Nelson Travel Guide
Nelson accommodation, Nelson activities and attractions, Nelson maps, transportation to and around Nelson - the ALL NEW Jasons Nelson Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Nelson.
Nelson may be New Zealand's oldest city, but it's also a vibrant and colourful destination. Visit here, and you'll find world-class wineries, stunning national parks, thriving crafts and beautiful beaches right on the city doorstep. With the country's highest number of sunshine hours, it's no surprise that Nelson residents enjoy a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, and the fresh local produce and award-winning wines make it a delightful stop for gourmet travellers as well. Try out one of the city's lively pavement cafes and sample the succulent seafood, matched with a fine local wine. If relaxation is on the menu, head out to the sandy beaches at Cable Bay and Tahunanui to enjoy the sun and sand, and for a spot of outdoor adventure, there is kayaking and hiking in the magnificent
Abel Tasman and
Nelson Lakes national parks.
Nelson's thriving arts scene also makes it a wonderful place to soak up some culture. Take one of the local art trails and discover some of the 300-plus painters, potters, woodworkers and weavers who live and work in the colourful Nelson region. Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu, Nelson's regional art gallery, is one of the country's finest, and if you are visiting in October, check out the The Nelson Arts Festival, a celebration of the city's art scene packed with theatre, music, dance and literary events.
Geographic Location
Northern part of the South Island of New Zealand
Population
42,000
Climate
Summer average: 17°C
Winter Average: 6°C
Average Rainfall:
988mm/year
Main Attractions
Wineries, arts and crafts, Nelson Botanic Gardens, Taste Nelson Festival, Mount Richmond Forest Park