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INDEPENDENT PASSION
INDEPENDENT PASSION
We're keen to keep the character, Kiwi flavour and passion in our community. We'll do our utmost to champion owner operators.
Image: Hiker on top of Mt Roy. Garrick Cameron
OPEN SPACES
OPEN SPACES
The freedom to explore is a rare thing in today's world. Lake Wanaka is a spectacular natural playground, one which we're committed to.
Image: Boating on Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart
PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT
PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT
We feel a strong responsibility to protect the incredible environment in Lake Wanaka. We'll never take it for granted.
Image: Swimming in Lake Wanaka. Camilla Stoddart
GENUINE HOSPITALITY
GENUINE HOSPITALITY
We're genuinely excited about sharing our local knowledge so you can make the most of your time and come to love Lake Wanaka as much as we do.
Image: Spa bath, Lake Wanaka. Fredrik Larsson
VIBRANT COMMUNITY
VIBRANT COMMUNITY
Our locals come from around the corner or the other side of the world. In Lake Wanaka, when you visit, you can live and feel like a local for a few days, a season or forever. It's in the community spirit.
Image: Preschool children at daycare, Cardrona Alpine Resort
A STUNNING PLACE TO LIVE
A STUNNING PLACE TO LIVE
If you're into the outdoors then there is no better place to visit or live than Wanaka...
Image: Wanaka nestled on the shores of the lake.Credit: Gilbert van Reenen

 

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Blenheim & Nelson to West Coast Self Drive

 
Christchurch to Invercargill via West Coast Christchurch to Wanaka/Queenstown Wanaka to Queenstown
Queenstown to Milford Sound Dunedin to Queenstown via the Catlins Dunedin return via Oamaru, Queenstown and Catlins
Nelson to Queenstown & Wanaka   Back to South Island Itineraries

Route Overview – Nelson, Tasman to West Coast

From the sunshine capital to the rainfall capital of New Zealand, the drive from Nelson to Charleston is one of extremes.

Wine, cultural and beaches to farming, national parks and rainforests, there's something for everyone on this route.
Abel Tasman kayaking
21, September 2011
Map Blenheim to West Coast via Nelson & Golden Bay
21, September 2011
 

 

Blenheim to Nelson - 1 hour 27 minutes, 114km:
  • From the sun baked wine country of Blenheim to Nelson the sunniest region in New Zealand
  • Explore breweries in the Craft Brewing Capital of New Zealand, through sun kissed fields of hops
  • Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, Nelson Tasman has consistently some of the calmest, best and sunniest weather in New Zealand
  • Nelson is home to the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum – displaying works of art in fashion and car design
  • Meeting nationally acclaimed artists in their studios and walking away with a true gem
  • Enjoy fine wine and fresh cuisine at one of 25 wineries and 4 of the top 50 restaurants in New Zealand
  • The Boat Shed - The Boat Shed Café is located in an historic boatshed hanging over the water on Nelson’s waterfront. The vibrant and rustic restaurant looks out over the entrance to the small but busy harbour. Specialising in seafood, Chef Daniel Monopoli’s passion for fresh local produce shines.
  • Hopgood’s- Voted the number one casual dining experience in New Zealand in 2009 and 2010, Hopgood’s only serve Nelson wine and beer, and locally grow their own vegetables. The menu is to die for, and the location, in the heart of central Nelson is key for anyone checking out the city.
     
Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri - 48 minutes, 47 km:
  • Head to the seaside village of Mapua – once the home of New Zealand’s favourite nude beach, the community now boasts fabulous restaurants, two breweries and 8 different art galleries. Note – dressed is now best!
  • Discover the golden beaches and blue waters of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park – voted by Kiwis as the Number 1 destination in New Zealand
  • Finding a golden beach with no one else but you on it, on a hot sunny day
  • Awaroa Lodge and Café – exhausted from all that sea kayaking, hiking, sailing or sunbathing in the Abel Tasman National Park? Catch a water taxi to Awaroa bay and enjoy fine wine and fresh food in the only restaurant for miles.
Kaiteriteri to Golden Bay - 51 minutes, 63km:
  •  Visit some of the 300 working artists in their rural galleries – in vineyards, by the ocean or tucked in remote retreats
  • Fishing for salmon and eating it smoked fresh in Golden Bay
  • Seeing over 90 species of birds including penguins and gannets on the sahara like sand dunes of Farewell Spit
  • The Mussell Inn, Collingwood – this brewery cum café serves only organic and locally grown food in a unique, eco-friendly outdoors setting – including dozens of cellphones hammered to the café walls.
  • The Naked Possum, Bainham – the inspiration of a possum trapper, the Naked Possum serves organic food and beer, as well as having an onsite tannery for possum skins. Famous for their “bring a dead possum, get a free beer” policy.
Motueka to Murchison - 1 hour 29 minutes, 127km:
  • Monterrey House – This historic home has a giant chessboard, a 9 hole golf course and the best desserts in the region. Off the beaten track in Orinoco, Monterrey House is a destination in its own right.
  • Find untouched natural beauty in the Nelson Lakes National Park, and fly fish or hike one of the most beautiful rivers in New Zealand, the Buller
  • Red Barn Café and Animal Park – An outdoor café perfect for families – have your coffee, cake and visit a petting zoo on your way through to the West Coast.
Murchison to Charleston - 1 hour 18 minutes, 110km:
  • Murchison is the white water capital of New Zealand 
  • Charleston, home of a number of shipwrecks

 

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