A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, creative attitude to life - and it’s easy to see why.
Spend spring days exploring Nelson’s re-awakening vineyards. Visit the studios of local artists and artisans or lunch at a seaside café. This is the season for scallops - the perfect accompaniment to your local wine. Select from a wide range of events such as comedy, music and dance in stunning venues around the region.
A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, creative attitude to life - and it’s easy to see why.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
Inspiring landscapes and all kinds of creativity
The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has for many years attracted
residents who love to use their imaginations. There are more than 350 working
artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary
Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful
geography - coastal, forest and valley landscapes provide places to wander and
dream.
The Nelson area is known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the tip
of the nose of the canoe of Maui). From his waka, the demi-god Maui used his magic
fish hook to catch and land the North Island (Te Ika a Maui - the fish of Maui).
Key Features
Creativity unleashed Nelson's creative community provides many opportunities for travellers to experiment
with art. Workshops include glassblowing, pottery, bone carving, sculpture, authentic
Maori flax weaving and cooking.
Outdoor adventure
Pack your sense of adventure and explore three distinctly different national
parks. Try the skywire, sea kayaking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain
biking, sailing, horse trekking or seal swimming.
Edible explorations
Indulge your passion for exceptional eating experiences. Nelson will tempt you
with alfresco cafés, fine dining restaurants, premium vineyards, boutique breweries
and locally made gourmet foods.
Key Tips
Produced locally, the Nelson Guide Book - Art in its Own Place is full of useful
information and maps of where to find arts and crafts.
It takes between 3 and 5 days to walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Buy hiking
supplies at Marahau or Motueka.
Even in winter, it’s likely to be sunny in Nelson. The region gets more than
2,500 hours of sunshine a year.
Nelson airport receives flights from all major New Zealand cities, as well as
several provincial cities.
Related Links
Journals
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Nelson Style A journalist's tour through the Nelson Region highlights the richness of the area.
www.newzealand.com Pages
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New Zealand Food and Wine Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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The Lord of the Rings The artisans of Nelson crafted The One Ring, brewed the beer that was served at The Prancing Pony at Breeand created many of the props of Middle-earth.
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Abel Tasman National Park Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean.
A coastal track makes it easy to explore the perfection of Abel Tasman National Park.
Spring arrives with sparkling days of sunshine and stunning scenery. Take a drive through reawakening vineyards and orchards heavy with blossom; pause to sip an award winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir under the shady vines of one of Nelson's boutique wineries.
The Abel Tasman National Park promises rejuvenation - hire a kayak and paddle the tranquil waters or walk the Coastal Track with a guide and a gourmet lunch.
