Nelson Tasman Region Open for Visitors

MEDIA RELEASE

Nelson Tasman Region Open for Visitors

“The Nelson Tasman region is most definitely open,” says Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of Nelson Tasman Tourism, “and industry operators and DOC teams are keen to welcome returning visitors and new visitors to the region over the Christmas/New Year holiday period.”

All major visitor activities and attractions in the region are open for visitors, with the exception of road access to the Totaranui Camping Ground. However, Totaranui camping facilities are available for travellers via water taxi or boat access. A number of beaches are closed to swimmers and for gather shellfish, however we anticipate the majority of beaches will re-open within the next few days.

Key tourism businesses in the area open include:

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK – The southern park of the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk from Marahau - Awaroa is open. All water taxi, sea kayaking and water activities are open. All huts and campsites including Awaroa are open. It is hoped to have the track between Awaroa and Totaranui and Wainui and Whariwharangi open by Christmas. Please check at Nelson Regional DOC centre, iSITEs in Nelson, Motueka, Golden Bay, Murchison or visit www.doc.govt.nz for updates.

GOLDEN BAY – Takaka township is open with all services intact. Road from Takaka to Collingwood is open. Trips to Farewell Spit and nature walks are open. Anatoki Salmon Farm, Waikoropupu Springs open, Labyrinth Rocks open, Te Anaroa Caves open. It is anticipated the Pohara Top 10 Holiday Park will open by Friday 23 December, if not sooner. The Tasman District Council has placed resuming services to the Holiday Park as a priority due to the role it has with servicing the strong tourism holiday market. Accommodation and access in Tata Beach, Ligar Bay and Wainui Bay is currently limited but we anticipate this improving over the next few days. Visitors that have holiday home accommodation booked are advised to contact home owners direct for an update.

MOTUEKA/RIWAKA– All accommodation and visitor activities with water taxis, sea kayaking are open. Beaches to open very soon.

NELSON - Happy Valley Adventures is open, Tahunanui Beach Holiday Park, World of WearableArt & Classic Car Museum, local museums, local art galleries, most cycle trails, all retail outlets, hotels, motels, camping grounds, holiday parks, bed and breakfasts and youth hostels are all open. Cable Bay remains closed.

RICHMOND/WAIMEA/RUBY BAY – Mapua wharf, wineries, craft beer breweries are all open.

NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK – minor track damage but most walks and activities open. Please check at Nelson Regional DOC centre or www.doc.govt.nz for updates.

KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK – minor track damage. Heaphy Track open.

Any visitor who requires an update on accommodation bookings can contact their accommodation provider direct or call on 0800 NEL TAS (0800 635 827). This will put callers through to the iSITE to get updates on what is available.

Ms Keene says. “A number of residential homes and communities have been severely affected by recent weather and our thoughts go out to those approaching Christmas that will still be in clean-up mode. Our tourism operators have come through the recent floods remarkably unscathed and are ready to show our traditional summer rush of visitors a fantastic time.”

As at 10 December Nelson was still leading the charge in 2011’s sunshine hours, with 2310 recorded hours. Whakatane is in second place with 2229 hours and Blenheim comes in third with 2216 hours. The forecast for the Nelson Tasman region in the coming week is for sunshine, and locals are predicting that with the rain out of the way Christmas and New Year should be hot, fine and sunny.

ENDS