Nelson (New Zealand)
Travel Guide > Oceania > New Zealand > South Island > Nelson
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Nelson (Whakatū) is a city of about 45,000 thousand 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. It's 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.
Neighbourhoods
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 1200 people and its 58 m high!
National Parks
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.
Historic Buildings
- Amber House is a beautiful two story villa built in the 19th century. Located at 46 Weka Street.
- Broadgreen House is a great mid 19th century home located in Nelsons historic district.
- Cabragh House: At one time a house, then a school and now a stunning home with some great Victorian furniture.
- Founders Heritage Park has many wonderful old homes.
Other Sights and Activities
- 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 am except Good Friday and Chirstmas Day.
- 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 am to 5 pm 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.
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Nelson Airport (NSN) is a small airport located near to Nelson. Right now commercial flights can only fly domestically and there are daily flights to Paraparumu, Wellington, Hamilton and Palmerston North. Currently international private jets can land and take off from the airport.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accents on the Park | 335 Trafalgar Square | Hostel | 93 |
| Bakers Lodge | p.o. box 429 Motueka | Hostel | 70 |
| Bumbles Bridge Street Backpackers | 8 Bridge Street | Hostel | 59 |
| Kershaw House | 10 Wensley Road Richmond | Guesthouse | - |
| Paradiso Backpackers | 42 Weka Street Nelson | Hostel | 80 |
| Tasman Bay Backpackers | 10 Weka Street | Hostel | 92 |
| The Custom House | 252 Haven Road | Hostel | 87 |
| The Green Monkey | 129 Milton Street, Nelson | Hostel | 91 |
| YHA Nelson Central | 59 Rutherford Street | Hostel | 87 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
This is version 8. Last edited at 19:20 on Aug 27, 09 by Utrecht (-1). 5 articles link to this page.
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