Gateway to the great outdoors

Press, 14 July 1982, Page 27

Gateway to the great outdoors

Besides its record-breaking sunshine hours, "Sunny" Nelson entices people of all ages with its golden beaches, peaceful river valleys, beautiful lakes and almost unbounded holiday activities. A warm friend in winter to both residents and visitors, the province in known for its temperate, soothing climate and hospitality. Nelson is also a backpacker’s paradise with its national' and forest parks, which offer a rich diversity of scenic splendour. . But Nelson’s reputation extends beyond its sunkissed climate and treasure trove of recreational and leisurely pastimes. It is a focal point for arts and crafts. It also is the hop centre of New Zealand and one of the world’s major apple-pro-ducing regions. It is notable for its varieties of pipfruit and its selections of commendable wines. Nelson is recognised as a rising star in the convention and conference field with facilities like the Trafalgar Centre (seating more than 3000 people), which comple-

ment the city’s other amenities. With its parks and gardens and easy-going way of life. Nelson has become a mandatory stop for anyone who visits the South Island. Organised tours afound the province include:— Town and Country (about four hours): This tour is very comprehensive, calling at points of interest in old and new Nelson. It takes you to new development and industry; to vantage points for city and sea views; on to orchards, farmlands, wineries and potteries of rural Nelson. Return to Nelson via the coastal road. Kaiteriteri to Motueka (about six hours): Through Waimea plain farmland; hop and berry growing in the Moutere and Motueka to the source of the Riwaka River, and to the Golden Sands of Kaiteriteri for a swim and tea. Lake Rotoiti (about eight hours): This tour takes in farmland in the Waimea plain; the large pine forest at Golden Downs; on to the beech forest at the Lakes National Park (as an optional extra, a scenic boat ride can be arranged); lookouts on Mt Robert for views of the lake and national park; and return via Kawatiri and Hope Saddle. Golden Bay (about eight hours): For parties of six or more, this tour is the same as the Kaiteriteri outing, plus over Marble Mountain down Takaka Valley to the beaches, Abe) Tasman memorial. Pu Pu Springs (amongst’ the largest freshwater springs in the world). An extension of this trip connects with a Farewell Spit Safari (subject to tide), adding about another five hours to the trip. For private travellers, access to Nelson Lakes National Park is off Highway 63.