Spring in Nelson 

Summer in Nelson

Autumn in Nelson 

Welcome to one of the most exciting and uniquely beautiful areas of New Zealand - the Nelson region which covers five distinct geographic areas:

• The alpine lakes and rivers around Murchison and St. Arnaud and in Nelson Lakes National Park
• The heart of the parks, Golden Bay
• The idyllic coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park
• The highways of Tasman Bay and the rich horticultural land surrounding Motueka
• The urban centres of Nelson city and Richmond

Some define it as soul, others pick up on the easy relaxed pace of life. Maybe it's the sense of space with wide plains spreading from sandy bays to lofty mountains. Immerse yourself in the culture. There are over 350 full time working artists in this region.

Take time to kayak through the tranquil clear waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, vibrant and rejuvenating - or walk the Coastal Track with a guide and a gourmet lunch. To round off a perfect day, dine on fresh seafood at a choice of waterfront restaurants, and soak in the view as the setting sun casts an amber glow over the mirror seas of Tasman Bay.

Delight your tastebuds at some of the finest restaurants, cafes and wine bars serving only the freshest local ingredients, accompanied by our very own world-class wines and beer.

Spring in Nelson

Nelson in the springtime means days of balmy sunshine and stunning scenery. Take a drive through reawakening vineyards and orchards heavy with blossom and stop off to sip an award winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir under the shady vines of one of Nelson's boutique wineries.

Summer in  Nelson

Natural wonders and vibrant culture come together to create holiday paradise in the summer time. There's so much to enjoy under the famously sunny skies - three national parks, a coastline of turquoise waters and golden sand beaches, majestic mountains that embrace stunning inland lakes, lush native bush, and wide fertile plains.

Autumn in Nelson

The days of March, April and May are warm, but without the summer crowds.

Nelson's cool autumn nights produce wine with intense fruit flavours - growing conditions are likened to the Burgundy area of France. A wine trail map allows easy navigation around the many wineries.

This is an ideal time to visit a nearby national park, such as Marble Mountain, which separates Golden Bay from the Motueka District. It has a harsh landscape of unusual rock formations and harbors sinkholes, caves, and underground streams - a contrast to the shady beech forests. This was the location of Chetwood Forest in "The Lord of the Rings".