THE REGION / ACTIVITIES
 
Abel Tasman National Park – walking, swimming, kayaking, boating
The Abel Tasman National park is New Zealand’s smallest National Park but boasts some of the best golden sand beaches and turquoise waters in New Zealand. The world famous Coastal Track opens up the parks estuaries, golden sand beaches and forested headlands. You can enter the park by foot, for day trips or to walk the length of the park’s coastal track, from Marahau, which is only a short drive from Sandy Bay House. Alternatively you can visit via a cruise boat, water taxi or sea kayak, where you have the added bonus of possible face to face encounters with marine wildlife and birds. There are numerous highlights to visit in the park, including the “Cleopatra Pools” and Awaroa Lodge. There are three companies that offer kayaking services through the Abel Tasman:
- Abel Tasman Shuttles (www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz)
- Sea Kayak (www.seakayak.co.nz)
- River Kayak (www.riverkayak.co.nz)

Wineries and Cafes
From Nelson to Motueka there are over 22 wineries, a number of which offer cellar door tastings and/or excellent restaurant settings (the following Website should assist) www.nelsonnz.com. There are also excellent cafes in both Motueka and Marahau.

Sailing
For sailing tours around the Abel Tasman region contact Able Tasman Sailing Adventures www.sailingadventures.co.nz They offer both guided trips and charter vessels.

Tennis
The best local tennis courts are situated in the Rawaka School, on the Kaiteriteri side of Motueka (no need to book). Tennis courts can also be found at the Kiri Ora Spa Resort up, although these are in disrepair.

Golf
There is an 18 hole golf course in Motueka only 20 minutes away from Sandy Bay House. Ph: (03)528 8998 or email motueka@golf.co.nz

Arts and Crafts
The Nelson Bays region is well renowned in New Zealand for its vibrant yet laid back arts community and has more working artists per capita than anywhere else. There are various shops and stalls that can be visited, particularly on Sunday at the markets in Motueka or any day of the week in Nelson (a circa 45 minute drive from Sandy Bay House).

Massage
Massages and other health treatments can be booked at the Kiri Ora Spa Resort (03)527 8134 which is situated at the top of the estuary in Kaiteriteri

Other
Other things to do in the region include 4WD biking, mountain biking, sky-diving, river rafting, horse riding, fly fishing and cycling.
You may find the following website useful: www.nelsonnz.com