Nelson New Zealand Information

About Nelson, New Zealand

Positioned at the 'top' of the South Island, New Zealand, is the eclectic city of Nelson. Sitting along the northern coastline, it is the geographical centre of New Zealand, making Nelson easily acessible by land, sea and air.

The Nelson region will present you with azure skies, sandy and rocky beaches, vineyards, nature, art and crafts and unique, friendly local people. Nelson offers multiple opportunities for adventure, leisure, dining, shopping and discovering.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, sunny Nelson looks out over Tasman Bay towards the snow capped mountains, the Kahurangi, and Abel Tasman National Parks. The city is set between the the Maitai Valley and the popular Tahunanui Beach. Nelson region mixes the finest elements of the New Zealand experience and delivers them over stunning geography, at the perfect latitude with New Zealands highest sunshine hours.

The Nelson Experience

Interesting and art filled, there are plenty of reasons for the sun to shine in Nelson. Enjoy the beautiful environment while you get involed with the creative local culture available in small boutique galleries to large open well established galleries, such as the Suter. There are a range of short term workshops available for visitors. Nelsons Saturday Outdoor Market is an experience not to be missed to stop for food, jewellery and crafts.

Nelson has a thriving multi cultural cafe culture throughout. Many double up as galleries to display unique local art, there is a thriving Nelson wine industry and a number of boutique breweries, some offering tours and tasting! Nelson visitors are also known to take advantage of the growing natural health, alternative medicines, and holistic well-being courses and treatments available in the area.

Nelson has a growing fashion industry displaying unique use of textiles in creative garments brought about by the experience gained in the world renound World of Wearable Art exhibitions which originated in Nelson.

Read about Nelson City

Natural Highlights

Nelson is known as the walkway capital of New Zealand with over 40 walks available within 16 kilometres of Nelson city. For the more serious trampers, the Abel Tasman National Park and the Nelson Lakes National Park will certainly show you the pure grandeur and beauty of the Nelson region. Other activities such as day cruises and short easy walks are dotted around the Abel Tasman National Park. Safe and special swimming spots can be found all around thanks to the calm and warm waters, also great for sea kayaking.

Climate

Nelson is recognised as one of the finest regions, it is laid back and enjoys more sunshine than any other province in New Zealand. Nelson enjoys a mild climate meaning it is perfect all year round!! The temperature is never extreme, with around 25 C in summer with great clear days and the odd refreshing breeze and 15 C in winter whose days are crisp and calm making conditions for water activities near on perfect.

Places To Stay

Nelson Accommodation meets all budgets from the independent to the more luxury traveller. You have the option of being in the middle of Nelson, get the breathtaking views of being on the hills, the shopping centre of Richmond, by the beach in Tahunanui, or in the Natural regions of the Nelson Lakes and the road to Malborough. Just check out the options in Accommodation for more details and great deals.

The Nelson Mail
Nelson City Council
Tasman District Council