The Nelson Lakes National
Park
Situated in the Nelson Lakes National Park, which is just an hour’s
drive from Nelson and Blenheim, are lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. These
lakes were carved out by glaciers and the surrounding area has the
most amazing, stunning alpine scenery which is great if your family
is into boating, hiking and walking.
Get the children to walk across the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge, if
they dare. It's 18m (60ft) above the Buller River and is the world’s
longest swing bridge (110m long). To add to the excitement it's
narrow, with wooden planks!
Older children and those young at heart might want to try the Comet
Line. Other activities in the region include gold panning and guided
walks.
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Motueka
Motueka is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National
Park and Golden Bay. In its hey day, Moteuka was the largest
producer of beer and tobacco, but it no longer holds this record!
Abel Tasman National Park is just a 20-minute car ride from Motueka.
If you are planning to visit over the summer
season it is advisable to book your accommodation early, as this
small town really comes to life during this time.
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park is a very accessible
and popular tramping area and is the home of the Able Tasman Coastal
Track. The walk is 51km and takes between three to five days to do.
You can enjoy this track in many different ways —
walking, catching one of the water taxis or kayaking. Really it's up
to you how you enjoy this area!
If you are planning on walking the track then
bookings are essential. But if you want to spend the day there,
there are a couple of great walks.
Torrent Bay to Bark Bay
This is a two-and-a-half-hour walk and takes you
along the stretch of coastline between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay. It
is so stunningly beautiful that you just won't want to leave.
Tonga Island Marine Reserve
The reserve is further on from Bark Bay and is a
full day trip, not really suitable for young or slow walkers, more
because of the distance that you have to walk rather than its grade.
If you do walk this part of the track be prepared to see the seal
colony and dolphins. Tonga Island is actually a small Island out
from the Onetahuti Beach.
- Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi,
Kaiteriteri and Marahu Wharfs
- Freephone 0800 278 282
or +64 3 527 8383
www.aquataxi.co.nz
-
- Abel Tasman Seal Swim,
departs Kaiteriteri Beach
- Freephone 0800 252 925
www.sealswim.com
-
- Tasman Sky Adventures,
Motueka Airport, off College Street, Motueka
- Freephone 0800 114 386
www.skyadventures.co.nz
Abel
Tasman Charters, Ph: 0800 223 522 or 03 528 8112 Email:
reservations@abeltasmancharters.com Web:
www.abeltasmancharters.com
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Touch the Sea, 8 Aranui Road, Mapua
-
Phone
+64 3 540 3557
www.seatouchaquarium.co.nz
