Media release from Nelson Tasman Tourism

Nelson Tasman region open for visitors

Nelson Tasman region open for visitors

Despite record rainfall in the past week, the Nelson Tasman regions are still open and welcoming international and domestic visitors to enjoy the highlights of the region, including the Abel Tasman National Park – voted number 1 destination in New Zealand in the 2011 AA 101 Must Do’s.

Usually famous for its high sunshine hours, the region was inundated with rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, which caused slips and flooding in the central city and outer areas The Golden Bay area has been the hardest hit and at this point will re-open for visitors by Monday after significant clean up efforts.

The Abel Tasman National Park, which was briefly closed yesterday, has re-opened for all visitors, although some parts of the walking track remain blocked by slips which are expected to be cleared by Saturday. Sea Kayaking and Water Taxi services remain operational and with clear skies forecast this is one of the best ways for visitors to check out the National Park’s beauty.

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle owner Keith Knapp commented “Really we have been lucky that the park was only closed for one day. If it were going to remain closed we would be worried, but we remain largely unaffected and positive about the season moving forward”.

The city of Nelson was also hard hit by rainfall but has emerged on the other side ready to welcome visitors in the pre-Christmas rush. Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio says “Nelson has a real buzz during Christmas and we are looking forward to sharing it with visitors”. Worries about drinking water quality have proven unfounded, and city infrastructure remains unaffected.

The Nelson Tasman regions are popular summer holiday destinations for families and international tourists alike and Nelson Tasman Tourism Chief Executive Lynda Keene says “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to Nelson Tasman this season. Our tourism operators have come through the recent floods remarkably unscathed and are ready to show our traditional summer rush of tourists a fantastic time”

As at the 10th 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 region in the coming week is for sunshine, and locals are predicting that with the rain out of the way Christmas and New Years should be hot, fine and sunny.

ENDS

© Scoop Media