FAQ about Nelson

	Is there freedom camping in Nelson Tasman?
	No, and thank you for asking this question and respecting our environment. Fully Self contained campervans with a self-containment certificate (NNS 5465:2001) may overnight in Nelsonin the Millers Acre Carpark for 1 night only. All other campers must stay in a holiday park such as the Maitai Valley Holiday Park, Brook Valley Holiday Park, Nelson City Holiday Park or Tahuna Beach Holiday Park. In Tasman District, the Tasman District Council policy encourages travellers and campers to use camping grounds and other accommodation facilities as much as possible. This policy recognises that some visitors to our District are choosing overnight camping as their preferred accommodation. It also recognises the economic and social benefit campers bring to our District. Overnight camping may occur on any Council controlled public land, except land stated in prohibited areas below, and for a maximum of two nights in any calendar month at any single location. Overnight camping may only be carried out in mobile vehicles fitted with a minimum three day capacity toilet and greywater storage facility. Toilet and greywater must be disposed of in a Council approved dump point. All refuse must be disposed of in an approved refuse collection bag and put out for collection on the appropriate day. Bags and timetables for collection days are available at Council Offices. All overnight camping sites must be left in a clean and tidy state. Overnight campers are asked to comply with any request to move on, by any Officer of the Council. N.B. The deposit of litter, including any effluent in other than an approved location, may result in an instant fine or prosecution. Freedom camping if you are in a tent or un self-contained campervan is prohibited. Find more information on the local district bylaw at http://www.tasman.govt.nz/recreation/camping/campervan-policy/
	What can we do in Nelson?
	In Nelson City you can enjoy scenic nature walks, gardens, heritage sites, art galleries, cafes, museum, shopping and adventure activities on the outskirts.
	Is there a Supermarket in Nelson?
	There is a Pak ‘n Save in the suburb of Richmond, 15 kilometres from Nelson City. Nelson City has two Countdown Supermarkets, New World and Fresh Choice. There is also a New World and Countdown in Stoke
	Where can I buy food in Golden Bay?
	Golden Bay's only supermarket is located in Takaka. There are also local dairies in Pohara, Collingwood, and Takaka. There are a number of roadside produce stands for farm fresh eggs and veges. In summer, look out for the Raspberries in East Takaka.
	Can we make bookings via telephone or email?
	Yes, we require credit card details to make confirmed bookings. Please go to contact us page for further details.
	How far is it to the Abel Tasman National Park?
	Allow 1.5 hours driving from Nelson to Marahau/Kaiteriteri. Allow 1.5 hours driving to Marahau, 40minutes to Wainui or 1 hour to Totaranui from Takaka in Golden Bay. Allow 2 hours driving to Marahau from Murchison.
	How far is it to the Picton Ferry?
	Allow 2 hours driving from Nelson. Allow 4.5 hours driving from Takaka Allow 4 hours driving from Murchison via Nelson or 3 hours via Nelson Lakes and Blenheim
	Are there email cafés in Nelson Tasman and where are they?
	Yes, there are two within 5 minutes walk from Nelson i-SITE Visitor Centre. 1 on Bridge St and 1 on Trafalgar St, we also have an internet kiosk with 4 computers available in the Nelson i-SITE. There are internet cafes in Takaka and Collingwood. The Murchison Visitor Centre has an internet kiosk with 2 computers available for use.
	Do you have luggage storage?
	Nelson i-SITE has secure lockers available for $6 for a maximum of 12 hours or there is luggage storage at the Boots off Travelers Centre, 53 Bridge Street. Golden Bay i-SITE offers luggage storage for $4 a day or for $10 multiday. There is no luggage storage in Murchison.
	Why are the Te Waikoropupu (pupu) Springs so special?
	Te Waikoropupu Springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand. They are also home of the clearest spring water in the world (the only place you will find clearer water is the saltwater Weddell Sea in Antarctica). There is a special viewing platform that allows you to look under the water to the special plants and aquatic life that call the 11.5 degree water home. The springs are waahi tapu (sacred place) to the local iwi, and all contact with the water in the springs is forbidden.
	Where can I get cash out?
	In Nelson there is an ATM in the i-SITE building and numerous ATM's along Trafalgar St. There are two ATM's in Golden Bay – both located in Takaka Township. There are no ATM's in Murchison
	Where is Golden Bay?
	Golden Bay is located in the North West corner of the South Island. Golden Bay describes a large area, made up of small rural settlements. There is a permanent population of 2000
	Does Golden Bay have any Golden beaches?
	Yes. There are 13 beaches in Golden Bay, three with coarse granite golden sands. The other 10 beaches are made up of fine whiteish-grey sand, great for walking and BBQ's
	Where did Golden Bay get its name?
	The name "Golden Bay" refers back to the days of the late 1800s. At the time, Golden Bay was a thriving gold mining area – so much so that the country planners at the time planned to make Collingwood the capital of New Zealand! The gold rush ended in the late 1850s and then farming, and tourism flourished.
	Where are the toilets?
	Nelson- Outside the Nelson i-SITE in the car park and also at the Montgomery and Buxton carparks as well as other various parks and reserves. Golden Bay - In the Golden Bay i-SITE car park, and other locations though out Golden Bay. Murchison - In the car park behind the Supermarket, on Fairfax Street. There are also some at the north entrance to the town, next to the war memorial.
	Where is the Buller Swingbridge?
	15 kms south of Murchison, on S/H 6, the road to Westport and the west coast.
	What are the local walks around Murchison?
	Skyline, Six Mile and Johnson’s Creek, each 1 ½ hrs long. Kahikatea and Mataki Willow Grove, each 20 minutes.
	Wheres the library?
	Nelson - On Halifax st just near the Countdown Supermarket Golden Bay - Behind the main street, signposted from the central town area Murchison - Part of the Tasman District Council service centre on Fairfax Street, opposite the church.
	Where is a nice place to eat in Murchison?
	The Rivers Café, Commercial Hotel, The Red Barn, Riverview Cafe
	What can we do in Murchison?
	People from around the world come to Murchison to White Water Raft and kayaking on the Buller River. You can also enjoy jet boating, gold panning, hiking, fishing, golf and mountain biking,
	Where can we stay in Murchison?
	Mataki Motel, Penman Motel, Murchison Motel, The Old Bank, Hampden Pub, Commercial Hotel, Martha Cottage, Buller Cottage, Riversong Cottages, Murchison Lodge, Korimako, River Haven Lodge, Awapiriti, Pea Soup Cottage, Lazy Cow Backpackers, Greenhills.

Frequently Asked Questions