Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Nelson, New Zealand. Cambria House

Cambria House is ready for another busy season providing genuine Kiwi hospitality to travelers from near and far. With a range of rooms, standard and luxury, double and twin, there are plenty of possibilities to find a room to suit your needs, and so we look forward to hearing from you.

The guest PC is a real bonus to the computer-savvy visitor who wants to catch up with home and let all the rellies know what they are up to. No more queuing at Internet cafes, nor struggling with a dial-up connection that takes all your loose change before you've hardly begun! This free fast (broadband) service is available for you to use at your leisure, while your long-suffering partner is relaxing on the deck, with a coffee or a wine, in the evening sun. Please note: even if you think you won't bother, it is a good idea to bring your user name and password, just in case. When you are having such a fantastic New Zealand experience, then it's amazing how, when you are relaxing in the peaceful ambience of Cambria House, your thoughts turn to your loved ones and you want to share your good times with them. I speak from experience!

The Cut, just down the road in Collingwood St remains a firm favourite of Cambria House guests who do not wish to drive anymore! Five minutes walk brings you to the former private residence of the 1919 era, with simple but effective décor. The Cut proves time and time again to be excellent for an exquisite meal in a congenial atmosphere with superb service.

The Boatshed - the place where you can select your crayfish live - is also a favourite. It is five minutes drive away, around the Port, and overlooks the sea of Tasman Bay. It provides fantastic food and glorious sunsets in a busy full-on fun atmosphere.

Ma Fish and the newly branded Waterfront Café and Bar Nelson are also good choices for a great Nelson experience. Check out www.nelsonwaterfront.co.nz.

A recommended lunch spot is the Morrison Street Café on Hardy St., which 'has grown to become a national icon amongst café aficionados'. Their barista, Emma Markland, was NZ barista champion in 2001, and came 5th the following year at the World Barista Championships. In 2004 she was a judge at the World Championships in Italy.

As you drive out into the countryside, heading towards the Abel Tasman National Park, there are not many better spots to enjoy a fine meal or a simple coffee than from Flax's deck on the sunny Mapua Wharf, overlooking the picturesque estuary. With good arts stores and several cafes, Mapua has become an important part of the fine wine and art trail that winds through the area. Many visitors enjoy lunch or dinner here. Chef Tim Greenhough and his wife Karen Hannen form a formidably accomplished team, delivering expert service and a style of cuisine that is thoughtful, sometimes a touch quirky and always delicious. The restaurant is capacious, with rustic art adorning the walls, and several tables are set up outside for those who like to be closer to the water yet under large shades. Wines from the region are featured, and you can always find the local Greenhough label, made by Tim's twin brother, Andrew.

In Paris, in October 2004, innovative New Zealand struck gold in SIAL D'Or's global best new food products competition. New Zealand's winning trio of products were Tegel's Smoked Chicken Rashers, Sealord's Greenshell Mussels in White Wine and Garlic Sauce and 42 Below's Manuka Honey Vodka. The chicken rashers are a world first. Made from smoked chicken that smells and tastes like bacon when cooked, they are appealing for those looking for healthy options in their diet: they claim to be 95% fat-free! Look out for them in Nelson.

New Zealand has finally been able to verify its long held claim over Australia, to be the country of origin of the pavlova. The light, fluffy meringue dessert was named after the famed Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926. Research by the University of Otago's anthropology department has uncovered a 1929 pavlova recipe in a NZ rural magazine. The 3 year project to study the development of NZ's culinary history has confirmed Australia's claim to the lamington, while the Anzac biscuit can be held in joint custody, having appeared in both countries at the same time. Try some of these Australasian treats while you are Down Under!

While you are in Nelson, gather together a picnic lunch and head out to the Neudorf Vineyard in the Moutere area. Although it is out in the country, so remote you may come across a tree of crisp, juicy apples on the side of the road (randomly growing where some past traveler has thrown an apple core in times past), the Neudorf Winery has an international team producing quality wines for the international market. Guided by owners, Tim and Judy Finn, they work in a divine setting! Go visit! Their Neudorf Chardonnay (Moutere) was selected by Departures magazine in the States for 'cult status' - one of three New Zealand wines, the others being Dry River Pinot Noir and Stonyridge Larose. This is affirmation of the quality and consistency of their wine that everyone at Neudorf aspires to!

Alternatively, try Seifried’s Winery on the Appleby Highway where you can lunch in the vineyards, as you soak up the Nelson sun! Award-winning wines are to be had there, too.

Talking of cult status… Have you seen the Oscar-winning film Sideways, a movie made for pinot-lovers? A has-been actor and a struggling writer make a meandering road trip through Santa Barbara wineries in search of the perfect Pinot. For your personal search of the ultimate Pinot Noir, come to Nelson, www.nelsonwines.co.nz.

Pinot Noir is now the most planted red grape variety in NZ. As with any red variety, colour, tannin quality and ripe flavours are major determinants of wine quality. Unfortunately, especially in the “new world”, winemakers frequently have to toss up between high sugars (equals high alcohol) and ripe tannins. One possible way to reduce this is through the use of reflective mulch under the vines. Mussel shells reflect light and heat onto the less exposed parts of the clusters in the canopy, achieving more even ripening, and more importantly, earlier ripening of the phenolics (tannins) in relation to sugar accumulation. Mulches also reduce the need for herbicides under the vines, and can have beneficial effects on soil health and vine root growth. Shells have been selected as they are a major by-product of the local seafood industry, with limited disposal options. Visit the Neudorf Winery to see this innovative recycling method in practice.

The evolution of wine closures is the most significant advance the wine industry has seen for some time. Wine producers are moving to “cork-free” in order to achieve consistency, and in order to be assured of delivery excellence. The public’s perception of screwcaps as the closure for cheap wine is not a valid concern.

It is a Kiwi tradition to enjoy a beer while cooking a barbeque, watching rugby or enjoying a hot summer’s day at the beach! In Nelson, New Zealand’s only hop-growing region, we have five top-class breweries producing lagers and ales. Founders Organic Brewery (within 10 minutes walking distance from Cambria House) is proud to be the first certified organic brewery in New Zealand. The Duncan family’s aim is to produce organic beverages using the highest quality raw ingredients available. Tours of the brewery give visitors an explanation of the organic brewing process, followed by tastings. Choose a Tall Blonde ( a European style rich golden lager) a Long Black ( a German style Schwarzbier) a Redhead ( a Vienna style lager) or a Generation Ale ( a hearty nut brown ale). John Duncan has a good ear for constructive comment and is always fine-tuning his beers towards the inevitable: perfection! Tours start at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily and cost $3. What better way to spend an afternoon with friends than on a local brewery crawl, meeting the people behind the beers as well as giving one’s tastebuds a good thrashing. If you want a really good NZ drop, buy local!

To check out all five breweries in one day, you can join Tony Youngman of JJ's Scenic Tours for a fun and informative day out, phone (NZ only) 0800 568 568, www.jjs.co.nz.

Nelson has its wine trails and brewery tours: it is great that there’s a cider stomp to be had too. Although New Zealand orchardists are very good at producing top quality fruit, export standards are extremely high and there are always apples left over for cider production. As usual, the locals do it best. Bays Brewery in Pascoe St, Tahunanui produces Homestead cider from the Braeburn apple. It is 8.4 % ABV and uses a champagne yeast, contributing to its clean crisp sparkle. Harrington’s Brewery in Beach Rd, Richmond has two products to choose from. Its cider is 4% ABV and is sweet. Its scrumpy is somewhat stronger at 8.2% and a little drier. Both are sparkling and clear and are made from the juice of locally grown apples.

The Mussel Inn at Onekaka, Golden Bay, uses organic apples to produce its unfiltered and quite dry Orange Roughy cider (5% ABV). All of the products at Redwood Cellars on the Moutere Highway at Redwoods Valley are apple-based. They have an extensive range of fruit wines. Their four ciders are all fairly sweet, end excellent for quenching the thirst on a hot Nelson summer’s day. Pushing the boundaries is an old favourite, Old Mout. Really an apple wine at 14%, it has the same label as when it was produced about 40 years ago. It is the stuff of legends. Still a big seller, it ought to be handled with care.

Just 30 minutes drive from Cambria House, in the heart of the wine region, Estuary Eco-Tours with Mapua Adventures are a great activity to experience when you are in Nelson. The Waimea Estuarine Wetland is internationally important with a host of rare birdlife and plants: over 50 species of birds (including migrant wader species, royal spoonbills and white heron), 112 species of marine invertebrates, 41 fish species and endangered plants. It has 14 islands, a maze of channels and even an abandoned submarine. The scenery is picturesque and you can explore and experience this important eco-system by kayak, or by an Estuary Jet. Owner, jet boat driver extraordinaire and kayak guide, Simon Bannock, will ensure you have a great experience, www.mapuaadventures.co.nz

Trout fishing is an extremely popular pastime in the Nelson region. Strike Adventure’s Zane Mirfin, has fished all over the world, and still thinks Nelson’s rivers are some of the greatest brown trout fishing rivers in the world. The average size is 1.8kg, much higher than anywhere else in the world. He says “Nelson is particularly fortunate in having so many rivers suitable for fishing, as it gives anglers room to enjoy the sport.” The company has 10 guides and can tailor packages to suit any level of experience. For further information email zane@strikeadventure.com.

In October 2005 the Nelson province will recognise the Bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar (21/10/04), spearheading commemorations around the world with festivals, music, parades and fireworks. The Nelson region is the area in the world most closely linked by association with Lord Nelson. Our main street, Trafalgar St. is named after the battle off Cape Trafalgar on the Spanish Coast, which changed the course of history and New Zealand’s colonisation. Hardy and Collingwood Streets are named after Nelson’s admirals; Bronte St. after Nelson of Bronte; and Victory Square and Vanguard St. after HMS Victory and HMS Vanguard.

The commemorations will begin on Saturday 15 October 2005. Royal New Zealand Navy ships will be in port; there will be seafood stalls and a variety of racing events on land and sea. During the following week, the new museum will be opened in the city; there will be a special display at Founders Park; also choir concerts, a grand ball featuring the Navy Band, and a fireworks extravaganza in the form of a battle. The navy ships in port will be joined by the Spirit of New Zealand, a replica sailing ship, and those who wish may participate in trips into Tasman Bay under full sail.

On Friday the cathedral bells will ring out the Nelson Peel, starting a carillon that will be repeated every two hours around the world. On the Saturday the Royal New Zealand Navy will renew its charter with the City of Nelson, marking the occasion with a full parade down Trafalgar Street, supported by the Navy Band and representatives from other armed services.Cambria House is ideally situated just a few minutes walk from many of these events and I would be delighted to have you come and stay for the occasion!

The Ministry of Tourism is funding the development of Environmentally Sustainable Tourism via a project which provides management to selected businesses in selected areas of NZ, to assist their awareness and improvement towards becoming sustainable environmentally, socially, culturally and economically. I am delighted that Cambria House has been chosen for this project and I look forward to making a difference for the sake of future generations.

Since the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project began in 1997, in the Nelson Lakes National Park the reintroduction of species lost from the area has been one of its three goals, and a critical element in the overall aim of recreating a healthy honeydew beech forest ecosystem. (Other goals are to reduce introduced pest numbers so that native species recover and to advocate for indigenous species conservation and long term pest control.) After years of planning nine kiwi were released in the Lake Rotoiti area of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Five more pairs are being prepared for release in 2006. It is believed that the first great spotted kiwi chick was successfully hatched earlier this year, the first in the Park for decades. The sound of kiwi calling is delighting visitors to St Arnaud. Just one hour’s drive from Cambria House, travelling to Lake Rotoiti / St Arnaud is an ideal day-trip on a good road, with walks to suit visitors of all ages and levels of fitness. Visit www.doc.govt.nz.

In the Brook Valley just a few kilometers from the city, a natural corridor of forested habitats is to be preserved as a nature reserve. The project’s vision is to restore the site to allow its existing native species to flourish and to re-introduce lost birds such as the saddleback, kiwi and mohua (yellowhead), along with tuatara and giant weta. The area contains a wide variety of habitats, from regenerating and mature lowland broadleaved forest to mountain beech forest, including a number of significant large totara, matai, rimu and southern rata trees. Further planting along the valley will eventually encourage the birds in the reserve to venture into town!

Honda New Zealand is committed to leading the car industry into a more environmentally conscious age. The Honda Treefund Programme was created to ensure that for every new Honda sold, ten native trees are funded. In 2004, 76,089 trees were planted in association with regional councils all over the country, providing a measurable way to absorb some of the carbon monoxide produced by motor vehicles.

Nelson mothers raising nappy-free babies have formed a group to promote the technique of NOT using nappies. They share the benefits, how it works, the resources that are available, and how to begin! The women train themselves to know when their children need to go: “timing and intuition” play a large role in determining this. Buoyed by interest from around NZ and overseas, the group has regular informal meetings for interested parents.

On 10/12/04, a Smokefree Law came into effect requiring all indoor workplaces to be 100% smoke free and all bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs and casinos to be 100% smokefree indoors. Areas not covered by the legislation are any outdoor areas except schools. The underlying objective is to protect the public from the harmful effects of smoking and to further promote a smokefree lifestyle as the norm.

In the past three years in Nelson (and in other areas of NZ) there has been a phenomenal expansion of the apartment market. Asking prices generally range between $NZ3500 and $NZ6000 per square metre for the living area (excluding balconies and garaging). At the top end of the market the rate increases to above $NZ9000 per square metre. In Auckland the rates are remarkably similar.

Foreign investors have been a significant force in the market for rural land over recent years with an average of 24.4 approvals of sales of land to foreigners in the Nelson/Marlborough region per year in the five years to 2003. However, the number of approvals dropped in 2004. There are a number of reasons for that drop, including the rise in the value of the $NZ and the rapid rise in property values in the preceding year, both factors having made land considerably more expensive to foreign buyers than in previous years. The provisions of the Overseas Investment Act 1973 requires an “overseas person” to obtain consent in order to acquire or take “control” of 25% or more of
1) business or property worth more than $50 million
2) land over 5 hectares and/or worth more than $10 million
3) any land on most off-shore islands
4) certain sensitive land over 0.4 hectares ( e.g. on specified islands; including or adjoining reserves; historic or heritage areas; or lakes)
5) land over 0.2 hectares including or adjoining the foreshore.

by Joan M. Lees
- retired school teacher, member of Soroptimist International and friend of mine:

WEAVING

Weave me a korowai, cloak of nobility;
Tangata whenua came here of old.
Weave me kimonos, silk of the Orient,
Saris and sarongs, brilliant with gold.
Weave tweed of Donegal, Bannockburn, Harris,
Sturdy, hard-working, keeping out cold.
Weave lacy filigree, Honiton, Mechlin,
Finer than cobwebs, dainty to hold.
Weave into unity strands of humanity;
Weave peace and harmony all men to enfold.

American writer, Steve Hendrix (Sarasota Herald-Tribune) says “The drive across the South Island - endless vistas, empty highways - cements my growing impression that only isolation protects New Zealand from its own perfection. Drive an hour and you’ll cross half a dozen fly-fishing streams, a few wineries, the odd town with smart cafes and witty theatre. They even speak a sort of English. If New Zealand could be towed a thousand miles closer to the Northern Hemisphere 100 million people would live here.” (April 2004). Sounds to me like he’s been to Nelson!

An estimated 300,000 international and 450,000 national visitors came to the Nelson region last year. Why don’t you come? Try our oysters, scallops, mussels, cockles, pipi, tua tua, geoduck, squid, octopus, shrimps, prawns, scampi, and all the round, flat, deep water and shallow fishes of the sea. Come and taste the best smoked fish in New Zealand!

Come and visit us at Cambria House. Make it your base as you explore the region. I have lived in Nelson most of my life and I know the area well. I can recommend places and activities to suit your interests. I will help you plan how to make the most of your stay. You will be surprised how much I know about NELSON! I look forward to meeting YOU!

Have a great time planning your next holiday!

Kind Regards

Karel A. Hall-Gribble

Owner/ Hostess
Cambria House

P.S. For more stories about Nelson and New Zealand, see www.NZstories.com. There is more to New Zealand than sheep, rugby, hobbits and oddities!

7 Cambria Street, Nelson, New Zealand.
Telephone: +64 3 548 4681
Fax: +64 3 546 6649
Reservations Freephone (NZ callers): 0800 548 4681
Email: cambria@cambria.co.nz