Nelson was founded by European settlers in 1842 although Maori occupation dates back some 800 years. Nelson is New Zealand’s second oldest city but today it is the country’s 10th most populous city and geographical centre of New Zealand.

Nelson has gained a reputation for its Mediterranean-type climate which is due to its sheltered location at the top of the South Island and can boast the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand – 2,500 sunshine hours per year!

The Nelson economy is based on the “big four” industries: seafood, horticulture, tourism and forestry.  Nelson has the largest port in the country and in Australasia.  There are also a range of growth industries including art and craft, aviation, engineering technology and information technology.

The Nelson region covers five distinct geographic areas - all equally diverse and stunning. The urban areas of Richmond and Nelson are renowned for their arts and crafts and fine food.  They have a combined population of 87,0000 (2001 Census).  Each area can boast a fabulous swimming beach with Rabbit Island in Richmond and Tahunanui Beach in Nelson.  The Tahunanui Beach Camp is the largest and best equipped camping ground in New Zealand.

The highways of Mapua, Motueka and Moutere pass through rolling horticultural land and coastal views. Mapua Wharf is a vibrant centre of arts, cuisine and delicious takeaway smoked fish with Motueka being the gate way to the Abel Tasman National Park.

The Abel Tasman National Park is internationally famous.  It is New Zealand’s smallest national park but makes up for it with spectacular bright, golden beaches, rocky headlands and a coastal wonderland of beautiful blue/acqua sea.

In complete contrast are the alpine lakes and rivers around St Arnaud – Nelson Lakes & Murchison.

Finally there are the national parks.  Only the West Coast has as many national parks as Nelson. The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys of south Nelson and features beech forests and the beautiful jewel-like lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa.  Kahurangi, the country’s second-largest national park comprises 450,00ha of mostly upland wilderness, with magnificent three to four day hiking trails.  Abel Tasman National Park makes up the trio.

Nelson has an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscapes.  The region has nurtured its artists and today has a thriving, cosmopolitan arts community.  Nelson’s artists include carvers, glassblowers, painters, potters and weavers, whose work can be seen by following any of the 13 craft trails.

A range of adventure experience is also available including sea kayaking, whitewater rafting on the Buller River, tandem skydiving, four-wheel drive motorbiking through native forest, horse riding, sailing and hiking.

Nelson is also home to over 22 wineries which benefit from the mild Mediterranean climate and a number of vineyards are making a big splash in the international wine world.  Nelson is also the only region in New Zealand to grow hops and is home to several world-class brewmasters producing boutique and organic beers.

The latest edition of the Rough Guide advises that if you choose one area of New Zealand to visit make sure it is the top of the South Island –‘the vibrant arts community, vineyards, laid back atmosphere and great weather combine to make Nelson an essential stop.'

Click on here for a heap of useful links for anyone thinking of moving to Nelson to live, and New Zealand in general.