'''Nelson''' [http://www.nelsonnz.com/] is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand and the oldest in the South Island. Nelson is situated in a region often known as Nelson Tasman or the "Top of the South." It is actually slightly north of the capital city of Wellington. Together with Richmond, it has a population of around 50,000 ranking it as New Zealand_fs 10th most populous city and the geographical centre of New Zealand.
Understand
Nelson is named after British Admiral Lord Nelson and is New Zealand's second oldest city, being settled in 1841.
Nelson is New Zealand's sunniest city with over 2,500 sunshine hours per year.
The Nelson region covers five distinct geographic areas:
The urban centres of Nelson & Richmond
The highways of Mapua, Motueka, Moutere, through rolling horticultural land
The idyllic coastline of Abel Tasman National Park
The heart of the parks, Golden Bay between Kahurangi and Abel Tasman national parks
The alpine lakes and rivers around St Arnaud - Nelson Lakes & Murchison including Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi national parks
The Nelson economy is based on the _ebig four_f industries; seafood, horticulture, tourism and forestry. Port Nelson is the biggest fishing port in Australasia. There are also a range of growth industries, including art and craft, aviation, engineering technology, and information technology.
The region's official tourism organisation is Nelson Tasman Tourism [http://www.NelsonNZ.com], which operates i-SITE Visitor Information Centres in Nelson City, Takaka in Golden Bay and in Murchison.
Get in
By bus
InterCity Coachlines [http://www.intercity.co.nz/] is New Zealand's national coach company and operates over 150 services to more than 600 destinations nationwide. Daily services connect into Nelson from around the South Island.
Naked Bus [http://www.nakedbus.com] stops in Nelson and offers $1 fares on most of their routes. Finding them can be difficult but rewarding.
By plane
Nelson is also served by '''Sounds Air''' [http://www.soundsair.com/] who run flights around the north area of the south island and onto wellington.
By boat
Frequent Cook Strait ferry [http://www.interislander.co.nz/] services between Wellington and Picton with bus connections to Nelson.
By car
Two hours driving from Picton, 1 1/2 hours from Blenheim and six hours driving from Christchurch.
Get around
See
'''WOW The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars''' [http://www.worldofwearableart.com/], is a museum dedicated to the fashion show that was held in Trafalgar Centre over seven nights in September each year until 2004. (The shows are now held in Wellington, but the museum remains in Nelson.) Thousands of people come from all over the world to see the most amazing (and sometimes bizarre) fashions made out of all kinds of materials. There is literally no limit to the exhibiting designer's imaginations
'''Suter Art Gallery''' [http://thesuter.org.nz/], has a large collection with emphasis on works by such 19th century artists as Gully, Lindauer and Van der Velden
'''Miyazu Japanese Garden''', inspired by Nelson's sister city Miyazu in Japan, is a traditional Japanese stroll garden creating a tranquil environment. Look out for the cherry blossoms in spring
'''Natureland''', a relatively small and amateurish zoo that children like since the fences are low and the walks short with wallabies, monkeys, meerkats and a few other animals. There is also a small aviary. It has recently announced its imminent closure.
The '''Centre of New Zealand''' - a short walk up a hill close to the city centre and reacheable from the Botanic Garden (where the first game of Rugby was played in New Zealand). Good view from the top and an interesting walk through exotic and native vegetation to get to the Trigonometrical Point and Marker at the top.
The '''Nelson Webcam''' - Nelson webcam [http://www.nelsonbays.co.nz/]
'''Founders Park'''- a collection of historic buildings located in Nelson, some with museums or historical displays attached. There is also an organic brewery (the only one in the Southern Hemisphere) with an attached cafe that serves good meals. There is also a craft bakery, and a chocolate shop, and a railway that runs on weekends.A great place to spend a half day or more.
Do
'''Nelson Wineries''' [http://www.nelsonwines.co.nz/], visit and taste 23 wineries located around the district
'''Nelson Walkways''' [http://www.ncc.govt.nz/sports/walks/walkways.htm], over 22 walks around and in the surrounding district.
Visit the '''Nelson Market'''. It operates all year round in the Montgomery Square carpark in the centre of Nelson on Saturday mornings from 8AM-1PM. Stalls overflow with local products - fresh organic vegetables, fruit and flowers, locally farmed organic salmon and many kinds of crafts including silk painting, jewellery, pottery, weaving and wood turning. There are also food stalls and many Nelsonians meet for a late leisurely breakfast at one of the many coffee stalls.
Spend a few hours or several days in '''Abel Tasman National Park''' [http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/].
Take part in one of the '''Creative Tourism workshops''' [http://www.creativetourism.co.nz/]: Art, Taste, Maori Culture or Nature.
'''Skydive Abel Tasman''' [http://www.skydive.co.nz/]: this is one of the best places in the world to sky dive because the jump is on the border of the Alps and Abel Tasman. When you jump, you soar over snow capped mountains, and then hover over a marshy beach. It's so pristine and unique.
Buy
A variety of goods and produce are available at the Nelson Saturday Market [http://www.nelsonmarket.com/]. Don't sleep in too late as the market is usually over by 2pm.
Eat
Nelson has a wide variety of excellent cafes and restaurants using fresh local produce. Nelson is the largest fishing port in Australasia, so the fresh seafood is always great!
For the best Fish and Chips within 10,000 miles (according to the Wikimapia [http://wikimapia.org/#y=-41264106&x=173268385&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2/] author, click the highlighted link to see the exact location right next to Guytons Fisheries Ltd on Wakefield Quay ...)
'''Sticky Fingerz''' (135 Bridge St) opens late (after ~10pm) and stays open until the bars close. They offer fried chicken and chips and the hamburgers that are worth the price. $5-$10NZD
'''Akbabas Turkish Kebab House''' (130 Bridge St, Tel 03 548-8825) is one of Nelsons most popular take-away restaurants. They offer wicked veggie and meat kebabs that come wrapped in flat tortilla-like bread. $7-$12
'''My Pie [http://mypie.co.nz]''' (Rutherford Mews, Off Hardy Street) crafts gourmet meat pies that put plastic wrapped mass-produced pies to shame. If you have trouble finding their kitchen off Hardy you can find My Pie at the Nelson Saturday Market where they run a cart. $5
'''The Hot Rock Gourmet Pizza Pasta Bar [http://hotrock.co.nz]''' (8-10 Tahunanui Drive, Tel 03 546-4421) By the beach this award winning restaurant serves the region's only wood-fired gourmet pizza as well as delicious pasta, healthy salads, hearty ribs, mussels and wicked desserts. Casual and friendly - a must visit in Nelson. $15.50+
Drink
Many bars are located in the Central Business District on Bridge Street between Collingwood and Trafalgar Streets:
'''The Oyster Bar''' (115 Hardy St.) has fancy drinks and a small menu of seafood items. Fresh oysters are available most of the time while the bar is open Thur-Sunday
'''The Shark Club [http://www.sharkclub.co.nz/]''' (132-136 Bridge St.) has heaps of American pool tables and billiard tables. Music is generally from the jukebox but DJs are invited to spin on occasion.
'''Stingray [http://www.stingraycafe.com/]''' (8 Church St.) has dance music and two bars. Open until 3am
'''Phat Club [http://phatclub.co.nz/]''' (137 Bridge St.) generally has a cover charge which is enough to deter most tourists. This venue boasts the widest range of music including everything from jazz to hip hop to punk rock to house to electro to jungle to metal to.....
Sleep
'''Amber House B&B''', 46 Weka Street, +64-21-202 4961, [http://www.AmberHouse.co.nz]. Open all year, basic bed and breakfast in a lovely 1897 Villa that used to be a School for Girls and ''little'' boys. Traditional Rose Garden with the oldest walnut tree in the South Island hidden away at the back of the plot. One of the few that still offers a cooked breakfast. Now has satellite TV and fast broadband. Quiet until the owner's kids come home from school when it's bedlam until they go to bed about 20:30hrs. NZ$69 single - NZ$80 double (''party of 4 from NZ$37pppn'')
'''Awaroa Lodge & Cafe''' [http://www.awaroalodge.co.nz/] is a beautiful lodge inside the Abel Tasman National Park. It offers amazing food in a very beautiful place, accessible via the Abel Tasman NP track system, or by water taxi from Nelson or Takaka. [There is also now a cheaper summer time service direct from Nelson Port (Freephone 0508 488 066). The previous service went bust so might be a good idea to ring first.]
'''Blackwoods Retreat''' [http://www.blackwoodsretreat.co.nz], a fantastic place to kick back in a private cottage in the countryside, relax and enjoy getting away from it all without getting too far away! Something for everyone and more, short and long-term bookings taken.
'''Harbourside Motor Lodge''' [http://www.harbourside.co.nz], in Nelson Port with marina views from most of the units. Continental or cooked breakfast available. Close to restaurants, cafes, galleries, shopping.
'''Haulashore Views''' - ''Port Hills Holiday Home'' [http://www.holidaynelson.co.nz], Stunning sea views from one of Nelson City's finest locations. A comfortable and modern home offering peace, space and true convenience with all the comforts of home. A short stroll from the waterfront restaurant-cafes, less than 5 min. drive to the City centre or Tahunanui Beach. Both short and long term enquiries welcomed. Up to 8 guests. (Please see our website www.holidaynelson.co.nz for photos and full-information).
'''Maitai Camp & Cabins''' [http://www.maitairiver.co.nz/], 7km up the Maitai river valley. Cabins, camp sites and a bunk house are available for accommodation. The camp is only accessible via a foot bridge and the whole site is surrounded by the Maitai river. An industrial kitchen and a huge hall with a small stage and a competition size billiard table is available for group gatherings.
'''Meadowbank Homestead''' [http://experiences.abeltasman.co.nz/accommodation], Awaroa or Torrent Bay Lodge on the beachfront in Abel Tasman National Park. Hosted by the Wilson family, direct descendants of the first European settlers to the area.
'''Te Puna Wai Lodge''' [http://www.tepunawai.co.nz/], with a gob-smacking island, bay & mountain view from Te Puna Wai. The house is an intricately detailed (on the outside, pleasantly simple inside), 3-floor, mid-Victorian wooden villa: the combination - of view & house - led to the property being included in ''National Business Review'' magazine's inaugural list of ''NZ's Top 100 Houses''. Having only three rooms (including 1 apartment with kitchen) means you get a very personalized experience from hosts Richard and James, seasoned travellers, sensitive to their guest's desires for attention or solitude. All rooms have antique furnishings, en suite marble-tiled bathrooms and tea/coffee/fridge. Other guest areas include a comfortable lounge, boat-deck-like veranda & verdant terrace-garden. Beverages & full breakfasts are provided. Te Puna Wai's guests play an essential role in keeping this very special part of NZ's heritage alive & humming.
Trailways Hotel Nelson. nquiries@trailways.co.nz. 6 Trafalgar Street. own town on the river. 35487049. ww.trailways.co.nz. .00pm. 0.00am. Central located down town on the River, a minutes walk from the visitor information centre. 47 air conditioned rooms, award winning restaurant and bar
'''YHA Nelson Central''' [http://www.yha.co.nz/NZHostelsandTravel/FindaHostel/NorthernSouthIsland/Nelson], in the heart of the city this 5 star hostel is ideally situated for exploring nelson city and the surrounding area. The friendly and helpful staff can assist with anything from advising on local shops, cafes and Restaurants to activities and tours. The Hostel has excellent kitchen facilities with all you could need, as well as large dining and relaxing areas. The garden is great for summer BBQ_fs and relaxing in the afternoon. They offer a selection of accommodation from shared rooms to double en-suite's. Great for people travelling on a budget.
Get out
Nelson is close (110 minutes drive, 50 minutes by fast boat) to the '''Abel Tasman National Park''' [http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/] which offers sea kayaking [http://www.seakayaknewzealand.com/] and the 51km '''Abel Tasman Coast Track''' [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/Great-Walks/Abel-Tasman-Coast-Track/index.asp] (one of NZ's '''Great Walks''' [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/Great-Walks/]). Also see Tramping in New Zealand.
Visit the district museums in Collingwood, Motueka, Takaka and Murchison.
There is a terrific new Museum on the corner of Trafalgar and Hardy Streets that offers free admission to locals and by donation to outsiders that is open 7 days a week until 5PM. (Closed Christmas Day).
Go swimming in the river up the '''Maitai Valley''' or '''Lee River Valley'''! You can hitch hike up there if you don't have a car. Bring a sandwich and some water.