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Janie Seddon shipwreck glowing in the evening sunlight, Motueka, New Zealand.

Nelson Tours and Vacation Packages

Janie Seddon Shipwreck

Overview

Take a Trip to Nelson on your New Zealand Vacation

Nelson is situated at the top of the South Island surrounded on three sides by Tasman Bay. It is known as the sunshine capital because of its very pleasant climate. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, rolling vineyards and golden beaches, all to be enjoyed on a New Zealand Vacation. The sea here is a beautiful turquoise colour. One other claim to fame is its location as it is allegedly situated in the heart of New Zealand.

Nelson is a thriving scene for arts and crafts with many festivals held each year including the Nelson Arts Festival. It also has an excellent Sunday Market where local handicrafts are sold. A worthwhile visit is to the World of Wearable Art which includes a collection of old cars.

For the more active New Zealand Tours, the attractions are eco-tourism and adventure tourism. It is also the gateway to four major national parks, the Abel Tasman, the Mount Richmond Forest, the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks.

Due to its proximity to the local vineyards, Nelson also offers excellent gourmet dining on a New Zealand Vacation.

At a Glance

Languages

English, Maori

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

What do the experts say?

Mikayla McInnis

Mikayla McInnis

Destination Specialist
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The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
Mary Georgiou

Mary Georgiou

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
Mary Georgiou

Mary Georgiou

Destination Specialist
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The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Mary Georgiou

Mary Georgiou

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
NelsonPartly Cloudy
19°C / 66°F
50mm / 2.0"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.
-
Popularity rating

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