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Nelson is the region where the sun shines most in New Zealand.
With its lifestyle and postcard-perfect landscape, it is a destination on every vacationer’s itinerary.
LOCATION
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The region of Nelson belongs to the southern Island of New Zealand situated on its tip, particularly on the northwestern spot. The region has three national parks, all of which surround Nelson and can be reached within a 90-minute drive.
To the north, the place faces the Tasman Sea. Due to its location, Nelson has a wide variety of seascapes, landscapes and activities to offer including the world’s clearest lake and a yearly arts festival.
CLIMATE
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Any time of the year is good for visiting Nelson. The calendar is packed with festivals mostly about arts as most of its people are arts enthusiasts. Lying near the coast, Nelson experiences mild temperatures. During the summer, daylight can last until 9:30 pm as it is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand.
While every season in Nelson is as enjoyable as the next, visiting in wintertime is a delight. Winter in the area is dry with the sun still streaming from the sky, but not as intense as the rest of the year. You can also ski at the Rainbow and Mount Robert Ski Fields – Nelson’s great winter slopes.
TRANSPORTATION
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Nelson can be reach by sea, air, or land.
Traveling by sea, you need to board a ferry that will transport you to Picton of South Island. The ferry departs from Wellington and will take less than three hours of sea travel. Once you’re in Picton, there are several coach services that go to Nelson.
On the other hand, air travel only takes 35 to 75 minutes depending on your departure area. Nelson has its own airport connecting Wellington, Paraparaumu, Christchurch, and Auckland, arranged from nearest to farthest. From Nelson Airport, you can ride a taxi to the town where you’re accommodations are booked.
You can access Nelson by road in which coaches are the main mode of transport. Abel Tasman Coachlines and Nelson Coachlines are the primary coach services in the region. The coaches depart from Picton (two hour drive), Blenheim (one hour and forty-five minute drive), Westport (three hours and fifteen minute drive), and Christchurch (six hour drive). Booking an early reservation is highly recommended.
ATTRACTIONS
The Three National Parks
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Nelson is blessed with three national parks, each with distinct beauty. But all three are as fun to visit as the next.
Abel Tasman National Park is near the coastline and offers tourists an escape by the sea, with turquoise-colored water and a sheltered coast. Also, it offers an escape through one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” which is a three-to-five-day trip on the Abel Tasman Coastal Tack. Apart from its famous walk, you can go kayaking or take part in other water activities in Abel Tasman National Park.
Another Great Walk in New Zealand is found in the Kahurangi National Park and is known as the “Heaphy Track,” which takes four to five days. Apart from this adventure, many of Nelson’s flora and fauna thrive in Kahurangi. Also with its landscape of remote yet pristine surroundings, Kahurangi has been a backdrop for different scenes in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
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While the two other national parks offer an adventure that requires some muscle stretching, Nelson Lakes National Park is an adventure happening within the self. Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges that are snow-capped during winter, Nelson Lakes National Park is a great place for relaxation. Enjoy dipping in the water during the day or opt for a quiet lakeside stroll during the night. Either one will add to the list of your greatest experiences.
From Nelson City, the parks are only a 90-minute drive away, or you can choose to have a scenic flight to witness the beauty of Nelson immediately.
Golden Bay
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Golden Bay is an attraction of its own separated from Nelson’s highlights. Starting from a scenic drive to many of its natural landmarks, going to Golden Bay would require more days to absorb its stunning beauty. Located there is The Waikoropupu Springs, which is not just Nelson’s but the country’s largest freshwater spring.
There is also Farewell Spit, which is a sanctuary to multitudes of birds. Finally, there is Wharariki Beach, which is another enticing coastal destination where a variety of dunes are formed from the rhythmic crashing of waves amid massive rocks.
A Place of Art
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Nelson is a thriving region in New Zealand with artists comprising more than two-thirds of its population, which is why its calendar is full of art festivals featuring native artists and galleries scattered around Nelson.
Multi-cultural cafes are also popular in Nelson and some are a combo of cafe and gallery to help expose the arts of the locals. There are also art workshops available for tourists and you can also go around visiting different galleries starting with established ones, as well as museums where you can know the pioneers and important figures of Nelson’s history.
Anyone visiting Nelson always partakes in the hub of activities at the Saturday Market, where crafts are displayed for visitors to see. You can also meet the artists at the Saturday Market.
Nelson Wine
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Nelson is not only about art and scenery. It is also a home for the country’s rolling fields of vineyards where they gather fresh grapes to make wine, which is as delicious as it is fragrant.
West of Nelson is where wine-making businesses thrive. May tourists travel to these local vineyards to get a taste of their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
