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Thread ID: 63011	2005-10-26 08:11:00	Totally OT: What to do in Nelson?	Tony (4941)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
399541	2005-10-26 08:11:00	The boss and I are using up some expiring airpoints and flying to Nelson for 3 full days at the beginning of November. We are hiring a car and going to Blenheim to buy some, wine, but the rest of the time is as yet unplanned. So, questions: What's the road from Nelson to Blenheim like? It looks pretty bendy/hilly on the map, but is it OK? What good stuff is there to do in the Nelson/Blenheim area that might not be in the tourist guides/websites?	Tony (4941)
399542	2005-10-26 09:06:00	Hi Tony. Welcome to sleepy hollow - despite what you may hear to the contrary. Just to say that you've been there, you could walk up to the alleged geographic centre of NZ. We took some overseas people there a couple of years ago and a young Maori lad tried to convince us all that the monument, positioned by chance on the peak of a small hill, was a load of crap and that the actual centre was out in the mudflats of the harbour. Not quite as romantic an idea nor as nice to visit but a good tale. The highway to Blenheim has had considerable straightening inrecent years and is a comfortable run. Stop over at Pelorous for a coffee and a walk down to the river - or up in to the bush, depends on how you feel.	Scouse (83)
399543	2005-10-26 09:09:00	Abel Tasman National Park - I know it's in the opposite direction to Blenheim, but it's well worth the trip (about 45mins out of Nelson IIRC).	somebody (208)
399544	2005-10-26 09:30:00	I know you are looking for places that might not be in the tourist guides etc, but I would also recommend the Abel Tasman National Park. You can do a half-day boat tour around part of the park which is really nice. Huge tidal differences along that part of the coastline. Pelorous bridge is nice if you aren't allergic to bees ... :waughh: You could also drive up to the Nelson Lakes for a looksie. :)	Jen (38)
399545	2005-10-26 17:54:00	Pelorus bridge, on the way to Havlock is a beautiful place with the last bit of original forest in the region (so they say) nice walks. Drive / cycle the Queen Charlotte Sounds road to Picton, beautiful as well. stuffucanuse.com and stuffucanuse.com	netchicken (4843)
399546	2005-10-26 17:58:00	Jump over the hill to Takaka, beautiful beach down at Totaranui on a dirt road deliberatly kept dirt to discourge tourists (so i was told). Great hour walk to Aharoa lodge for lunch. stuffucanuse.com Drive up to the Cobb Valley (awesome) stuffucanuse.com Cape farewell and the walks there are worth the trip. Mount Arthur is stunning, with the wierd Mountain Nainai's and the giant snails, (both are easy to find) stuffucanuse.com	netchicken (4843)
399547	2005-10-27 04:39:00	Ah . . . Nelson . But only three days? :eek: Oh boy . . . ! It will be a long day so you will need an early start but if you are going to Blenheim I would recommend doing the round trip and returning via Picton . The road from Picton to Nelson is a slow one at the start for much of the way due to the narrow windy road but it is very picturesque . If you like mussels you can stop at Havelock for a meal at The Mussel Boys (I think that's its name, anyway) . Having a nosy around Picton is well worthwhile as it is such a pretty place . Will be heading there for a week myself soon . :thumbs: As has already been mentioned the Abel Tasman National Park is a must . Take some good walking shoes/boots and spend a few hours walking the track as far as you can . If you take a daypack with a picnic you will enjoy one of the beautiful beaches even more . Or, go on a kayaking trip from Marehau for an hour or two if it is a nice windless day . It really is beautiful . The trip to AT Park can be combined with a quick stop at Motueka if desired and a detour to Kaiteriteri on the way . Holiday homes there go for over $1 million on prime sites these days and the place is jam packed from Boxing Day until the end of January but you will see it a little quieter . That is two days . . . for the third day it is a toss-up between the trip to Totaranui as netchicken suggested but you may be fed up with travelling by then as that trip is a full-dayer . If so, I would recommend just cruising around Nelson itself and Stoke and taking in the local sights, including the landmark cathedral and the "centre of NZ" as has previously been mentioned . Have a great holiday and may the weather be its usual sunny self . :) PS . Don't forget your sandfly repellant . ;)	FoxyMX (5)
399548	2005-10-27 09:13:00	Hi Tony - following on from Foxy's note about visiting Picton..... On the Nelson to Blenheim road, just after passsing through Havelock, turn left in to Queen Charlotte Drive and enjoy a fairly slow but very attractive drive through part of the Sounds until you come in to the back of Picton, above the ferry terminals. Breathtaking in places and you will avoid travelling to or through Blenheim twice, seeing it only on the return journey. Folks are talking about a lot of driving here..... Anyway, if you make it to the Abel Tasman walkway, take one of the launches from Marahau. Trip for about 35-40 minutes and then land on the beach - walk back to your car taking about three hours, depending how much time you spend on the various small beaches. I'll give you a wave as you pass.	Scouse (83)
399549	2005-10-27 09:14:00	Tony Forget about the trip to Blenheim, pick your days from the rest, Golden Bay is terrific. Nelson has many wineries at least equal to the best in Blenheim, just look at the awards. Big is not always better.	Arnie (6624)
399550	2005-10-27 19:50:00	Thanks everyone for some really great ideas . The various walks sound wonderful, but my wife is recovering from a severe chest infection, so I long walks will be a bit too much . I suspect we will be spending most of the time driving to places then driving away again, hopefully clutching something good to eat or drink . This weekend is planning weekend I think, so you may hear more next week .	Tony (4941)
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