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1 city
Region · Upper South Island
Nelson
Nelson is the sunny town on the upper South Island: arts and crafts, the Saturday market, Tāhunanui beach and the gateway to Abel Tasman.
In the photo: Founders Heritage Park in Nelson
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The region
Get to know Nelson
Nelson (Whakatū) is the country’s smallest region by area and corresponds to the city of Nelson and its surroundings, at the head of Tasman Bay on the northern South Island. It is one of the country’s oldest towns, with 19th-century houses and churches, and is often among the places with the most hours of sunshine per year.
In the centre, Christ Church Cathedral sits atop a stairway above the main square, and the Saturday market brings together producers and artisans. Nelson has a tradition in ceramics, glass and the arts, and the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum displays costumes from the fashion-art festival that began in the town, alongside a collection of vintage cars.
On Botanical Hill, a short trail climbs to the landmark called the Centre of New Zealand, a former surveying reference point, with views over the town and the bay. Tāhunanui is Nelson’s urban beach. Around it, the Great Taste Trail, a long cycleway, links wineries, breweries and orchards in Nelson and Tasman.
Nelson is the most common departure point for Abel Tasman National Park, about an hour’s drive away via Motueka and Kaiteriteri, and also for Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes national parks.
Destinations
1 destination in Nelson
When to go
Summer, from December to March, is warm and dry and coincides with highest demand for Abel Tasman. Autumn, from March to May, has clear days and harvest time in orchards and vineyards. Winter is cool, with many sunny days and frosts in the mornings.
Getting there
Nelson Airport (NSN) has flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. By road, Nelson is about 110 km from Picton, where ferries from Wellington arrive, and about 415 km from Christchurch. Long‑distance buses link Nelson with Picton, Motueka and the West Coast.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Nelson
How many days to stay in Nelson?
One day is enough for the centre, the market and Botanical Hill. Most people use Nelson as a base for a few more days for Abel Tasman, the wineries and the Great Taste Trail.
When is the Nelson market?
The main market takes place Saturday mornings at Montgomery Square in the centre. Check before you go.
Can you go from Nelson to Abel Tasman in a day?
Yes. Kaiteriteri and Marahau are about an hour’s drive away; from there water taxis and boats take you to the park’s beaches. There are also buses from Nelson to those two entry points.
How to cycle the Great Taste Trail?
There are bike hire shops in Nelson, Richmond and Māpua, with maps and baggage transfer. Flat sections, such as the coastal route from Nelson to Māpua, can be done in a day.