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Nelson Spring

Nelson brings Fine Wine and Fine Art to Wellington

Wellington conference organisers will be hosted by the Nelson Convention Bureau at a premier Nelson art event at Shed 11 on Wellington's waterfront on September 26^th.

Curated by Lara Strongman, the exhibition, called "fine" will showcase outstanding object and image works by Nelson artists, and will carry forward Nelson's reputation as a centre of artistic activity. 

Guests of the Nelson Convention Bureau will be treated to an exclusive viewing of the exhibition, with boutique wines presented by Nelson's leading winemakers.  One lucky guest will also receive a free trip for two to the Nelson Arts Festival, flying with Air New Zealand, and staying in a Summerhouse Cottage at Monaco Hotel & Resort.

Anyone interested in attending the event on 26^th September, 4.30pm – 6.00pm can contact Astrid Fisher - astrid@nelsonnz.com (03) 545 6854.

International Wine Stars talk Aromatics in Nelson      

Two of the wine world's superstars swoop into the small Nelson village of Upper Moutere on February 3rd next year to take part in the inaugural Nelson Aromatics Symposium.  Alsatian winemaker Olivier Humbrecht and Clare Valley's Jeff Grosset will present their wines and lead discussion on the premier aromatic varieties, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

The Nelson Aromatics Symposium, planned to become a triennial Nelson event is being organised by Nelson Winemakers.  Spokesperson, Judy Finn from Neudorf Vineyards says Riesling and Pinot Gris are classic varieties that are currently enjoying a renaissance world-wide. 

"Most winemakers I know adore Riesling; it is a grape with many faces.  "Often succulent, minerally and with delicious tight acidity it is the most refreshing of wines" says Ms Finn.  "Pinot Gris is hot right now.  Its a wine which suits Asian/Pacific cuisine - it loves coconut cream, lime juice and chilli.  It is also a great wine to drink as an aperitif.  As a wine it is often all about texture rather than flavour"   

Numbers are limited and early registration is recommended.  For further information visit www.wineart.co.nz or contact Woodi Moore

Air New Zealand reduces fares between Nelson and Wellington      

.Air New Zealand has reduced its fares for travel between Nelson and Wellington by up to eight percent following a review of prices on its regional routes.

Operated by Link carrier Air Nelson, flights on this route will be priced from $79 one way online, a reduction of $7, with the same percentage of fares available for sale at this lowest Smart Saver range.

The mid-range (Semi-Flexi) lead in fare has been reduced by $7, from $110 to $103 one way online, and the most expensive Fully Flexi fare reduced by $22 from $261 to $239 one way online. 

By booking your group travel with Air New Zealand you can also take advantage of airfares specifically designed for group travel.

Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences Wins at Tourism Awards 2006      

Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences were announced winners of the Qualmark 'Tourism Mark of Quality' Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards gala presentation held in Wellington, 23 August 2006

Qualmark, New Zealand Tourism's official quality agency describes the award as "designed to recognise a business that uses best business practices throughout their business.  They also are not afraid to adopt a leadership position and stand out from the crowd.

Chief Executive of Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences, Mr Darryl Wilson says, "Our score of 96.4% in our 2005 Qualmark Visitor Activity assessment encouraged us to enter the New Zealand Tourism Awards.  Having our business assessed by external auditors is the best way to benchmark how we are doing with our commitment to providing the best experience for visitors to Abel Tasman National Park.

The Wilson family, with a team of expert Guides, Lodge Staff and Boat Crew have their guests' safety and comfort as priorities.  They offer the widest choice to visitors with single to multi-day trips including boat transport, walking, sea kayaking and comfortable Lodge accommodation with ensuite bathrooms and restaurant quality meals.

"This win is an endorsement for our whole team," says Mr Wilson.  "It not only gives them a reward for their dedication, it also provides us with ideas and direction for the way forward."

Nelson Arts Festival - Great Excuse for Nelson Escape      

Winter is now a memory, spring is in the air and there has never been a better time to come to Nelson. Escaping to Nelson for a weekend spring break has never been easier. Simply book online at www.nelsonescapes.co.nz. This website profiles the range of cultural experiences offered in Nelson from hands-on workshops to fully hosted tours of the artists' studios, wineries and restaurants.

These packages also make excellent partner programmes to compliment successful conferences in the Nelson region. Nelson Tourism Services recently organized the Society of Local Government Mangers Conference, and amongst other things the partners enjoyed a tailor made gourmet cookery day at the luxury Paratiho Lodge and a tour and demonstration at the Hoglund Art Glass Gallery.

Another reason to come to Nelson is to experience the Nelson Arts Festival from 13 to 23 October, offering visitors an exciting and diverse programme of arts events and activities. "The Festival opens with the Masked Parade & Carnivale and continues over ten days with theatre, dance, comedy, music, literary lunching, sculpture, workshops, openings and closings....a buzz on the streets leaves no-one in doubt that Nelson is sashaying into spring and celebrating its creative soul." For more information see www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz Creating an unforgettable escape to Nelson is what we do best. Contact us on escapes@nzdirect.co.nz