.
The Faultline loop walk, for instance, encompasses the famous White’s Creek Faultline, epicentre of the 1929 Murchison earthquake where the ground instantaneously rose by over 4.5m, historical gold workings and the chance to look for gold on the riverbanks. The Bushline or Ariki Falls tracks encompass some of New Zealand’s best native flora and fauna enroute to Ariki Falls. For the adventurous, try the rush of the high-speed Comet Line Ride or being launched into the air on the Supaman Ride, or take an exhilarating jet boat ride that Lonely Planet describes as "renowned jet-boating" and says may be the best that our country has on offer.
Ratanui Lodge
Ratanui Lodge in Pohara has been sold and is now under the management of Capstone Hotel Management; a locally owned and operated Richmond company which also operates Awaroa Lodge. Lodge Managers, Katrina and Neil Ward are newcomers to Golden Bay and are excited about living and working at Ratanui and taking the property into a new era. South Island born and raised, they are both trained chefs, having operated numerous businesses around the country over the past 25 years, including a successful vineyard café in Richmond.
They will be continuing the cocktail and tapas offerings every day, including keeping a finely stocked Gin bar. Their menu changes seasonally allowing them to really showcase the fantastic local produce available to them. Katrina and Neil are keen to meet and welcome locals to stay, to dine or just to enjoy cocktails in the lovely garden surroundings just across the road from Pohara beach.
Cocktails at Ratanui Lodge. Fairfield House.
Fairfield House
Fairfield House is an established Nelson performance venue, hosting a wide range of diverse musical concerts in both the Courtyard and Ballroom and outdoor theatre performances in the Meadow.
Nestled in seven acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens, Fairfield House is one of Nelson's most prestigious historic homes and provides the perfect setting for an evening of entertainment. Keep up to date on what delights they have in store for you by following their facebook page, or checking the website where you’ll find full details of upcoming events and weekly meditations and movement classes. This unique heritage building is also available for hire as the perfect venue for any occasion – weddings, conferences, parties, and life celebrations, or for anyone hosting regular classes or training sessions.
Pic’s Peanut Butter World
Visit the home of Nelson’s world famous Pic’s Peanut Butter — take a tour of Pic’s factory and witness how they make the world’s best-loved peanut butter, taking time to sample their really good award-winning products for yourself. Tours are 50 minutes long and suitable for peanut butter loving adults and children. You’ll get to see your beloved spreads being made, and the kids will make their own peanut butter, and because they love you... it’s all free. While you are at Pic’s Peanut Butter World have a look through their shop, stock up on your favourites and be sure to make time for a delicious treat from their café, PC Eatery.
BULLER GORGE SWINGBRIDGE
Classic Car Museum.
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Nelson Classic Car Museum is one of New Zealand’s top private collections. They have cars from every era — all in mint condition. Come for a wander through and maybe you’ll spot a car your grandad had, and the kids will recognise cars from their favourite movies.
There are more than 150 cars on display — from iconic Fords and Cadillacs, plush Packards and Mercedes, the sleekest Rolls-Royce and Ferraris, the coolest Zephyrs and Triumphs, the much-loved Volkswagens and Morris, through to the ever-strange DeLorean and the over-the-top Excalibur, a new addition is the “Cat Cage Gallery” featuring 13 stunning Jaguars. Stay a while at the Little Engine Café for a range of fresh and tasty made-on-the-premises meals and snacks. There’s also the Museum store for a superb range of local and New Zealand-made ceramics, jewellery, glass, books, mementos, prints and more.
Founders Heritage Park
What could be nicer than spending a lovely afternoon with the family, enjoying the charms of days gone by? Explore displays of Nelson’s heritage and learn the stories of our local people. Visit the businesses and local artisans including a printmaker, sailmaker and fashion designer who work in character buildings. Climb inside the Bristol Freighter airplane and take a ride on the train. Rides are available every day during the school holidays. Enjoy lunch or a coffee at Founders cafe and relax in the quaint streets which are set among village greens and beautiful well-established gardens. Waahi Taakaro Golf Club
Golf doesn’t get more relaxing than at this wonderful course. Waahi Taakaro is just 10 minutes from the city centre, up the peaceful and picturesque Maitai Valley. Perfect for a quick nine holes after work or for a full round during the weekend, or for that special celebration or work function where you can hire the course and use the clubroom facilities.
Everyone from beginners through to regular players are welcomed to this excellent parkland course on the banks of the Maitai River where you can enjoy the wildlife as well as the golf. Green fees are affordable, staff are extremely friendly and helpful and there’s also golf equipment and carts for hire. Put your clubs in the car or use theirs.
NELSONTASMAN.NZ
Aniseed Valley.
We all need more fibre in our lives
