Concierge's choice: River swim and sunset

By COLIN MOORE

Like most young New Zealanders, Peter and Georgina Pattullo took their brains off overseas.

And like many OE travellers, they returned to promising careers in the corporate world. But after five years of wearing suits, the couple decided there is more to life than the career ratrace.

So they looked for something where they could use their talents, have time to spend with their children and be close to the mountains where Peter competes in multi-sport events such as the Coast to Coast.

A business in tourism seemed the answer, and when they visited Nelson they looked no further. A year ago they brought Cambria House, a luxury bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

Cambria House more than deserves its top rating from international travel guides; the gourmet breakfast is outstanding and mine hosts are warm, friendly and informative.

For something free to do in Nelson, Georgina recommends a walk along the Matai River, where you can cool off in several swimming holes.

For an extravagant treat she suggests a scenic flight over Tasman Bay, stopping for lunch at Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park.

And for the best restaurant in town she says its hard to beat sitting in the Boatshed Cafe and watching the sun go down.