NELSON tasman
Add to your winter wish list a journey to Mapua Wharf along the treasured “Ruby Coast Scenic Route”, then venture further to Motueka, the gateway to the Abel Tasman. Enjoy the sunshine in a wonderful relaxed atmosphere of village cafes, vineyards and breweries or purchase an exclusive piece of art reflecting life, the landscape and our culture. Drive back to Nelson, the birthplace of the World of Wearable Art event and check out the museum where you will experience a visual feast of two distinctively different original collections. You will be immediately drawn to the intricate detail of amazing garments that feature in the WearableArt Gallery and be amazed as you immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of yesteryear at the Classic Cars Museum. With more than 300 artists from painters and sculptors to glass blowers and jewellers, writers and theatre buffs, you will quickly discover why Nelson Tasman is crowned the creative arts capital of New Zealand. Quickly emerging as New Zealand’s newest culinary tourism destination, Nelson Tasman is for serious foodies and culinary artisans. The region has an abundance of local flavours, sun-kissed
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fruit, farm-fresh and organic produce and succulent seafood. Live like a local and try a few flavours of craft beer from one of the 11 boutique craft breweries. To attain a qualification in Italian Cuisine, visit www.nmit.ac.nz and search for ‘hospitality and cookery’. Here you will find information on the 30 hour qualification “Certificate in Italian Gastronomy” from Academia Barilla, Parma, Italy. Next course intake is October 2012. Adventure activities are also on the menu. Nelson Tasman is one of the top cycling centres in New Zealand, with an abundance of rides suitable for all ages and skill levels. For the recreational rider, hire a bike and leisurely cycle ‘Tasman’s Great Taste Trail’, including a ferry ride from Rabbit Island to Mapua. Mountain biking enthusiasts should try the 38km Dun Mountain Trail which follows the route of New Zealand’s first railway (1862) as it winds through forest before crossing an alpine mineral belt and descending past Maitai Dam along the Maitai River and back into Nelson. Why not bring the whole family and enjoy being hands on with great sea kayaking, quad biking, skydiving, horseback riding