Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson, the geographical centre of New Zealand, is a region renown for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, lakes, national parks, wineries, and a large creative community of working artists.

The city of Nelson is large enough to offer all the services and amenities of a large city yet is small enough to be intimate, welcoming and friendly.  It is New Zealand’s largest fishing port and the gateway to a major forestry and horticulture industry. 

With the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and traditional “Kiwi” hospitality you’ll see that it offers a thoroughly pleasurable way of life.

Because of its mild climate, Nelson is a region of great diversity, there is extensive horticulture, including vineyards, fruit and the more traditional farming scenery of sheep and cattle that New Zealand is famous for.

From Nelson it’s easy to access to any of three National Parks. 

Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland of sea, sky, rocky headlands and bright golden beaches. It can be explored by guided walks, sea kayak, cruise boats, water taxi or walking – you can experience penguins, seals, dolphins and native birds all set in lush native forest that has a semi tropical appearance.

The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys south of Nelson city and features beech forest and the beautiful lakes of Rotoiti and Rotoroa.  You can also experience the wonderland of water adventure, including kayaking, rafting, boating, and fishing. For the snow lovers, there is a ski field just a few hours drive out of Nelson.

Kahurangi, New Zealand’s second-largest national park, comprises 450,000ha of mostly upland wilderness, with magnificent three to four-day hiking trails. 

What’s more with Nelson being situated in the centre of New Zealand, there is so much more to explore outside our region, all within easy access.