The Nelson region offers an abundance of things to do, see and
to enjoy. It would be impossible to list everything - there is simply
too much. Here we just want to give you a few ideas as to what you
might like to do whilst you are staying at Cambria House. Everything
listed is either within walking distance or a short drive from Cambria.
We make a real effort to keep up to date with what is available.
As part of our service to you we offer a free advisory and booking
service. Send us an EMAIL
to let us know what interests you and we can either send you information
prior to your arrival or have the information ready for you once
you arrive.
Most activities can be undertaken all year round due to the fact
that Nelson has one of the best climates in New Zealand (it consistently
rates as the place with the most hours of sunshine). Summer months
are warm and sunny. In winter the days are often crisp and clear
and the evenings cool.
Nelson is full of talented and interesting
craftspeople many of whom you can see working in their own
environments. With over 300 full time artists Nelson well
deserves its reputation as the arts and crafts capital of
New Zealand - what attracts so many artists to Nelson? The
natural environment, the climate, the varying landscapes and
the supportive, friendly community.
To be able to buy directly from the artists and know something
of "its origin and something of the creator, provides an added
perspective to the work."
Click here to visit
Art In It's Own Place
www.nelsonarts.org.nz
A framework for exploring art in the Nelson region at your own pace.
New Zealand Wearable Arts
www.WorldofWearableArt.com
This New Zealand icon event takes art off the wall to adorn the body in wildly, wonderful ways.
Sue Bateup Weaver's Gallery - click picture to enlarge
Saturday Market Even before the sun comes up on a Saturday there
is the hustle and bustle of activity in the main centre of town
as bakers, cheesemakers, weavers, sandal makers, organic apple growers,
pickle preservers, the egg man and the possum skin curers set up
stalls ready for the weekly market. Wander around the stalls, drink
freshly brewed coffee, share a blueberry muffin, buy some local
pottery, enjoy the sunshine. This is Nelson.
Ceramic Artists and Potters - wide variety of works from the functional to brightly coloured display pieces.
Painters - Visit galleries such as The Suter or The Rutherford Art Gallery or individual artists.
Textiles - Much is wool based - weavers, knitted woollen garments.
Wood Turners, Sculptors, Glass Blowers, Jewellers
Shopping
Nelson is a great place to purchase gifts for friends or
for yourself. To make it easy for you we have put together a shopping
guide which you'll find in your room folder. This will help you
find gifts that are suited to your individual taste.
Restaurants
Nelson has a wide range of places to eat and drink at ranging from
International standard gourmet cuisine at high class restaurants
to casual cafes and sushi and espresso carts right on the main street.
Whatever it is you feel like - be it casual Italian, scallops and
fresh fish on the waterfront, a lazy afternoon in a local vineyard
café, sitting by a fire in a English-type pub or an intimate
candle light dinner for two the Nelson Region has something to offer
you. You'll find that all places take advantage of the abundance
of fresh produce from around the region.
Eating out on Nelson's Waterfront
- click picture to enlarge
Because we recognise that your eating out experience is an important ingredient in your enjoyment of the region we make sure we keep right up to date with what restaurants are offering. We also listen carefully to feedback from guests and are then able to offer you advice depending on what you are looking for. We have also put together a Cambria Guide to Eating Out in the Nelson Region which contains menus and articles.
Nelson Waterfront www.nelsonwaterfront.co.nz
Experience the magic of the beautiful Nelson Waterfront: panoramic views, turquoise water, lively harbour, yachts, sunsets and the best of New Zealand Cuisine.
Beaches Innercity beach at Tahunanui which is 6km long. A short
drive away is the long beach at Rabbit Island (lots of private spots).
Beautiful golden sands at the popular Kaiteriteri Beach. There are
many other beautiful beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park.
All beaches have safe swimming for all ages.
Rivers Two rivers run through the centre of Nelson - The Maitai
and The Brook. The Maitai has a 6km walking track which runs up
one side. Here there are lots of swimming holes and picnic spots.
Out of town there are a number of other beautiful rivers which are
also great for picnics and swimming.
Click here to visit
Latitude Nelson
www.NelsonNZ.com
The official tourism organisation for the Nelson/Tasman region -
the northwest corner of New Zealand's South Island
Wineries
The Nelson area is one of New Zealand's fastest growing wine regions
with the annual output increasing dramatically each year. The climate
here with its high annual sunshine hours is ideal for the production
of excellent wine. Varieties synonymous with the region include
Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The most popular
are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Six of the Wineries have cafés
where you can sit outside, enjoy the sun, a delicious lunch
and a glass or two of wine. Winery tours are also available.
Breweries Nelson
is now nationally recognised for its high standard of boutique style
beers. The region has a number of well established micro-breweries
producing light ales through to heavy stouts. Nelson is the only
region in New Zealand where hops is grown.
Nelson's oldest brewery, McCashins uses traditional methods of brewing.
They offer daily tours and tastings. Founders Brewery, established
by a 5th generation Nelson brewer is New Zealand's first certified
organic brewery. Founders offer tours, tastings and lunches.
Distilleries
In Nelson city there is the South Pacific Distillery which is New
Zealand's premier rum distillery and also offers a full range of
distilled grain spirits. The Distillery offers tours and has a shop.
Free tastings. Fruit wines are made in the Moutere Valley at Redwood
Cellars as are cream liquers and spirits.
For your interest we have collected articles on the different
wineries and breweries.
National
Parks - Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi
The Nelson region has three National Parks within 90 minutes drive
of each other.
Abel Tasman National Park - This is the smallest National
Park in New Zealand. It has beautiful sand beaches, walking,
kayaking, lodges on the waters edge, boating, fishing, seal
& bird watching. This Park is home to one of New Zealand's
most popular walks - The Abel Tasman Track. The track is
designated as a Great New Zealand Walk of which there are
only nine in New Zealand.
Golden sands in the Abel Tasman National Park - click picture to enlarge
Nelson Lakes National Park - True Alpine
National Park with snow skiing, outside ice skating and
snowboarding in the winter and fishing, boating and swimming
in summer. Great walking and hiking around the lakes and
into the mountains. Heavy emphasis on conservation and
protection of endangered species.
Kahurangi National Park - New Zealand's 2nd largest National
Park - remote, untouched wild and rich in plants and animals.
Home to another of New Zealand's Great Walks - The Heaphy
Track.
Sea Kayaking - half day, twilight, full day or multi-day kayak
and walk options to choose from in calm coastal locations with
stunning beaches and scenery. Fully catered or freedom options
available.
Swimming - Nelson beaches offer safe swimming in coves or on
wide sandy beaches. Great river swimming too.
Yachting - full day, twilight or multi-day trips in the Abel
Tasman and Marlborough Sounds.
Horse riding on nearby farmland or in the Western Ranges of
the Kahurangi National Park.
Rainbow Skifield - click picture to enlarge
Skydiving - jump with an instructor from either 9000
or 12000 feet!
Snow Skiing - The Rainbow Skifield within one and a half hours drive of Nelson offering skiing, outdoor ice skating and snow boarding.
Golf - The region has three fine golf courses (9 and 18
holes). Picturesque valleys, forest and seaside locations.
Fishing - Deep sea charter fishing or explore many of
the regions world famous brown trout rivers.
World class white water rafting ranging from day, multi-day
trips and trips where access is by helicopter only. Beautiful
forest scenery.
Seal Swim - Swim with the seals in the Abel Tasman National
Park.
Mountain Biking and 4 Wheel Drive Motorbiking.
Sailing at Lake Rotoiti - click picture to enlarge
Nelson's varied landscape and climate means
that there are a diverse range of gardens and historic houses
to visit. A few are mentioned below but there are many more.
For those who have an interest in this area there are comprehensive
brochures available which detail Historic Walks and Garden
Tours.
Nelson Cathedral - click picture to enlarge
Miyazu Japanese Gardens - authentic Japanese Garden which is named
after Nelson's sister city in Japan - Miyazu.
Gardens of the World - Magnificent large garden with plants divided
into geographical sections.
Queens Gardens - Traditional Victorian Garden in the centre of
town with mature trees, rose gardens and duck ponds.
Isel House & Gardens - Original House built in the 1850's. Large
grounds with mature trees and mass plantings of bulbs and perennials.
Stunning in Spring.
Broadgreen House & Garden - Old cob home built around 1855. Beautiful
gardens with mature trees and large rose gardens.
There is always something on in Nelson. Below is a list of the
regular events but there are a lot more. You can get more information
on events by clicking HERE.
All the events listed below are held annually unless specified
otherwise.
Mid Dec - End Jan
- Sealord Summer Festival January
- Nelson Kite Festival February
- Health & Lifestyles Festival of Opportunities
- Festival of Chamber Music March
- Classic and Antique Boat Show April
- Mapua Easter Fair July
- Blessing of the Fleet July/August
- Nelson School of Music Winter Music Festival September
- Arts Festival December
- Nelson Jazz Festival
