| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Cable Bay Adventure Park Kim Newth Summer fun aplenty at Cable Bay For those seeking a breathtaking perspective, the Skywire ride at the Cable Bay Adventure Park is a must. 03 543 8383 Electrical design and installation: 109 St Vincent Street, Nelson. Ph: (03) 546 9930 www.glennroberts.nz • Lighting & Power • Home Automation • Solar PV Systems • Landscape Lighting • Heat Pumps & HVAC • EV Car Chargers Member Electrical Contractors Association of NZ MASTER ELECTRICIANS Proud to work with Cable Bay Adventure Park Drawing on their experience as multisport champions, Richard and Elina Ussher have transformed the Cable Bay Adventure Park near Nelson into an inspiring outdoor recreation hub as well as an environmental haven. Located just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Nelson, this adventure destination is like a mini national park. It boasts almost 400 hectares of native forest – including massive old matai, totara and kahikatea – and an extensive mountain bike and walking trails, open for the public to explore at no charge. “When we first took over the park in 2017, there were a couple of overgrown walking tracks here; essentially, we started from scratch to develop our trails network,” says Richard, a former race director of the Coast to Coast. “Today, there are 20 mountain bike trails at the park, around 15 kilometres in total. For us, these trails serve a dual purpose: they open up recreational opportunities but can also be used for trap lining and other conservation work. In everything we have developed here, we’ve tried to make sure it ticks the business box and the environmental/ sustainability box.” “In everything we have developed here, we’ve tried to make sure it ticks the business box and the environmental/sustainability box.” In March 2023, the park is hosting the inaugural Enduro MTB National Championships. Richard says they have previously hosted the Cable Bay Enduro, run by Loui and Jess Harvey who have made a huge contribution leading the park’s volunteer crew. “It’s exciting for all of us to have this national event happening here and to see mountain biking really taking off.” The Cable Bay Adventure Park is a popular choice for corporate and group functions. There are attractive café and bar facilities available and the park team can assist with putting together a fun programme of activities. For those seeking a breathtaking perspective, the Skywire ride is a must. One of the world’s longest flying fox rides, it takes visitors high above the forest canopy and comes with a shot of adrenaline. Thrill seekers also love the park’s 8m high climbing wall. Guided quad bike tours are another popular option, while other operators at the park offer horse trekking and archery lessons, (the Archery Park). Spin-off benefits for the Nelson region are significant. The park directly employs 10-12 staff year-round, as well as employing contractors. Over summer, the park employs between 22 and 26 staff. “We are fortunate to have found a good selection of guides for the summer season. It’s a great place to work with lots of opportunities to use the park facilities. All the customers come looking for a fun time and that creates a great working environment.” The park often hosts school and community groups wanting to learn about the environment and how it is being cared for. Richard and Elina’s conservation efforts are supported by the local council, DOC and local volunteers. “We have an amazing team of volunteers, particularly on the mountain bike side, with 10 to 15 people or more coming to our weekly volunteer meetings.” With funding support from the Ministry for the Environment – Manatū Mō Te Taiao, the park is undertaking a large riparian planting programme along the Wakapuaka River, in conjunction with a neighbouring property, with new trails also being created. A former pine forestry block (15ha), now reverting back to native forest, is being closely monitored by MPI. “In less than two years, we are seeing a lot of native plants starting to come through.” Possum trapping, control of wild goats and pigs, and extensive riparian planting are all contributing to enriched biodiversity and the park’s ongoing regeneration. Richard says he has noticed a resurgence in native ferns and grasses growing under the forest canopy as well as a bounce back in native birdlife.
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