Alpine Lodge, Nelson

Advantages: Kiwi welcomes you to Aoteoroa - Land of the Long White Cloud
Disadvantages: Long way from anywhere, don't let this put you off

...on the Mainland''. It depends if you are listening to the view of a North Islander for a South Islander. Personally,I live on the South Island (when in New Zealand) so, of course I am writing this as a Mainlander, but would never dream of writing any bias into this review!!! The Centre of New Zealand is in my hometown, Nelson which is absolutely beautiful with clean, safe beaches, lakes and rivers, wineries, orchards and a strong and vibrant art and craft community. Heaven! Like the rest of New Zealand it has survived on exports, and in the early days the country pioneered frozen storage and transportation of sheep and beef products to the 'Mother-land' or `The Home Country', being England. This continues today with the Nelson Port being one of the busiest in the South Pacific Rim. Nowadays, it exports seafood, apples and other more specialist... Read review

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Advantages: Great views, great fun, great facilities
Disadvantages: Can be a bit expensive

...notices somewhat too literally and went down the run very slowly but I speeded up with my next try! I really did enjoy this and it is especially fun if the sheep are grazing around the run! I t seems really odd to be on what amounts to a fairground ride whizzing past sheep! Alpine Adventure Golf This is a small 9 hole course for all the family to enjoy. It costs just £3.50 for a round or £3 if you are in a group of 10 or more. Alpine Lodge From the lodge you have a lovely view of Llandudno Bay and also of the ski slopes, toboggan run and golf course. This is decorated in typical Alpine style with lots of wood and sells a wide range of alcohol and sort drinks as well as tea, coffee etc. There is always a light menu available and they can cater for conferences, parties, lunches and dinners. The thing I must stress if you visit the Alpine... Read review

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Advantages: Stunning, mountainous scenery
Disadvantages: None

...The Rainbow Rage is not the way I went over the Rainbow. But for thousands of bikers it is an annual 100km race from St Arnaud, on the Nelson side of the Rainbow Valley, through this most fantastic part of the South Island of New Zealand to Hanmer, and a waiting hot pool plunge. For me, I went over from the Hanmer end, after doing the Molesworth High Country Station trip in the comfort of our 4X4. We saw several mountain bikers along the way and I know which way I prefer to take in this pristine sub alpine beauty. The trip has some high saddle passes where you can see high country farming, lakeside wonder, huge, craggy mountains and a gate or two to open along the way. Site seeing and photography come together and I used up so much film. This is beech clad forest and huge, gravel scree shots we are talking. I haven't tramped... Read review

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