Inspiring landscapes and all kinds of creativity
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| A coastal track makes it easy to explore the perfection of Abel Tasman National Park. |
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A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson
has a positive, creative attitude to life - and it’s easy to see why.
The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has for many years attracted
residents who love to use their imaginations. There are more than 350 working
artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary
Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful
geography - coastal, forest and valley landscapes provide places to wander and
dream.
The Nelson area is known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the tip
of the nose of the canoe of Maui). From his waka, the demi-god Maui used his magic
fish hook to catch and land the North Island (Te Ika a Maui - the fish of Maui).
Key Features
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Creativity unleashed
Nelson's creative community provides many opportunities for travellers to experiment
with art. Workshops include glassblowing, pottery, bone carving, sculpture, authentic
Maori flax weaving and cooking. | |
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Outdoor adventure
Pack your sense of adventure and explore three distinctly different national
parks. Try the skywire, sea kayaking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain
biking, sailing, horse trekking or seal swimming. | |
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Edible explorations
Indulge your passion for exceptional eating experiences. Nelson will tempt you
with alfresco cafés, fine dining restaurants, premium vineyards, boutique breweries
and locally made gourmet foods. |
Key Tips
- Produced locally, the Nelson Guide Book - Art in its Own Place is full of useful
information and maps of where to find arts and crafts.
- It takes between 3 and 5 days to walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Buy hiking
supplies at Marahau or Motueka.
- Even in winter, it’s likely to be sunny in Nelson. The region gets more than
2,500 hours of sunshine a year.
- Nelson airport receives flights from all major New Zealand cities, as well as
several provincial cities.
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Journals
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Nelson Style
A journalist's tour through the Nelson Region highlights the richness of the area.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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New Zealand Food and Wine
Take a gourmet journey through the North and South Islands and discover your appetite for New Zealand.
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The Lord of the Rings
The artisans of Nelson crafted The One Ring, brewed the beer that was served at The Prancing Pony at Breeand created many of the props of Middle-earth.
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Abel Tasman National Park
Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams tumble down mossy valleys to join the ocean.
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Winter in Nelson
North-facing Nelson is sheltered by breathtaking, snow-capped mountains to the south-west. In winter the skies are a crisp clear blue, and the coastal waters are calm - perefct for sea-kayaking and walking in the region's three national parks, or enjoying the award-winning local aromatic wines and succulent seafood of Tasman and Golden Bay.
NELSON
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Population: 87,000
Area: 1,0207km2
 | Featured videos | |
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| BEN FOGLE'S VIDEO DIARY |
Ben recently spent nine days exploring New Zealand and he recorded all of his amazing experiences. Watch his video diary here.
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Read more ›
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Nelson has a definite cold season in winter, but not as extreme as other southern regions. Crisp, clear winter days begin with a crackle of frost, then warm to a comfortable temperature.
Alpine activities are in full swing - St Arnaud village at Lake Rotoiti makes a good base for snow fun.
The water is crystal clear in the Abel Tasman National Park, which rarely sees snow – enjoy uncrowded kayaking and walking adventures.
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