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International travel website Tripadvisor.com has ranked the New Zealand city of Nelson among the world’s most charming small towns.

Nelson, in the South Island’s Nelson-Tasman region, is number three in ‘the most charming small town’ list. The list is a popular vote by travellers who use the website to plan their itineraries.

Nelson is the only New Zealand town featured in the top ten. Stratford-upon-Avon in England was first, San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) was second, and the little French port of Honfleur was fourth.

Priceless publicity

A pretty port town with a strong creative heritage, Nelson is home to many artists. It is also famous as the hometown of 19th century Nobel prize winner Lord Ernest Rutherford - the father of nuclear science.

Nelson Tasman Tourism chief Paul Davis said the Tripadvisor accolade was priceless publicity.

"This is profile for the region that money just cannot buy, reaching 190 countries worldwide," Davis said.

Tripadvisor.com

About 15 million travellers visit TripAdvisor each week to plan their travel, making it the world’s most popular and largest travel community. More than 400,000 hotels and attractions are featured.

Travellers use the website to share their travel experiences and feedback.

Background: Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson is gearing up to host two matches during the Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand in October 2011.

A sunny pocket paradise in the northern South Island, Nelson is home to many reputed New Zealand artists and craftspeople, including traditional and contemporary Māori artists.

Artistic works are often inspired by the region’s lush coastal, forest and valley landscapes.

Food, wine and some of New Zealand’s finest walking tracks, including the Abel Tasman Track, are also part of the Nelson experience.