Nelson and Tasman

Nelson ~ 2,500 hours of sunshine a year

Nelson is nestled into the top end of the South Island, protected from the severe Tasman Sea weather by the high mountain ranges that surround the hinterland, providing generally blissful weather that is the envy of the nation. These high mountains are snow covered in winter and a good ski field is in easy driving distance. The rivers that flow from the mountains are fast and clear, and provide wonderful trout fishing, tramping trails, kayaking and rafting opportunities. 

Tasman and Golden Bays to the West and the extensive Marlborough Sounds to the North East are a nautical heaven for fishing, diving, kayaking, cruising and sailing.  Picture postcard beaches and coves also beckon for your attention as do walks and sight seeing in our three National Parks (Kahurangi, Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes National Park). Cycling and mountain biking is a very popular activity along dedicated trails.

The hinterland of Nelson and neighbouring Golden Bay provide lots of exciting options for day excursions.  For the less intrepid, organised tours to wineries, galleries, potteries and natural attractions are easy to book on line.

Find out more about what awaits you in the Nelson region below.

General websites about the Nelson and Tasman areas, especially helpful when travelling to NZ from overseas:

http://www.newzealand.com
http://www.nelsonnz.com
http://www.nelson.co.nz/nelson-info

Nelson Climate:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/nelson/climate

Maps of the Nelson area:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/nelson/maps

National Parks:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/activities/national.parks

Things to do:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/activities/

Walks and trails:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/walks.and.trails/listings/all

General activities:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/activities/

Arts and crafts:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/arts.and.craft/listings/all/listings/all
http://www.worldofwearableart.com/
http://www.nelsonarts.org.nz/fabric.html
http://www.nelsonartists.co.nz/

Local vineyards:

http://www.nelsonnz.com/food.and.wine/listings/wineries.and.vineyards

Golf

http://www.golfstays.co.nz/courselist.php#Nelson

Trout Fishing

http://www.tonyentwistlesflyfishing.co.nz/

Mountain biking

http://www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz/trackpage

Also great entertainment

http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/nelson/attractions-and-activities/entertainment/
http://www.harlequin.co.nz/nelson/entertainment/Eventsfrontpage.asp
http://www.playhousecafe.co.nz/events

Action Adventure Sports

http://www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz/sky-wire-flying-fox.html
http://www.verticallimits.co.nz/
http://www.verticallimits.co.nz/page3.html

Local pools

http://www.harlequin.co.nz/Fun/Operators/NelsonAquatics.asp
http://www.clmnz.co.nz/asb/