Rich in history, the city is also famous for its eclectic arts scene which is showcased each year during the Nelson Arts Festival which opens with an amazing masked street parade and carnival. The city and surrounding region draws artists and sculptur's who find inspiration in the unblemished beauty of surrounding forests and parks and the golden sands of the many inlets and isolated beaches. Further north is the ‘hippy era’ town of Takaka in the Golden Bay region with a charm all its own.

The Nelson economy is expanding from an increasing pine forestry industry, horticulture and fisheries. Much of New Zealand’s berry production comes from this region the climate ideal for blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants and other berries. Some of the world’s best jams and pickles are produced using Nelson’s organic and preservative free ingredients by Anathoth’s, while the nation’s largest fishery, Sealord’s also calls Nelson home.

Getting to Nelson is easy flying Origin Pacific Airways, Nelson’s very own national airline. The city has accommodation to suit any budget or level of sophistication and dining options to suit. The cuisine invariably will include the regions finest ingredients served with flare. To the south are mountain lakes and winter ski fields, to the north, national parks edged by golden beaches and to the west lies the majestic Marlborough Sounds and the wine country around Blenheim.
 

Nelson is a popular backpacker destination as seasonal fruit and berry picking jobs are plentiful and the spare hours can be spent exploring the beaches and trekking the national parks. So no matter what your interests are you will find things to amuse yourself in Nelson and chances are you’ll be doing them under the brightest and bluest skies in the country.

For Nelson accommodation click here.