Nelson Tasman delivers – Whatever the Weather
Posted on Tuesday 10 January 2023
Nelson is known for turning on the sunshine during summer, but never fear, whatever the weather, Nelson Tasman still delivers.
Enter the curious world of mechanical sculptures known as automata at the Nelson Provincial Museum. Tinker with hands-on activities and be delighted with a fun-filled, interactive experience that combines art, technology, and science. On tour from London, Curious Contraptions is an engaging and interactive exhibition for all ages showcasing work from the UK’s finest contemporary automata makers. Exposed inner workings and low-tech mechanisms invite the viewer to understand how each one comes to life with just the push of a button or a crank of a handle. It also includes an ‘ensemble workshop’ for you to build your own contraptions. Check out Curious Contraptions from 10am daily until 19 February.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is a fast-paced, irreverent comedy for those who love or love-to-hate Shakespeare. Described as “Shakespeare on steroids”, it starts with a veneer of respectability but quickly descends into a rollicking, raucous romp through all 37 of the Bard's plays and sonnets in just 97 minutes. Three madcap actors in tights with lightning-fast costume changes, play a myriad of roles as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave the audience breathless and helpless with laughter. Runs from Monday 9 January till 13 January 6.30pm at Fairfield House. Performances will be inside Fairfield House if wet. Tickets are available online from Fairfield House.
Due to popular demand, this year brings two R18 Buskers at the Boathouse evenings. Come along for a cabaret evening when the buskers let their hair down for some serious hilarity. Are you brave enough to sit in the front row – who knows what just might happen? Shows Thursday 19 and Friday 20 January at 8.30pm at the Boathouse. Tickets are available online from Eventfinda.
With seven different pools, Richmond Aquatic Centre has something for everyone. A 25-metre lane pool, learn-to-swim pool, toddlers pool, leisure pool and two spas! They even have a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool, sauna, lazy river and wave pool. So for some relaxation or some action, the Aquatic Centre is the place to be. And to help wear the kids out, how about timed races on the giant Aqua Run? Keep your eye out for the new Aqua Run with an even longer slide coming later in January.
One of Nelson’s newest venue’s is the Nelson Classic Car Museum. Featuring over 150 cars in immaculate condition, from the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Nelson Classic Car Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars. Come and relive your own memories of your grandad’s car, your first car and your dream car!
And if you want to capture some of the magic of Christmas, the Nelson Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival is on daily until the 15th of January with a 10am “switch off” service. The annual festival has been running for more than 10 years and contains over 60 trees decorated by local businesses and community groups.
For more events and activities in Nelson Tasman go to the ItsOn webite or check out the Summer Events Guide.
