Media Angles

...where we'll help you get the scoop!

Nelson Tasman Tourism offers assistance to media with:

• Development of story angles
• Assistance with itinerary development
• Facilitating and negotiating for tourism suppliers' involvement
• Access to copyright-free regional image library and High Definition film footage

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Fly Fishing

Nelson Tasman rivers boast good stocks of wild brown trout averaging 3lb, with catches of 8 - 10lb not uncommon. The clarity of water enables anglers to spot and cast to the fish they want to catch.  This is true stalking, as opposed to dropping a fly in the water in the hope a trout will see it.  Easy access to remote and uncrowded locations allow anglers to make the best of each day.  There are well over 30 fish-able rivers within a two hour drive from Nelson City.  With the Nelson Tasman region repeatedly achieving the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, the warm dry summers allow fly fishermen a better chance of good fishing weather.

Bird Lovers

 Farewell Spit at the north-western tip of the South Island is the home to over 90 species of birds including migratory species may be found along the 35km length of the geologically remarkable Farewell Spit.  A gannet colony at the end of the spit is unusual for its sea level location.  The first 4km of Farewell Spit can be freedom-walked.  Beyond that, access is only allowed via a guided trip in a purpose-built, air-conditioned bus departing from Collingwood.  Specific bird-watching trips are available.  Departure times vary depending on tides.

At Nelson Lakes National Park, the Department of Conservation runs a "Nature Recovery Project" focusing on the regeneration of forest, and nurturing the successful recovery of native birds such as the tomtit, robin, and New Zealand's smallest bird the rifleman.  South Island kaka are also present but less common.  Freedom and guided walks for varying levels of ability may be taken from the alpine village of St Arnaud on the edge of Lake Rotoiti.

Family Friendly

• Jester House Cafe ith its organic maze, quirky sculptures, and tame eels will delight the children while the adults linger over lunch.
• Happy Valley Adventures is a rural property offering 4WD bikes, argo rides, horse trekking, paintball and the Skywire adventure ride, with something for everyone, just 10 minutes north of Nelson City
• Fishing for salmon at Anatoki Salmon farm near Takaka in Golden Bay is almost guaranteed to be successful.  Pay for your catch by weight and have it smoked on-site for a picnic beside the crystal clear river which feeds the salmon ponds.
• Make jewellery using the huge array of baubles and beads at the Bead Gallery in Nelson city and Richmond
• Visit the Nelson Saturday Market held each week in the Montgomery Carpark in the city.  Cruise the stalls for jewellery, art, fashion, gourmet food, fresh produce and more.

Short Walks and "Great Walks"

The Nelson Tasman region's pristine natural environment including three national parks provide some great walks from short urban strolls to multi-day wilderness walks

• The Centre of New Zealand is a well-graded zigzag path winding up a hill from Nelson City to the site of the original South Island trig station and views over the port and the City.
• Cable Bay, north of the city provides a coastal walk through farmland, and native bush with views over Tasman Bay
• A short walk to The Resurgence Reserve near Motueka brings you to the source of the Riwaka River, after the water has sifted through the porous limestone of the Marble Mountain.
• Waikoropupu Springs near Takaka in Golden Bay has some of the clearest water ever measured and is accessed by a 10 minute walk from the car-park
• The up to 5-day Abel Tasman Coast Track and the 4 - 6 day Heaphy Track are two of 9 designated "Great Walks" by the Department of
  Conservation.

Mountain Biking

The easy access rides for every level of rider from beginner to downhill makes the Nelson Tasman region ideal for mountain-biking.  The staff at i-SITE Visitor Centres can provide more information and guides to mountain biking in the region are available for hire.  A strong network of local riders and a pro-active mountain bike club make track development a big priority.  Single track trails include the exhilaration of riding down the Marble Mountain on the Rameka Track,  which follows the inland boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park. Bikes are available for hire with or without a guide.

Succulent Seafood, Fresh Produce, and Award-winning Cuisine

Nelson is the largest fishing port in Australasia, and two large sandy bays offer cockles, mussels and Tasman Bay Scallops. Consistently recording the highest annual sunshine hours in the country, abundant crops of apples, berries, olives, hops, and of course grapes, thrive. Long sunny days and cool nights, make for great wine.   Nelson is particularly known for its aromatic varieties.

The Art of Winemaking

A Nelson wine tour offers something special. By including visits the nearby studios of some of the region's 350+ full time artists, visitors are rewarded with an understanding of the inspiration behind the art.   Art and wine just seem to go together - even the Nelson Winemakers are collectively known as WineArt – a nod towards the phenomenal art in the region, but also an acknowledgement of the creativity involved in crafting a great wine.

Nelson Tasman Key Facts

•  Nelson is NZ's fourth busiest airport with over 20 direct, 50-seater flights arriving from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch each day
• There are three National Parksin the Nelson Tasman region. The Abel Tasman National Park is just 60 minutes drive from Nelson city. But... there are no roads in the park. It is only accessible by foot, kayak, watertaxi, helicopter or light plane
• Rugby World Cup games being played in Nelson are Italy vs Russia on 20 September, Italy vs USA on 27 September and Australia vs Russia on 1 October
• Nelson is where Rugby was born in New Zealand, Charles Monro organised the first game here on 14 May 1870 between Nelson College and Nelson Rugby Football Club
• Abel Tasman National Park was recent chosen in the 25 Top Destinations worldwide by Europeans within Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards 2010
• You can keep an eye on events and happenings in the Nelson Tasman Region on www.itson.co.nz
• Nelson is the location of New Zealand's annual One Fly event www.onefly.co.nzThe event base is the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco www.monacohotel.co.nz
• Nelson Tasman is a visitor destination typified by "Free Independent Travellers", as opposed to group coach visitors. The region is popular for self-drive vacations, and Nelson Tasman's visitors mainly come from Australia, UK/Europe and North America.