Nelson

Nelson is a small but charming city on the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is characterised by quaint old colonial buildings and is known for its thriving arts and crafts scene and sunny weather.

Join locals at the Nelson Market, held every Saturday morning, and browse regional produce and crafts at more than 200 stalls.

Visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum and see some of the most inventive outfits from the Wearable Art Awards hosted in the city until 2004. Car lovers should check out the 100 classic automobiles, including vintage Cadillacs, Jaguars and Buicks, housed in the same complex.

Learn about the history of the area at the Nelson Provincial Museum. Here you’ll find artefacts from the area’s pre-history as well as items and accounts from pioneer settlers.

For more colonial history, make your way to Founders Heritage Park. Enjoy an assortment of historic homes and businesses, an old train and a boutique café and brewery. Move on to the Christ Church Cathedral to see one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Art lovers should visit The Suter Art Gallery for a look at a great collection of paintings from both international and New Zealand artists. Take a break and relax in the recreated Japanese landscape at the Miyazu Garden, visit local wineries or even go diving in the Tasman Bay. Travellers with kids will love the Natureland Zoo where you can get up close to wallabies, llamas and several other species.

Many visitors to New Zealand use a rental car to get between destinations, enjoying the spectacular scenery on the way. Nelson is about 6 hours’ drive from Christchurch. You can also fly into the Nelson domestic airport on a connecting flight from other major New Zealand cities.

Nelson is a great little city with some interesting museums and pretty countryside. Admire the work of local artisans, look at heritage buildings or just relax and enjoy the scenery.