Nelson (New Zealand)

Introduction

nelson

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Nelson (Whakatū) is a city of about 45,000 people on the northern tip of the South Island on the shore of Tasman Bay. It was one of the first European cities in New Zealand and was settled in the early 19th century. Its early settlers built many amazing buildings, which gives Nelson a certain charm. Today it is has become a major center for the arts in New Zealand. If the arts is not up your alley, then go and explore some of the amazing national parks nearby, which make great day trips.

Sights and Activities

One of the great things about Nelson is if your travelling in a group there is something for everyone to do in Nelson. If one person just wants to chill on the beach, another person go hiking and the last person wants to take an art class for one day Nelson is perfect. This is because all of those activities, and few more too, can be easily done and organized in Nelson. Therefore spending a few days to a week in Nelson is a great idea!

Christ Church Cathedral

This large Anglican Cathedral is an amazing sight in Nelson. Located on upper Trafalgar Street this is a must see. The church was built only in 1965 but its stately stone makes it look a lot older. The church can hold over 1,200 people and its 58 metres high!

Founders Park

Founders Park is a heritage park on the outskirts of the city, a short car ride or a 20-minute walk from the centre of town. The park is home to many original buildings dating back to Nelson's earliest days of European occupation that have been transported to the park. A school building, church, fire station, newspaper office, railway station, railway worker's factory-built kit house are among the buildings that have been recreated in the park. There's also a cafe that operates outside of the worst winter months. There's a marine exhibition too which claims to have the biggest collection of ships in bottles in the Southern Hemisphere. There's a working stretch of the former rail line which operated in Nelson in the park too.

Historic Buildings

• The Amber House is a beautiful two story villa built in the 19th century. Located at 46 Weka Street.
• The Broadgreen House is a great mid 19th century home located in Nelsons historic district.
• The Cabragh House - At one time a house, then a school and now a stunning home with some great Victorian furniture.
• The Founders Heritage Park has many wonderful old homes.

National Parks

Abel Tasman National Park, NZ

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All of the National Parks around Nelson are stunning. Although Abel Tasman sometimes steals the spot light, checking out some of the other national parks is also a great time, which are almost as beautiful as Abel Tasman. It is very easy to organize day trips to multi day exhibitions in these national parks and well worth the time.

• Abel Tasman National Park - Size doesn't matter at this wonderful park, which is the smallest national park in New Zealand. Here you can see some crystal clear waters, amazing coastline and fun animals.
• Kahurangi National Park - Climb some mountains at this stunning park.
• Nelson Lakes National Park - Visit the amazing lakes of Rotoiti and Rotoroa at this national park.

Other Sights and Activities

• The Centre Of New Zealand is a worthwhile hike not far from town. The hike to the point that lays claim to being the geographical centre of the country affords great views of the city, the bay and the coastline.
• The Nelson Provincial Museum is located at the corner of Hardy and Trafalgar streets this museum has an amazing collection about the Nelson region's history, from its geological origins to the present. Opens everyday at 10:00am except Good Friday and Chirstmas Day.
• The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars Museum is the place to check out some clothing, jewelry and cars. Located at 95 Quarantine Rd, Annesbrook, Nelson. Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm everyday, except Christmas Day.
• Nelson Bone Carving - Want to make your own bone pendent for a necklace instead of buying one? Then take this one day workshop for only $65. Everything, including pick up in Nelson, is included in the charge except lunch. This is a great way to learn more about the traditional jewelry making of New Zealand and make your own souvenir to bring home with great teachers.
• Caving - Go caving around Takaka Hill, Mount Owen or Mount Arthur, which hold some of the deepest unexplored caverns in the southern hemisphere.
• Glass Blowing - Check out some local glass artists at Flamedaisy Glass Design or Höglund Art Glass Studio & Gallery.
• Wood Carvers - Go see the local wood scene at many small shops around Nelson.
• Natureland Zoo is the zoo located in Nelson. Although a bit small it is a lot of fun for children.

Events and Festivals

• Nelson Arts Festival is held in October every year and is a great activity for the whole family.
• Wearable Art Award is given out several times a year to leading designers around the world.
• Saturday Nelson Market - Buy art at this weekly market in Montgomery Square in Nelson.

Getting There

By Plane

Nelson Airport (NSN) is a small airport located near to Nelson. Right now commercial flights only fly domestically and there are flights with Air Nelson to/from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, with Air2there to/from Paraparumu, and with Soundsair to/from Wellington. Currently international private jets can also land and take off from the airport.

Sleep

Budget

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Most areas have dedicated PostShops, however stamps can also be bought at grocery shops, supermarkets and book stores. There are two main formats for domestic mail, namely Standard Post and Fast Post. Fast Post is used next day delivery between major towns and cities (two days from rural areas), whereas Standard Post will take a few working days to deliver nationwide. Standard costs NZ$0.40 for letters/postcards (NZ$0.80 for larger envelopes), Fast Post costs NZ$0.80 (NZ$1.20 for larger envelopes). International mail takes about 3-6 days to Australia (NZ$1.50), and 6-12 days to Europe, Asia and the United States (NZ$2). Post boxes are white, red and black and can be found in many areas throughout towns and cities, including information about when their contents are collected. Most post offices and smaller post shops have opening hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday. You can buy stamps here, or at newsagents and general stores. For parcels, you can use the NZ Post or otherwise courier companies like TNT, DHL, UPS or FedEx.