Tourism

The Nelson Lifestyle

With the highest sunshine hours recorded in New Zealand, clean clear waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, the impressive Nelson Lakes and the beautiful lush Kahurangi National Park,  the region has an abundance of choice for those who enjoy the great outdoors as their playground.   

The Nelson-Tasman region is compact in its geography allowing for short travel distances between attractions.   The key dilemma our visitors face is how fast or slow they wish their experience to be.

There is a large variety of outdoor activities available such as river or sea kyaking, swimming with seals, rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking around the many fabulous cycle tracks (pick your level of challenge), skiing, fishing, hiking, skydiving, kite surfing, boating, nature tours and so much more.

With well over 100 cafes supplying exceptional local treats such as mussels, scollops, smoked salmon and other seafood varieties, venison salami's, olives, berries, apples and locally made gourmet foods - the list is endless.   Having tried some of these offerings, you may well feel inclined to sample some of the many varieties of wine from one or more than 20 wineries in the region; or if ale is your preference, try a cool crisp boutique beer from one of the region's breweries.

Nelson and Tasman have some 350 working artists whose works can be viewed in gallery exhibitions or the many cottage studio's.   You will also find plenty of art and crafts to admire as you meander through Nelson's Saturday Market.   'The Suter' Te Aratoi o Whakatu is a contemporary gallery displaying unique peices of art and is aesthetically situated on the fringe of Victoria Park, a quick stroll from the city centre.

For those who appreciate fine music, there are several events throughout the year such as WinterFest, Jazz in the Park, Street Buskers or maybe visit the The School of Music, New Zealands' oldest music school. 

Nelsonians

Nelsonians appreciate a more relaxed pace of life with a quality lifestyle blend.   There is a strong sense of 'local' community with a wide mix of national and international influences and cultures.      Growth in the region has also heralded changes to our ethnic profile.   The Nelson Tasman community has been enriched by well travelled, skilled, and educated immigrants and New Zealanders - creating an exciting recipe for positive growth and is a reflection of the lifestyle choices being made by many who choose to come live here.