The Nelson area is sometimes overlooked by travelers to New Zealand, however its wonderful climate, laid back towns and location near to three spectacular national parks make it a well worth a spot on any itinerary in New Zealand.
Nelson is approximately a 1 hour flight from Auckland with Air New Zealand having the most frequent schedule. Nelson is located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.
Nelson was settled in 1841 by the European’s as it has the best natural harbor in the area. It is now renowned for its fabulous beaches, spectacular national parks, artist galleries, café’s and award winning wineries.
Due the high sunshine hours there are more than 50 wineries in the area, it is New Zealand’s biggest wine-producing area. Wine tours through the region are extremely very popular. Check out the Nelson Wine Trail.
Nelson is haven for artists due to the unique lighting conditions, and the number of galleries such as the famous Hoglund Art Glass. Also there are a number of opportunities to exercise your own creative juices, workshops such as Nelson Bone Carving, give novices a chance to create of a bone craving for the price of buying one in the store.
West from Nelson is the Abel Tasman National Park. Located on the coast unlike it’s more famous hikes to the South, this is a very accessible park. There are a number of tracks through the park, however the most popular is the Coastal Track which is a three to five day hike passing in and out of native bush and stunningly beautiful isolated beaches.
My recommendation is to combine this hike with a sea-kayak. The white sand beaches are equally accessible from the sea. You don’t have to be an expert Kayaker either; the sheltered waters of the Tasman Bay are very safe.
There are a number of kayak operators that will pick up your sea kayak so you can sea kayak out the length of the bay and hike back along the Coastal Track.
Like most places in New Zealand, Nelson has adventure activities. Try quad biking and experience the incredible Skywire a ski-lift flying fox hybrid that shoots you on a 2 mile ride above the native forest, the views from the top have to be experienced to be believed.
NELSON FACTS
Population: 60,500 Land Area: 444km
Currency: New Zealand Dollar Location: Stands on the southern shore of Tasman Bay, at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s great hikes. It’s possible to customize it from half a day to the full five days. A popular itinerary is to sea kayak along the coast into national park and hike out and this is easy to arrange with one of the Kayak operators. The ideal climate make this hike an amazing year round activity. Click Here >>
Boat Shed Restaurant
The Boatshed is a converted boatshed that sits over Nelson harbor. On the balcony you can see your meals cousins through the floorboards. The portions are large and incredibly fresh, ours was caught that afternoon! Eat light all day to savor this experience Click Here >>
Abel Tasman National Park