DIRECTORY
Nelson
Why go here? Three National Parks, golden sand beaches and turquoise water, this region is a natural paradise.
Need to know ...Nelson and Abel Tasman are places where nature shows no restraint. A mild and sunny climate means you can get out and enjoy the many activities on offer in this north-facing bay at the top of the South Island. The beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere has clearly proved inspirational for many; the region abounds with artists. Visit their studios in between exploration of the region’s award-winning boutique vineyards. Kayaking along the stunning coastline or walking the coastal tracks of the Abel Tasman National Park is a popular pastime – beautiful golden sand beaches meet sparkling turquoise water in bays sheltered by native forest. Main Centres Nelson – regional centre renowned for art, craft
and fine food. Getting There By Air – Nelson Airport, 15 minutes from the
city, services the region with a very frequent schedule of domestic flights
on two airlines. Getting AroundRent a car and explore the region independently. There are regular coach services from Nelson to the edge of Abel Tasman National Park where you’ll find water taxi services that also offer transport into the park. Eating OutExclusiveThe Cut Restaurant & Bar (94 Collingwood St, Nelson, t +64 3 548 9874) – Mediterranean-influenced cuisine served in a charming 1900s house. Winner of Nelson’s Best Restaurant several years in a row. Casual The Honest Lawyer (1 Point Rd, Monaco, Nelson, t +64
3 547 8850) – English-style pub with fireside or al fresco dining.
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Sights
The astonishingly clear (and cold!) Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs in Golden
Bay contain the world’s purest water. Action
Pull on your boots and go hiking – within the Nelson region there
are three awe-inspiring national parks located within 90 minutes’
drive of one another. RelaxExplore the local art and craft galleries. You’ll be spoilt for choice – there are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, and Nelson’s Suter Art Gallery is highly regarded.Summer months spent swimming and sunbathing your way around the region’s perfect beaches THE experienceExploring the great outdoors in a region blessed with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year. Each of the region’s National Parks offers a very different experience. Kahurangi is very big and very wild. Nelson Lakes is tranquil and picturesque – feel yourself lulled by birdsong. Abel Tasman is a small but exquisite jewel of gold sand and turquoise sea. |
Where to Drink
Stylish bar
Fiction (144 Bridge St, Nelson, t +64 3 545 6950) – open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm till late.
Cosy pub
The Honest Lawyer (1 Point Rd, Monaco, Nelson, t +64 3 547
8850) – English-style country pub.
Victorian Rose (281 Trafalgar St, Nelson, t +64 3 548 7631)
– open 7 days from 11am.
Coffee Fix
Lambretta’s Café and Bar (204 Hardy St, Nelson, t +64 3 545 8555) – one of Nelson’s favourite cafés. Relaxed dining style and excellent food. Open till late.
Something to Take Home
South Street Gallery (10 Nile St, t +64 3 548 8117) –
work by 25 selected local potters of national and international renown.
Rosy Glow Handmade Chocolate (20 Harley St, t +64 3 548 3381).
Hoglund Art Glass – International Glass Centre (Lansdowne
Rd, Richmond, t +64 3 544 6500) – gallery, museum, jewellery, store, glass
blowing studio, glass art and bead-making workshops.
Coolstore Gallery (7 Aranui Rd, Mapua Wharf, Mapua, t +64 3
540 3778) – large gallery showcasing work from over 60 established and
emerging artists from Nelson and the West Coast region.
Jewel Beetle (240 Trafalgar St, t +64 3 548 0487) – contemporary
jewellery gallery and studio.
Flamedaisy Glass Design (324 Trafalgar Sq, Nelson, t +64 3
548 4475) – original hand-blown art glass produced at an open studio in
the heart of Nelson city.
The Nelson Market (Montgomery Sq) – hundred of stalls
including gourmet produce from local suppliers, and local art and craft. 8am
– 1pm every Saturday (except religious holidays).
Did you know?
Notable Culture
Maori tribes began migrating to New Zealand’s South Island during the 16th Century. By 1550 the Ngati Tumatakokiri tribe occupied much of the region.
Moment in History
Settled in 1841, Nelson is New Zealand’s second oldest city. Head to South Street – said to be the oldest preserved street in New Zealand – to see a series of restored cottages dating from 1863 to 1867.
Note This!
Farewell Spit is the longest natural sandbar in the world. From the northwest tip of the South Island it stretches 35km out into the ocean – and the bar is actually growing every year. The Spit has been a sanctuary since the 1930s and is home to over 90 different bird species. Many are migratory birds that fly thousands of kilometres from the Arctic Circle to Farewell Spit every year. Farewell Spit is a remote and wild area, but several operators offer tours that will introduce you to this very special place.
Sampling the District
Nelson is home to an array of appealing micro-communities that invite you
to explore. Here’s a sampler:
- Coastal Highway – picturesque rolling farmland, cafés, galleries, wineries and waterfront picnic spots.
- Mapua – small coastal town with historic wharf, waterfront cafés, aquarium, galleries, gourmet foods, country pubs and estuary tours.
- Ruby Bay & Tasman – Ruby Bay is a pebble beach, picnic spot with sea views and camping ground. Tasman has farmland, tame eels and golf.
- Motueka – rural township with quirky cafés, shops, galleries, wharf and saltwater baths. Last major shopping outpost before Abel Tasman.
- Motueka Valley & River – an entry point to Kahurangi National Park. Motueka River has a reputation for Brown Trout fishing.
- Moutere – situated on the alternative, inland route between Nelson and Motueka, features vineclad hills, al fresco cafes, wineries and farmland.
- Kaiteriteri – three golden sand beaches for swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, cafés, water transport to Abel Tasman.
- Marahau – at the beginning of the Abel Tasman track, base for sea kayaking, water transport, cafés, swimming and walks on the sand flats.
- Abel Tasman National Park – golden sands, coastal bays, lagoons, beech forests and caves. Offers tramping, kayaking, sailing and swimming.
- Golden Bay – over Takaka Hill are farmlands, bush, beaches, Farewell Spit, art and craft studios.
- Kahurangi National Park – tussock, wild river gorges, karst outcrops and cave systems. Offers tramping, birdwatching, caving and sightseeing.
- Nelson Lakes National Park – beech forests and mountains. Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa are popular for tramping, fishing, skiing and boating.
- The Buller & Murchison – rugged and scenic river offering kayaking and rafting through a forested valley.
Websites to Check Out
www.nelsonnz.com
Nelson Travel Information
www.wineart.co.nz
Nelson Winemaker’s Association