Haulashore Island, the Boulder Bank, and the lighthouse may become less accessible for many if the ferry that provides transport to the iconic Nelson locations is sold to buyers up north.
The owner of WAKA-TO-N-FRO Nelson Ferry is now looking outside of the region to sell up after getting no interest in the business which has been up for sale for over two years.
Bruce Robertson said he has reached out to local iwi, and the council but he still hasn’t found someone to buy the business locally.
With a couple of leads in the North Island for the boat alone, Bruce says he is not desperate, but he would like the business to be sold to someone in the region.
“I’d probably say it would be a bit sad for Nelson if it goes,” he says on the eve of his 70th birthday.
Bruce has owned the business for 15 years, but is ready to move on and live a more relaxed lifestyle.
The Nelson Ferry operates on a flexible schedule and although the business is weather-dependent Bruce says it’s a great job because it’s not 40 hours per week.
“Covid-19 didn’t hurt the business, if anything it is getting busier.”
Bruce has spotted all sorts of wonderful creatures in the harbour including dolphins and blue penguins and he has enjoyed watching the bird colony at the cut grow to now almost 200-300 chicks.
He says the service has been utilised by school groups, girl guides, and Nelson City Council.
It has been booked for Christmas parties and team-building events. Wedding parties also use the ferry to take their photos at the lighthouse and he loves taking groups of families with visitors from overseas.
Bruce works with Cawthron and the Department of Conservation who can book the ferry for months at a time to transport staff who are undertaking weed control along the boulder bank.
President of Nelson West Rotary, Charles Lambert, says the ferry is vital to the fundraising efforts of their annual Boulder Bank Walk fundraiser.
“We really do rely on it very heavily to transport people back at the end of their walk and Bruce helps us with cleaning up rubbish from the walk as well.
“It’s a pretty significant part of the fundraiser, we can’t afford to lose I don’t think.”
The Original Ferry operated for more than 15 years and could take a maximum of 10 adults including Skipper.
The construction of the current ferry began in August 2010, and was launched in early December the same year. The vessel was built to be able to land on the rocky shoreline around the Nelson Haven and has a capacity of up to 30 adults.
“Every trip is a memorable moment for passengers when they don’t know what to expect. It makes for a pleasant job,” Bruce says.
