Photo: Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle
Photo: Tamzin Henderson
Photo: Grant Stirling Images Photo: NelsonTasman.nz
“Literally within a 15 minute bike ride from my house near Saxton Oval, I can visit Pomeroy’s for a coffee, Pic’s for some ‘Really Good’ peanut butter, grab New Zealand’s best chips from Proper Crisps, pick up some Chia Sisters beverages or grab some goodies from the Smoke House, not to mention finishing it off with a McCashins craft beer. And of course, Appleby Farms ice cream is made just around the corner. “What’s not to love about this extraordinary part of the world which is home to so many inspirational and passionate people.” Recently elected Tasman mayor Tim King was born and bred in the Nelson Tasman region before travelling overseas. He then returned to his roots for the lifestyle and for family. “I love the access we have here to the outdoors and all the activities that go with it; the freedom to visit our lakes, rivers, beaches and mountains; all within close range. Combine that with our generally good weather and it’s a win-win lifestyle.” One of Tim’s favourite areas is the Moutere with its wineries, artisan crafts and food producers. “The whole of the Moutere is pretty cool; again there is easy access to a whole number of activities and destinations, all within a small geographical area.” Boating, hiking, fishing and mountain biking are often on his agenda, and when the family has visitors a go-to destination is St Arnaud. “Lake Rotoiti is pretty awesome and so too are places
... St Arnaud is at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti and is viewed as the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. 36
Above: Clockwise - Mountain bikers on Dun Mountain Trail; hiker crossing Bridge on Abel Tasman Coast Track; scenic cruise at Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman; people fishing at the Nelson port
such as Mapua village and wharf area, and let’s not forget the Abel Tasman National Park. We are truly spoilt for choice.” A small alpine village within easy distance from Nelson Tasman and also Marlborough, St Arnaud is at the northern end of Lake Rotoiti and is viewed as the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park. Fishing, boating and kayaking are popular summer activities, while in winter it’s a base for skiing at nearby Rainbow Skifield. Tramping is popular all year round. Originally named after Lake Rotoiti, the town’s name was changed in 1951 to St Arnaud after Jacques Leroy de Saint Arnaud who was the French Commander in Chief during the 1853-1856 Crimean War.
Scenic Abel Tasman
Taking a boat trip from scenic Kaiteriteri to Awaroa or Totaranui then boating or even walking back along the Abel Tasman track is popular with locals and visitors alike. New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman National Park is perfect for both relaxation and adventure, for families and couples, groups and friends. The coastal Abel Tasman track is a long winding trail that snakes along beaches and ridges from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with access to fur seals (Separation Point headland), little blue penguins and also bottlenose dolphins (Tonga Island Marine Reserve) and a wide variety of native flora and fauna on land and water. Kayaking is especially popular around the park. Marlborough’s stand-out attractions are just as awe-inspiring and accessible. Marlborough mayor John Leggett moved with his family to Blenheim from North Canterbury in the mid-sixties.