Caroline C.'s
Best School Holiday Programmes in Nelson-Tasman
- 13Kidpower Trust offers school holiday programmes that teach children how to develop their boundary setting skills in a fun, age appropriate environment. The programme uses role playing techniques and positive experiences to teach children how to handle difficult situations. These programmes have helped lots of kids live better lives, and go way beyond the usual school holiday programme.
- 22The Giggling Pony Equestrian CentreWakefieldLove the way this place caters to all levels of pony riding experience, and makes learning so much fun. The programme is very safety concious and is a good way for pony mad kids to feed their passion for a day with a well trained, quiet pony that is used to being around small children.
- 31Bridge Valley Adventure CentreWakefieldLots of fun here for 8-13 year olds on their holiday adventure camps. These camps are residential, one week, with a great adventure theme. This July it’s the movie Frozen. There are the Frozen X Games (with prize giving at the end) as well as activities like rock climbing, archery, shooting, go karts, paintball, kayaking, & quads, plus live music, and games. Lots of confidence boosting activities with friends and family, something for everyone.
- 41Golden Bay Boredom BustersRichmondGolden Bay Kids can have fun in the holidays with lots of supervised activities including theatre skills, dress up days (cops and robbers anyone), art and craft activities. There are also excursions to the caves, cooking, sculpture and bmx bikes, plus lots more. Don’t sit around in front of the TV, get out and have some fun!
- 52Riverside Community CentreLower MoutereThe Riverside Community and cultural centre is running two day circus workshops these holidays with Circus Games, Stilt-walking,, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Human Pyramids and Balancing, Hula Hoop and FLY away on the Aerial Silks. You probably wont learn to be a lion tamer but you might learn how to clown around and have lots of fun.
Caroline C.'s
Where to watch sport on a big screen
- 13My favourite pubby pub, great food, lots of screens in separate areas, large outdoor area with gas fire and a great menu. The service here is always good, the food tasty and generous servings and the decor is warm and welcoming. Its usually busy on big sports nights so get there early to get a good seat.
- 23623 In The CityNelsonThis is a great big sports bar in the middle of town, lots of space, good screens indoor and out (and an outdoor fireplace for those midwinter rugby games!) and good quality food menu plus all the beers and wines you’d expect in a good pub
- 31Harrys Restaurant & BarNelsonNice and central in Nelson’s Trafalgar street, Harry’s Bar is as popular with the after work crowd on a Friday evening as it is on a test match night. The food is quite upmarket with an asian influence, and they also have all the craft beers, cocktails and wines you could wish for. There are only a couple of screens and no separate walled off area, but visibility is usually good from any seat.
- 41If you want a quieter spot not so central to town, the Prince Albert is a good bet - they have good screens, a large main bar and a nice quiet garden bar. This is more of a ‘local’ than a city pub so probably a less hectic place to watch the game. Recently under new ownership, there is a backpackers upstairs as well which adds to the character of the place.
- 52Nelson Suburban Club IncTahunanuiThe Suburban Club is sports and social club and makes a good venue for eating , drinking and watching the game. There’s plenty of comfortable seating in the cafe bar dining area, as well as a restaurant and a games area, it’s a good choice when you want a relaxing evening somewhere with room to spread out.
Caroline C.'s
Best Italian Restaurants in Nelson
- 14Hot Rock Gourmet Pizza Pasta BarTahunanuiHandy to Tahunanui Beach, Hot Rocks is the best beach side pizza/pasta place in town.They cook their pizzas in an Italian wood-fired oven - with delicious fresh hot-smoked salmon and roasted meats as well as vegetarian options. The pastas are home made, and there are gluten free options available in both pizza and pasta menus. Yum!
- 212Stefano's PizzeriaNelsonIf you want genuine Italian cooked by a genuine Italian, go to Stefano’s. Excellent thin crust pizzas, cooked in a pizza oven, great prices and very authentic prices. Pasta and salads are also on the menu as well as delicious NZ wines. Can’t fault this place even though it is usually busy, the service is pretty good and the atmosphere casual (its upstairs at the cinema).
- 35Pizza BarNelsonLocated on Hardy Street this is a great place for pizza or pasta style casual dining. The range of pizzas is excellent, gluten free available and it has a nice "middle of town" atmosphere especially on a friday night, when you can sit out on the pavement if it’s not too chilly! Often gets very busy so you may have to ring and book.
- 42Lambretta's Cafe BarNelsonAlthough this is more of a cafe bar than a restaurant, it does have an Italian flavour - after all it’s named after an Italian scooter and serves fabulous pizzas. But the menu also includes fabulous salads and one of the best ranges of cabinet foods in town. It’s in a great location - close to the centre of town on Hardy Street, and has an outside eating area that is always bustling with people at any time of day.
Caroline C.'s
Indoor Activities for Kids
- 12ASB Aquatic and Fitness CentreRichmondIf you need to wear the kids out on a wet weekend, this is the place to go - there’s a wave pool, lazy river, adult and family spa pools, tots pool, cafe and fitness centre. Adults can join in the fun, help their kids get confident in the water or relax poolside with a coffee while the little ones burn up some energy. With a $20 family pass the weekend is sorted!
- 21Pottering AboutNelsonUnleash your child’s inner artist at Pottering About in Buxton Square, Nelson. They offer glass painting, pottery painting and mosaics, safe, child friendly environment and a cafe with scrumptious food, including an excellent children’s menu. Great place for birthday parties as well. Try the American Style Thickshake!
- 32Village TheatreTakakaThe Village Theatre in Takaka is a much loved entertainment venue for all ages, and the perfect place to while away a wet weekend in Golden Bay. Comfy armchair seating and high quality digital technology mean this small town cinema - made possible only by local fundraising efforts - shows all the latest and greatest Hollywood movies.
- 41Who doesn’t want to spend a cold afternoon snuggled up with a book? Richmond Library is one of the best with art display spaces, free computer access and wifi, a great selection of children’s books to browse and the Imaginarium - an acoustic studio, equipped with computers, video and sound recording gear. You can use it to to lay down some music tracks, record an interview, create a masterfully designed poster or anything else you can imagine - great place to get the kids thinking outside the square.
- 54Nelson Provincial MuseumNelsonThis is the oldest museum in New Zealand so well worth a visit. The programme of exhibitions brings local and international history and events to our doorstep. Currently showing - The Canterbury Quakes and Starting with Plants - an interactive exhibition featuring species found at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.
Caroline C.'s
Best Accommodation in Nelson
- 12Owen River LodgeMurchisonLocated on the banks of the beautiful Owen River, near Murchison, this is one of the region’s best luxury lodges. Come here to fish, relax, or explore the wonderful tramping that the area has to offer. Gourmet meals and five star service make Owen River Lodge the ultimate get away.
- 21Lancewood VillaUpper MoutereA short drive from the village of Upper Moutere and close to the Great Taste Trail, Lancewood Villa is a wonderful boutique accommodation choice for the discerning traveler. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, stay in the renovated cottage and pat the donkeys on the way out. This is a great place for cyclists riding the trail to rest up, or to base yourself while you explore the lovely hills of the Moutere area.
- 32Motueka Top 10 Holiday ParkMotuekaThis is the place for a comfortable stay or a family holiday in the Motueka area. The Motueka Top Ten Holiday Park is very clean, has fantastic facilities, a heated pool and helpful staff, is close to town and every thing a good holiday park should be. Bring the camper van or book a chalet or motel unit. A great place to base yourself for the Abel Tasman National Park.
- 42Warwick HouseNelsonWarwick House is a historic bed and breakfast very close to the centre of Nelson. Once one of Nelson’s grandest homes, it now hosts guests from all over the world in its well appointed rooms..The history of the home is fascinating, and the current owners have managed to retain the grandeur of previous times while providing luxurious and very unique bed and breakfast accommodation.
- 51Atholwood Luxury Country AccommodationUpper MoutereLocated in the rural splendour of the Moutere Hills, Atholwood is a luxury country lodge with hospitable hosts Sarah and Ian. Atholwood is modern, well appointed, welcoming and comfortable and offers an excellent breakfast. It;s close to the village of Upper Moutere and there is a choice of good restaurants within a short drive.
Caroline C.'s
Best Breakfast
- 13It’s worth a drive or a bike ride on a sunny Sunday morning to sit on the wharf at Mapua and enjoy Jellyfish’s Gypsy Eggs with a long black, enjoying the view across the estuary to Rabbit Island. Premier location, great food, and that lovely laid back weekend feeling we get from a seaside cafe.
- 26Melrose HouseNelson SouthArguably the best brekky in town. Gorgeous setting in the old house, great service and a delicious menu. Grandad’s Free Range Egg Omelette is my favourite but there is also Whole Baby Flounder or the very proper Tea & Toast. Great destination for a sunday morning to remember.
- 33Morrison Street CafeNelsonA long standing Nelson brunch destination with a reputation for great food and excellent service. This place is always buzzing on a Sunday morning - the locals know where to go for good tucker and vote with their feet!
- 41The Orangerie RestaurantMonacoSet on the edge of the Waimea Estuary, this award winning eatery makes a lovely Sunday Brunch destination. Great menu - ranging from my fave Eggs Benedict to the Grand Breakfast and everything in between. And when you’re full to the brim enjoy a gentle stroll around the Monaco Peninsula.
- 58Sunday morning might be a bit early for a beer but this is the place for a relaxing family brunch. Enjoy the delicious menu, which has excellent gluten free and vegetarian options, and a Pomeroys coffee while the children do their own thing on the playground next door.