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N E L S O N • M A R L B O R O U G H • W E S T C O A S T June 2017

KAITERITERI MOTORCAMP

Beachfront Holiday Park 18km from Motueka.

Safe swimming, kayak and boat trips to Abel Tasman NationalPark. New Mountain Bike tracks and pump track Fully equipped shop with petrol. Bush walks & mini golf, campsites, cabins with access facilities, licensed Cafe on site.

Tariff: Camp site Adult $19, Child $9, Under 5 FREE Showers 50c, Cabins from $45 PHONE (03) 527-8010 FAX (03) 527-8031 www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz KAITERITERI 7197 NELSON

•We meet the Tranz Alpine Train •Competitive rates •Full range of cars and minivans available

170 Tainui Street, Greymouth • PH (03) 768-0379 Fax (03) 768-0740 • Email: greenfield@minidata.co.nz

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Our friendly team are always happy to let you browse around our selections of possum merino knitwear, jewellery, pottery, glass, honey & so much more in store

Call in & be surprised 19 High Street, Picton Ph: 93 573 8178 Email: rjroy@xtra.co.nz 1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika West Coast, New Zealand p: 0508 TREETOPS See Page 3 for details

June - enjoy exploring NELSON,

Page 2 — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, June 2017

MARLBORO UGH & the WEST COAST with TOURIST TIMES

tourist times team Editor / Advertising Sales: Scott Mullions scott@touristtimes.co.nz Mobile: 021 669 303 Other enquiries: enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz Published by Touristtimes SouthIsland Ltd Member of New Zealand Tourist Times Newspaper Group Ltd

CONTACT US TODAY

Mobile 021 669 303 enquiries@touristtimes.co.nz www.touristtimes.co.nz At the time of publication Tourist Times has to the best of it’s knowledge been supplied with accurate information. Tourist Times cannot, however, be held responsible for any consequence arising from any errors or omissions

Welcome to the June edition of Tourist Times.

Your regional guide to the Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regions.

Tourist Times has bought together this months highlights with all the up to date information to ensure we inspire you to make the most of your stay in these regions during June So enjoy this excellent time of year and make sure you stop and check out some of the great scenery on offer during your travels, and don’t forget to check out the Local activities in the area’s you visit, there is alot on at this time of the year so check out our whats on section and all the local areas.

Happy travels from the Tourist Times team.

Boost your business today advertise with Tourist Times South Island Ltd PO Box 33257 Barrington Christchurch 8024 P: 0800 151525 M: 021 669303 E: scott@touristtimes.co.nz

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A regional guide for local & international travellers

0800 15 15 25 sales@touristtimes.co.nz

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1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road Hokitika West Coast, New Zealand p: 0508 TREETOPS See Page 3 for details

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, June 2017­— Page 3

WEST COAST Westport - Google Maps

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WESTPORT

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Greymouth

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Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and destination of the famous Tranz Alpine Train. Enjoy stunning vistas all the way to the west coat.

In Greymouth there are many activities with the adventurous Hot Tracks off road tour through native bush to exploring glow worm caves or white water rafting. For the more sedate traveller a Monteiths Brewery Tour or Shantytown tour of a historic gold mining town where you can pan for gold or take a steam train ride. If you want to just get away, enjoy a stroll on our beautiful beaches, a bush walk or local tour with Kea Tours, view our art gallery and museum or a classic kiwi breakfast at one of our many cafes. At night enjoy a meal and drinks at a restaurant or experience some good old West Coast hospitality at one of our local pubs (gumboots acceptable dress code!). Visit the the Historic Railway Station where you can arrange all your travel and accommodation needs or view our selection of Pounamu in The Station Gift shop.

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Coaltown Muesuem The new Coaltown Museum has now opened in its new home with the Westport I-site next to the Clocktower building, 123 Palmerston St, Westport.

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Map data ©2015 Google

Westport is the Buller regions largest town and offers a range of services you’d expect from a larger centre, including an airport. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes a movie theatre and lots of accomodation. With its central location Westport is an ideal place from which to explore the surrounding area – whether its north for arts and crafts, west for surf and seals, or south for fascinating limestone landscapes of the Paparoa National Park.

Mountain Biking Denniston is the perfect location for mountain biking, offering 9 exciting rides.

Track surfaces vary from gravel roads to rocky tracks and some short walking sections. All circuits have sections of track that range from Grade 2 (easy) up to Grade 3 (intermediate).

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Founded on gold mining in 1864, Hokitika was a centre of the West Coast Gold Rush. By late 1866 it was one of the country’s most populous centres. Hokitika is situated 40 kilometres south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. It is a vibrant town well known as an artistic and creative centre.

Artisans work with local materials; gold, silver, pounamu greenstone, driftwood, paua shell and stone to create a tremendous array of fine art pieces, jewellery and sculpture. Make sure you take home a piece of the West Coast lovingly fashioned into an original work of art by a https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Westport/@-41.76489,171.916237,10z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6d256cc843092bf5:0x500ef868479c3d0 Coaster.

The West Coast also well known for it’s high rainfall but on a clear day Aoraki / Mount Cook can clearly be seen from Hokitika’s main street.

Cape Foulwind Walkway & Seal Colony Walk One of New Zealand’s most accessible seal colonies is just out of Westport at Tauranga Bay. The 10 - minute walking track from the car park leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony. This is a year-round colony, the best time to view is October to March when the Big Bull Seals are their for mating, and also a great time to see seal pups playing.

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The small town of Reefton is a place for everyone to enjoy - be it for a day or two, a week or a place to call home. Reefton’s gold rush in the 1860’s helped to establish a rich heritage. As well as being the first to have a public supply of electricity, the town was the first to switch on an electric street lighting system in the Southern Hemisphere.

Many of the heritage buildings have been restored and offer an insight to the past.

There are some Great cafes and restaurants and lots of accomodation choices from a campmg ground to motels, if you are passing through Reefton is well worth a stop, it won’t dissapoint!

PUNAKAIKI

Punakaiki is between Westport and Greymouth. The community lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.

The Pancake Rocks are a must see and are at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides.

The are plenty of accomodation options in Punakaiki, for various budgets check out: www.punakaiki.co.nz.

There is plenty to do from Horse treks, Kayaking or check out Underworld Adventures in Charleston which is north of Punakaiki or make a knife at Barryton Knifemaking which is South of Punakaiki.

Charleston which is 30km south of Westport is the home of Underworld adventure’s it is a great place to stop They have a excellent Cafe with awesome views from the sea to the Paparoa Mountains.

There is good accomodation options in Charleston as well.

KARAMEA Karamea is the northernmost settlement on the West Coast, and is located 96 kilometres north-east by road from Westport.(it is a no exit road) Limestone arch formations are a special feature of the area. You can walk to the Oparara Arch, which spans the Oparara River, or venture further to find the Moria Gate Arch There is a range of accommodation options from a campground to luxury lodge.

There is a small Supermarket, hardware store, gallery and a historic pub.

Page 4— Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times,June 2017

PICTON - BLENHEIM

Picton The town was first surveyed in 1849 and the New Zea-

land Company called it Newton. For the next ten years the town was known by many names but in 1859 the Marlborough Province was created and the town was renamed Picton.

Today, Picton is a destination where tourism has very much taken over in what is recognised as some of the worlds most stunning scenery. Picton has in recent years become a haven for boaties and land lovers alike.

Key Centres of Marlborough Blenheim The largest town in Marlborough, the main airport is located here and the central base to visit the 43 winery cellar doors. Population: 26,500 est.

Picton A bustling sea port town at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound and all the activities this entails. This is where you get the ferry service to Wellington and it is a 25 minute drive to Blenheim. Population:3,900 est / Marlborough pop : 42,000 est.

Havelock Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World and the gateway to the Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.

Havelock is a 40 minute drive to Blenheim or 60 minutes to Nelson on State Highway 6.

Seddon A small village in the Awatere Valley is the service centre for the surrounding farm lands and vineyards.

Seddon is a 30 minute drive from Blenheim.

Our friendly team are always happy to let you browse around our selections of possum merino knitwear, jewellery, pottery, glass, honey & so much more in store

Call in & be surprised 19 High Street, Picton Ph: 93 573 8178 Email: rjroy@xtra.co.nz Picton’s Foreshore

Blenheim

Take advantage of a sunny day and watch the world go by from a park bench in the manicured gardens of Seymour Square or Pollard Park, or enjoy some bargain hunting as you browse the local shops.

Blenheim offers a selection of places to eat from fine dining restaurants, to trendy cafes and local pubs where you can enjoy a chilled local wine or beer and a coffee that is as good as you will get in the city.

Also you can head out to the Vines Village for wine tasting a fudge fix or a great meal or some great shopping don’t forget to stop in at Makana Chocolate, Hedgerows Strawberries and the Honey Company.

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Main Street, Blenheim

Marlborough Experiences Take a winery tour. There is a variety of local wine trail operators providing a popular way to see and sample what Marlborough has to offer, be it by car, coach or bicycle!

Cruise the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds by boat.

Walk or Mountain Bike the famous Queen Charlotte Track for one day or four.

Wake up in paradise, stay in the vines or have a night away in the Marlborough Sounds.

Don’t miss the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and Omaka Classic Cars.

Get active on the water; kayaking, sailing, dolphin swimming or self drive safari.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch amongst the vines.

Spend a day in the vibrant seaside town of Picton, explore the foreshore and art galleries.

Go for a cruise on the Riverqueen.

Sample local produce from the farm gate or weekend market.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Tourist Times, June 2017 — Page 5

NELSON Richmond

Drive out to Richmond for a laidback shopping experience, visit an artist’s gallery or perhaps indulge in a glass of the region’s finest wines in the vineyards just beyond the centre of Richmond.

Richmond, the seat of the Tasman District Council, lies 13 km south of Nelson in the South Island of New Zealand, close to the southern extremity of Tasman Bay. The census conducted on 6 March 2006 counted more than 14,000 residents.

Nelson

Although Richmond lies outside the boundaries of Nelson City, it forms part of the Nelson Urban Area for statistical purposes, and New Zealanders informally consider it part of Greater Nelson or the “Top of the South”.

There’s nowhere else in the world where you’ll find, within a short distance, three spectacular New Zealand national parks, glistening golden sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters, alongside alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges. Enjoy all year in a climate that rivals the Mediterranean.

Short on time? We have the best of the best, all within 90 minutes drive time.

Key tourism attractions include the Abel Tasman National Park, the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Kahurangi National Park.

Here’s a few “Must Do’s”: - Sea kayak, swim with seals or cruise through Abel Tasman National Park.

- Visit the Nelson Lakes National Park and enjoy great alpine hiking.

- Hike or mountain-bike the Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park.

- Plan a cycling adventure around our cycleway trails or along Rocks Road.

- See the world’s clearest water at Te Waikoropupu Springs, Golden Bay. - Take a guided nature and bird tour along Farewell Spit and spend a golden day in Golden Bay. - Sample a local brew at one of our boutique craft breweries.

- Journey into the countryside and meet winemakers at their cellar doors.

- Play a round of golf at one of our country or ocean view golf clubs.

- Walk to the summit of the Centre of New Zealand for views over Nelson city.

- Spend time on Tahunanui Beach, soak up the rays and enjoy our café culture.

- Cast out a line and enjoy the best fly fishing in New Zealand.

- Join the locals as they buzz around the vibrant Nelson Saturday Morning Market for fresh produce, art, crafts, fashion, food, jewellery and more.

Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank is a very unusual naturally formed land form in Nelson, New Zealand. It is a 13 kilometre long stretch of rocky substrate which begins at the Mackay Bluff and ends at the Cut of the Nelson Harbour. Haulashore Island was once a part of the Boulder Bank, but the Cut made it an island, and it is no longer connected to the Boulder Bank. The Boulder Bank separates Tasman Bay and the Nelson Haven and is managed as a scenic reserve by the Department of Conservation. Land access is gained along Boulder Bank Drive, signposted at the northern end of Nelson Haven on State Highway 6.

The Boulder Bank is composed of granodiorite.[1] The source of this rock is Mackay Bluff. It is still debated what process or processes have resulted in this odd structure. Longshore drift, however, is the most accepted hypothesis for creation. The main objection for longshore drift is that Tasman Bay does not receive enough wave action to move the large boulders in a south west direction. Studies have been conducted since 1892 to determine speed of boulder movement.

ABEL TASMAN

ST ARNAUD

Abel Tasman National Park (established in 1942) is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. It also has a mild climate and is a good place to visit at any time of the year.

At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest national park. It is located at the top of the South Island; the nearest towns are Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri.

The nearest towns of Nelson, Motueka and Takaka have i-SITES, accommodation and shops catering for tramping and kayaking needs. Kaiteriteri has a petrol station, small grocery shop, accommodation and café. Marahau has accommodation, a shop and cafés. Takaka is the last place for petrol before Totaranui.

There are many great day trips in the Park but if you are going to be using the track system in the park for overnight trips, make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared. Everyone needs to carry a sleeping bag, cooking utensils, sufficient high-energy food (with some extra for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat, and warm (wool or fleece) clothing. A portable stove will also be needed. Firm footwear is recommended but boots are not necessary. Giardia has been found in park waters. Boiling, chemical treatment or filtering can remove it. Check for up-to-date information on weather and track conditions before starting your trip.

St Arnaud is a settlement in Nelson Tasman. St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. The locality is also known as Lake Rotoiti which better describes this lakeside community. However, the town’s official name remains St Arnaud as Lake Rotoiti (literally small lake in Maori) is the name of a locality in New Zealand’s North Island.

How to get there

State Highway 63 leads from Marlborough on the east coast to the West Coast. Traveling east, Picton (1 3/4 hours), Blenheim (1 hour 20 minutes), Renwick (70 minutes) and Wairau Valley township (35 minutes). Traveling west Kawatiri Junction (15 minutes), Murchison (40 minutes) and Westport (2 hours 10 minutes). There are two main ways to get to St Arnaud From Nelson. The quickest is traveling through Richmond and Wakefield on State Highway 6. The turnoff is 10 minutes past Wakefield and St Arnaud is signposted through to the village. The road intersects with State Highway 63 two minutes east of the village.

Otherwise, State Highway 6 continues to Kawatiri Junction which is the end of State Highway 63.

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Fox & Franz Josef Fox Glaciert

Franz Josef

Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier falls 2,600m on its 13km journey from the Southern Alps down to the coast, with it having the distinction of being one of the few glaciers to end among lush rainforest only 300 metres above sea level. Some 140 glaciers flow from the Southern Alps, however only two (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) penetrate as far as the lower rainforests.

The Fox Glacier township is just 6 km from the glacier and offers an intimate village experience, tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of quality accommodation, hotels, cafes, a general store and service station.

Haast The great little town of Franz Josef which shares it’s name the the narby Glacier, there are plenty of places to stay and some excellent eateries, you can kayak at the nearby lake Mapourika or catch a scenic flight from one if the local operators. there are also some really great walksand tours that you can do.

Located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, 148 kms south of Greymouth and 25 Kms from Fox Glacier, Franz Josef is a small town with a population of 440.

Franz Josef town is 5 km from the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face. Its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the reason why many people visit Franz Josef.

The 12 km long Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, a remnant from the Ice Age which is one of South Westland’s major draw card for visitors.

The town is also 20 minutes walk from the Westland National Park.

At Franz Josef there is a range of activities ranging from the walks on Franz Josef Glacier with a duration of 3 hours, bush walks, scenic helicopter flights of Mt Cook, Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef Glaciers, to name a few of the activities that are available.

Lake Matheson

Hari Hari has the widest main street in the South Island Hari Hari is the landing site of the first solo Trans-Tasman flight.

Australian Guy Menzies went off course during his 1931 flight and 11 hours 45 minutes after leaving Sydney crash landed upside down in the La Fontaine swamp. There is a replica of his biplane on the main road. The 2.5 hours Hari Hari Coastal walk here is well worth it.

Visitors to Franz Josef will find a small but comfortable township with a First Class hotel, a good selection of motel, hostel and motor camp accommodation and several restaurants.

Despite being in the wilderness, the town has all essential services including a good garage, a district nurse and Visitors Centre and Department of Conservation Office.

Haast, The perfect destination to explore some of New Zealand’s most unique scenery and wildlife situated amidst spectacular & rugged scenery of the South West New Zealand World Heritage area, between ancient rainforests of Te Wahipounamu, glaciers, and the Tasman sea.

Haast offers a unique insight to the “real New Zealand” a rare gem, unspoilt by humans and thriving with native bird life.

Discover the extraordinary history of South Westland, from pre european Maori, and the importance of pounamu, to early pioneering, gold mining, logging, fishing, deer recovery, and more.

Try sea fishing, fly fishing, whitebaiting (in season), deer stalking, bird watching, tramping, nature walks, jet boat safaris, helicopter adventures and glacier flights.

Haast offers visitors a variety of accommodation, to suit a range of requirements,fromHotels, Motels, B&B’s and Boutique Lodgings, camping facilities.

Haast has a supermarket, gift shops, locally made crafts and jewellery, petrol stations, restaurants cafe’s and bars.

Jacksons bay

Jacksons Bay is 32km South west from Haast,The bay marks the farthest extent of the West Coast’s road network. The small road which meanders along the coast from Haast, close to Jackson Head. This was the site of the landing of the early settlers of the area, and is close to the mouth of the Arawhata (or Arawata) River. The third river to enter the Tasman along this stretch of coast is the Waiatoto River, which enters the bay 10 kilometres to the east of Jackson Head.

Haast - Google Maps

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Haast Photos · Search nearby

Lake Paringa

Franz Josef Glacier

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Hari Hari

Hari Hari is 45 minutes south of Hokitika and was once a logging settlement, but today Hari Hari, is popular for bush walking, bird watching, and trout or salmon fishing.

Hari Hari is a small rural settlement in the south west of the West Coast region. It was in Hari Hari that Australian pilot and adventurer Guy Menzies completed the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand in 1931.

Haast Jackson Bay 6 Wanaka