Nelson is the gateway to three stunning national parks: Abel Tasman National Park with its golden beaches, the untouched bush of Kahurangi National Park and the Nelson Lakes National Park with the Rainbow ski area.

Discover a new passion and try: Kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, 4WD driving, motorbiking, tramping, caving, kite surfing, creative workshops — you name it!

ABOUT NELSON


The Nelson region lies at the northern end of the South Island. Surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges it has a mediterranean type climate. It regularly tops the national statistics for sunshine hours, with an annual average total of over 2400 hours.

Nelson features a vibrant local music and arts scene and is known nationwide as a centre for arts and crafts.

It is one of the fruit growing centres of New Zealand and is renowned for its fine wines, pipfruit and berries.