The port town of Nelson lies on the southeast side of Tasman Bay, in an area famed for its mild climate. In its fertile hinterland various fruits (particularly apples and pears) for export are grown, as well as grapes, hops and tobacco. In the surrounding hills there is lucrative forestry, the timber from which is processed in the Nelson area and shipped from the port. The population of the area is increasing markedly, growing within a decade by over 5 per cent.
The town's harbor, Nelson Haven, is sheltered by a long breakwater. The town itself has many old wooden houses, both mansions and cottages. Modern amenities include seafront promenades and many parks and gardens.
In recent years Nelson's beautiful situation has attracted many artists and craftsmen. South of the town on the road to Richmond is the Craft Habitat, an arts and crafts center.
The lovely landscape is ample reward for the difficult drive from Nelson northwards to Cable Bay, with its fine beach, and on via Rai Valley to the idyllic Croisilles Harbour. The more adventurous may drive on to Admiralty Bay and the strongpoint at French Pass.
2km north of Nelson town center is Founders Park, an open-air museum in which various buildings of the Victorian period (some of them reconstructions) are displayed. Of particular note are a windmill and an exhibition on the history of Nelson Haven.
Hours:
9am-6pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Good Friday - Christian
The densely wooded and beautiful Mount Richmond Forest Park extends to the south and east of Nelson, over the hills of the Richmond Range and down into the valley of the Wairau River. A popular trail is the Wakamarina-Onamalutu Track, which follows in the footsteps of the gold prospectors. The walk, which begins 20km south of Canvastown, takes 2 days.
In Isel Park, in the southwestern district of Stoke, is Nelson Provincial Museum, which is devoted to the history of the town and the region. In addition to an excellent collection of Maori objects it has material on the Wairau affray, the only serious clash between Maoris and whites on the South Island.
Address: Nelson Provincial Museum, Hilliard Street Stoke, Nelson, Nelson-Marlborough , New Zealand
The Northwest Nelson Forest Park covers 3760 sq.km of densely wooded mountain country extending from Tasman Bay (Motueka Valley) over the Tasman Mountains to the west coast (Karamea Bay). A number of trails run through this primeval landscape with its expanses of lush vegetation. The best known are the Heaphy Track (Abel Tasman National Park) and the Wangapeka Track (4-day walk).
The Suter Art Gallery, was founded by Bishop Suter in 1889. It has an excellent collection of paintings, with works by Woollaston, Gully, Lindauer, Van der Velden, Hodgkins and Richmond.
Address: The Suter, 208 Bridge Street, Nelson, Nelson-Marlborough , New Zealand
Hours:
10:30am-4:30pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
At the end of Rocks Road is Tahunanui Beach, the most popular of the town's beaches, with a campsite and leisure facilities. Also popular is the beach on Rabbit Island (25km).
Botanical Hill (150m), covered with gardens, is regarded as the geographical center of New Zealand. From the top of the hill there is a fine view of the town.
Nelson's harbor is a scene of busy activity. From here every conceivable type of New Zealand produce is shipped, particularly fruit, timber and timber products. There are cruises around the harbor.
The town's busy main artery is Trafalgar Street, lined with many shops. A notable building in the street is Melrose House, an Italian-style mansion (c 1875) that is now used by the municipality for ceremonial occasions. At the south end of the street is another handsome mansion, Fairfield House (1883).
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Beaches, Nelson
Nelson
