About Nelson • nelson richmond

Fact file

Travel Notes
Hardy European pioneers founded the beautiful city of Nelson, New Zealand in 1842, although this bountiful, temperate region had been home to Māori for many centuries. Today Nelson has the busiest port in the country and has gained an international reputation as a centre of arts. Nelson and Richmond also boast the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand.

Getting Around
From Nelson city centre you can hire a car, arrange sightseeing tours and take coach/bus services available from the city. Many tourism operators provide transport to and from activities throughout the region.

Exploring Outdoors
Nelson is one of the foremost destinations in New Zealand for exploring the outdoors, stretching from the foothills of the Maitai Valley to the shores of Tasman Bay. The crystal clear Maitai River flows through the city and its path to the sea can be followed via a scenic walkway. Other highlights include Nelson's Queens Gardens, Tahunanui Beach, Cable Bay, Christ Church Cathedral, and the rivers and picnic spots surrounding Richmond.

Ambience
Nelson and Richmond are a paradise for lovers of coffee and fine art with its numerous galleries and street cafes. Enjoy the year-round sunshine, fine local wines, abundant seafood, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Take a walk down a heritage trail, drive out to Richmond for a laidback shopping experience, or perhaps indulge in a glass of the region's finest wines in the vineyards just beyond the centre of Richmond.

Arts
Nelson has nurtured its artists and today has a thriving, cosmopolitan arts community on the New Zealand scene. Visit The Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu, the regional art gallery, or call in at a city studio. The Nelson Arts Festival in October heralds the beginning of the summer festival season.

Action and Adventure
In and around Nelson and Richmond enjoy: four-wheel motorbikes, kayaking and boating on the harbour, mountain biking, skywire, horse riding, kite-surfing and helicopter rides. Tahunanui Beach offers a family playground, zoological park, mini golf, model railway, hydroslide and roller-skating.

Accommodation
Hotels, motels, boutique, bed and breakfast, backpackers and camping grounds are all either in or near to Nelson city.

essential experiences

• Buy a Nelson Arts Pass – your passport to inspiration.
• Explore local history at the new museum Town Acre 244.
• Explore the Coastal Highway for art glass, galleries, cafes and loads more!

fascinating facts

• Early settlers and a Russian Princess lie buried at historic Wakapuaka Cemetery .
• The country’s oldest music school is the Nelson School of Music.
• Haulashore Island was connected to the Boulder Bank until The Cut was made in 1906.

things to do / places to stay