i-Site • planning your holiday

This website is an ideal starting point for your research into your Nelson and New Zealand holiday.

The Nelson Tasman Region offers a unique blend of culture and heritage, landscape and leisure, sunshine and sculpture, fine wine and fabulous food – all served with a warm and embracing welcome. There are many micro-communities, each with a rich variety of activities and unique experiences, waiting to be discovered. So no matter what your interests are….you’ll find plenty in Nelson to satisfy your senses.

We’ve provided you with a few tips to get you on your way……

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August – but even the winters are generally short and fairly mild.

Where are the international airports located in New Zealand?
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin. From any of the main centres it’s just a short flight (30 - 90 mins) to reach Nelson.

You can also drive to Nelson, take the Ferry from the North Island to Picton or catch a bus from Picton to Nelson – just 2 hours.

Where is Nelson?
Nelson is situated at the 'top' of the South Island, on the northern coastline. It is the geographical centre of New Zealand and therefore easily accessible by land, sea and air.

Accommodation
Nelson offers a really wide range of accommodation options from hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, boutique bed and breakfasts, and farm or homestays to holiday parks and backpacker hostels.

helpful links

• Events
  You may find an event you’ve been dying to attend, or you may think avoiding that many extra people in town suits you better!
• Maps
  Find out the best ways to get to Nelson and how to get around the region once you’re here.
• Climate
  Discover what we’re famous for – SUNSHINE! Figure out what the weather is likely to be like during your visit.
• Travelling Around
  Several types of transport services are available to get you to and around the Nelson Tasman region. There is also a public bus service which operates around Nelson City to Richmond www.nelsoncoaches.co.nz/timetable.pdf
• Destinations
  Nelson Tasman Region is split up into five unique and diverse areas. Find out more detail to help you decide which areas you want to spend the most time in.
• Wanting to stay a while in Golden Bay? Contact the Golden Bay i-SITE Visitor Centre and book a holiday home. What a wonderful way to unwind and what value for money!

Nelson can easily be co-ordinated with the rest of your New Zealand itinerary. See our itinerary suggestions page for more ideas.

Our consultants have knowledge of the whole country and can plan your holiday quickly and easily. Just fill out our Enquiry / Booking form to help them help you.

See you in the Nelson Tasman region!