Nelson photos

About Nelson

Nelson is located on New Zealand’s South Island. It lies in the exact center of the country and sits on the eastern edge of Tasman Bay. The city has a sunny climate and is located near some of the best beaches in New Zealand in and around Able Tasman National Park. Further inland there are some mountainous regions and even a ski field.

The city is renown for its arts and crafts and hippy culture.

Things to see in the city include:

• Christ Church Cathedral located next to the CBD is a beautiful cathedral set atop a hill with vistas over the city below.
• Founders Heritage Park offers artists, historical displays, and a brewery and café.
• Melrose House is a grand old historic house that has a cafe and gardens that are open to the public.
• Tahunanui Beach or other city beach for swimming and bathing. The beaches are safe and a great way to enjoy the sunny climate.
• The Centre of New Zealand Walk on Botanical Hill is a popular walk. Start at the Nelson Visitor Information Centre and follow the Maitai Walkway from there. Twenty  minutes to an hour later you can enjoy views over Nelson.
• Nelson Provincial Museum is the oldest museum in New Zealand. It houses a nationally significant collection.
• The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum celebrates works of art that are wearable from the annual WOW Awards. Alongside is a collection of rare and classic cars. A cafe, art gallery, and shop will help make your visit more memorable.

Things to see further afield:

• Abel Tasman National Park has dozens of world class beaches with golden sand, coastal caves, clear sea water, temperate rain forest, and a variety of wildlife.
• Kaiteriteri near Able Tasman is a small settlement with a world-class beach. Tour operators here offer trips by boat to Abel Tasman and beyond.
• Kahurangi National Park is true wilderness area with rugged mountains and dense forests. The Heaphy Track is one way to experience park. It is one of New Zealand’s nine great walks.
• Takaka and nearby Te Waikoropupū Springs offers a colorful trendy village next to a natural spring with the second clearest fresh water on the planet.
• Nelson Lakes National Park is a mountainous wilderness centered around Lakes Rotoiti and Lake Rotoro. Great for walking, camping, fishing, and even skiing at Rainbow Ski Area. Blue Lake in the upper reaches of the park has the world’s clearest fresh water.