Here comes the sun
This is New Zealand’s place in the sun – where fruit ripens, beer brews and scallops are dredged from Tasman Bay. A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, relaxed atmosphere - and it’s easy to see why.
Nelson was the birthplace of New Zealand Rugby. Of the 87,000 population many are people of a creative bent. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Māori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful geography - coastal, forest and valley landscapes to fire the imagination.
Nelson's creative community provides many opportunities for travellers to experiment with art. And if art isn’t your scene, the region will tempt you with outdoor adventure, alfresco cafés, premium vineyards and locally-made gourmet foods.
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Did you know?
Local Rugby stories
In 1969 the Nelson and Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby unions combined to form Nelson Bays. Marlborough joined in 2006 to form the Tasman Rugby Union.
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NZ History
Starlight cave
Watch cavers negotiate the subterranean stream that drains Harwood Hole on Tākaka hill.
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Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand
