Nestling on the northwestern tip of New Zealand’s North Island is the vibrant and charming coastal town of Nelson. A stunning landscape and spell-binding views of the ocean and idyllic viewpoints are only the beginning of the allure of Nelson. A thriving local community built on entrepreneurship and good local governance has led to a booming city that is in equal part a business opportunity as much as it is an artist’s haven. Known also as ‘the top of the south’, Nelson offers a quirky and distinct personality waiting to be sampled by eager tourists. Local wines reign supreme and a host of local wineries and vineyards offer the perfect reason to take in the countryside and coastal views while indulging yourself in the delicious wine. The Murchison ‘Four-Rivers Plain’ provides some of the most exhilarating white water rafting experiences in all of New Zealand. The confluence of four rivers make for some of the most compelling water sport action in the world and Buller Canyon is famous for its fly fishing expeditions and jet boating. Nelson is also known to be the home to the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere, known as Te Waikoropupu Springs.
Nelson is also home to one of the largest artist communities in New Zealand with artists creating everything from blown glassware, custom jewellery, art galleries, sculpting studios and everything in between. They make for some beautiful gifts for loved ones or to keep as a souvenir to sparkle up your home. Cycling along Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is a hugely popular pastime amongst visitors and locals alike. The trail takes you through the beautiful scenery and the trail winds along vineyards, coastal walkways, meandering through chic boutiques. Mountain bike parks at Wairoa Gorge and other sites offer a more adrenaline-rushing for those that feel that the cycle park may be too slow for their style.
Nelson also lies at the doorstep to the Abel Tasman National Park and its proximity to it also attracts many tourists. Located towards the top of the island, Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. Some of the most popular activities in the park include sea kayaking or sailing through its waters. Seals and dolphins are regular visitors in these waters and provide an added thrill. Interestingly, Nelson is also New Zealand’s oldest city and the city that sees the most sunshine in the country, which bodes well for those that want to go for a swim! Nelson is also known as the hops capital of the country, with perfect conditions which have allowed over 10 craft breweries to spring up as well!
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