Image courtesy of GeographX
Tourist Information supplied by:
New Zealand Accommodation Travel And Holiday Guide
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Blenheim
Nelson
Paraparaumu & The Kapiti Coast
Wellington
Blenheim
Blenheim is situated in the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, on
the flat lands of the Wairau Plains. It is the largest town in the Marlborough
region, New Zealand’s largest grape growing and wine making region.
The
town is the service centre for the flourishing wine industry. It enjoys one of
New Zealand’s sunniest climates, with hot summers and crisp winters. At
Blenheim’s centre is Seymour Square, a pretty park with fountains and a clock
tower. Its other gardens include the attractive Pollard Park. Brayshaw Historic
Museum Park houses a collection of restored colonial buildings and farming
machinery, set out as a reconstructed colonial village. The park also has a
boating pond and a miniature railway. Nearby Wither Hills Farm Park has a
network of walking and mountain bike tracks and offers views over the Wairau
Plains and Cook Strait.
One of the main attractions in the surrounding
region is its excellent wineries. It is possible to tour many of the wineries
and sample their wines. Many also have restaurants where visitors can enjoy a
fine meal. One of the highlights of Blenheim's calendar is the annual
Marlborough Food and Wine Festival.
In the Awatere valley, to the south
of Blenheim, is Molesworth Station, New Zealand’s largest cattle farm. It is a
popular location for an excursion into the high country. It’s is a scenic area
of mountains and river valleys, and has an historic homestead.
More information on Blenheim
Blenheim Accommodation
Nelson
Nelson is set on the Tasman Bay, on the northern shores of New Zealand’s South
Island. It is an attractive, lively city with an artistic slant in particular
for pottery and ceramics. It is also a busy port, home to New Zealand’s largest
fishing fleet. The shelter provided to the west by the mountains of the
Kahurangi National Park contributes to the city’s excellent climate.
Named after the British Admiral Viscount Horatio
Nelson, the city was planned in London and many of its place names reflect its
English beginnings, such as Trafalgar Square and Shakespeare Walk. The first
settlers arrived in 1842 and after rocky beginnings the city became the capital
of the region. Several historic buildings remain, such as Melrose House,
Fairfield House and the workers’ cottages of South Street.
Nelson’s centre is compact and has an
array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, all within easy walking distance.
There are a number of art and craft galleries, such as the excellent Suter Art
Gallery. An annual attraction is the globally acclaimed Wearable Art Awards,
which the city hosts every September. It is a festival of alternative fashion
and attracts entries from around the world. The city’s World of Wearable Art
complex is a permanent museum of previous winners. The city also has several
pleasant parks and gardens including the Botanic Reserve, home to the 'Centre of
New Zealand'. A marked lookout in the reserve is New Zealand’s geographic
centre. The lookout offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding area.
A short drive or bus ride from the centre is the seaside suburb of
Tahunanui. It has a long golden beach, a fun park, zoo and plenty of
accommodation, making this a popular spot for visitors to the city.
The
surrounding region is a fertile area with an abundance of orchards and a
smattering of wineries and breweries. Within an hour's drive is Marahau, gateway
to the outstanding coastal beauty and golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National
Park. The scenic Nelson Lakes National Park is to the south of the region. Its
picturesque alpine lakes and mountains offer water activities, walking tracks
and huts, and in the winter months, skiing.
More information on Nelson
Nelson Accommodation
Paraparaumu & The Kapiti Coast
Paraparaumu, is dominated by nearby Kapiti Island. The island is
now a native bird sanctuary, and visitors to the island are welcome, though
restricted. Lindale Farm Park, a short drive north of Paraparaumu, has a farm
walk and a selection of specialty shops. Nearby Waikanae has a long beach and an
excellent wildlife sanctuary. Further north is the Southward Car Museum, home to
a large selection of vintage cars and motorbikes. Otaki, a few kilometres
further north, is the western gateway to the mountainous Tararua Ranges. To the
East of the town is Otaki Gorge, a popular spot for kayaking and rafting. In
the north of the region is Levin, a bustling town with a selection of shops, an
excellent children’s playground, and the nearby long sandy beaches of Waitarere.
More information on Kapiti Coast
Kapiti Coast Accommodation
Wellington
Wellington stands at the southern end of the North Island, around the deep water
harbour of Port Nicholson. It is a compact city, encircled by hills, and due to
a lack of flat land, many of its houses cling to its hillsides. The city’s
southern and eastern suburbs are built around pretty bays with sandy beaches.
The city was chosen as New Zealand’s
capital in 1865 due to its central position in the country. Many of the early
settlers to the country came ashore at nearby Petone. As well as being the
country’s political capital, home to New Zealand’s parliament, Wellington is
also considered to be the country’s cultural capital. It is home to Te Papa the
Museum of New Zealand, several theatre companies, art galleries, the New Zealand
Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Ballet. In recent times Wellington has stamped
its place firmly on the world map as being the home of New Zealand’s growing
film industry, earning itself the nickname 'Wellywood'.
The capital’s
waterfront provides a wonderful vantage point from which to view the city and
harbour, in particular the affluent suburb of Oriental Parade, which is also
home to the city’s newly extended inner city beach. A short ride in a cable car
from Wellington's CBD to the Botanic Gardens offers spectacular views over the
city and harbour to the mountains beyond. For the more energetic, the views from
the top of Mt Kaukau on a clear day are second to none.
Wellington
offers visitors a host of attractions and activities, from mountain biking and
kayaking, to a stroll around its historic buildings. The city also has a
splendid Zoo, several museums and some excellent parks and gardens. It can also
boast an array of fine shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
More information on Wellington
Wellington Accommodation
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