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Nelson/Golden Bay Regional Information
Inspiring landscapes and all kinds of creativity
The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has for many years attracted residents who love to use their imaginations. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region's exceptionally beautiful geography - coastal, forest and valley landscapes provide places to wander and dream.
The Nelson area is known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the tip of the nose of the canoe of Maui). From his waka, the demi-god Maui used his magic fish hook to catch and land the North Island (Te Ika a Maui - the fish of Maui).
Golden Bay is New Zealand's most diverse and appealing holiday destination. Imagine a region with endless variety, where golden beaches, alpine valleys and tranquil fishing rivers share a close proximity with the sea. Breathtaking scenery, arts and crafts, sporting activities. There's something for everyone. Golden Bay is nestled into the South Island's north-west corner. A chain of steep and rugged mountains cuts its fertile river plains and valleys from the rest of the island. Unless you're a migrating whale, you don't go past Golden Bay on your way to anywhere. Golden Bay is bordered by two beautiful National Parks. The Kahurangi, with its mountains and Abel Tasman with its golden beaches.
Creativity unleashed
Nelson's creative community provides many opportunities for travellers to experiment with art. Workshops include glassblowing, pottery, bone carving, sculpture, authentic Maori flax weaving and cooking.
Outdoor adventure
Pack your sense of adventure and explore three distinctly different national parks. Try the skywire, sea kayaking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sailing, horse trekking or seal swimming. Wines produced by Neudorf Vineyards are known for their complex flavours.
Edible explorations
Indulge your passion for exceptional eating experiences. Nelson will tempt you with alfresco cafés, fine dining restaurants, premium vineyards, boutique breweries and locally made gourmet foods.
Nelson
New Zealand's sunniest city is scenic, vibrant, artistic and a popular holiday destination.
Nelson is set on the Tasman Bay, on the northern shores of New Zealand's South Island. It is an attractive, lively city with an artistic slant in particular for pottery and ceramics. It is also a busy port, home to New Zealand's largest fishing fleet. The shelter provided to the west by the mountains of the Kahurangi National Park contributes to the city's excellent climate.
Named after the British Admiral Viscount Horatio Nelson, the city was planned in London and many of its place names reflect its English beginnings, such as Trafalgar Square and Shakespeare Walk. The first settlers arrived in 1842 and after rocky beginnings the city became the capital of the region. Several historic buildings remain, such as Melrose House, Fairfield House and the workers' cottages of South Street.
Nelson's centre is compact and has an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, all within easy walking distance. There are a number of art and craft galleries, such as the excellent Suter Art Gallery. The globally acclaimed Wearable Art Awards originate from Nelson; The city's World of Wearable Art complex is a permanent museum of previous winners. The city also has several pleasant parks and gardens including the Botanic Reserve, home to the 'Centre of New Zealand'. A marked lookout in the reserve is New Zealand's geographic centre. The lookout offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding area.
A short drive or bus ride from the centre is the seaside suburb of Tahunanui. It has a long golden beach, a fun park, zoo and plenty of accommodation, making this a popular spot for visitors to the city.
The surrounding region is a fertile area with an abundance of orchards and a smattering of wineries and breweries. Within an hour's drive is Marahau, gateway to the outstanding coastal beauty and golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park. The scenic Nelson Lakes National Park is to the south of the region. Its picturesque alpine lakes and mountains offer water activities, walking tracks and huts, and in the winter months, skiing.
Motueka
 Motueka is situated in the sunny Tasman region at the top of New Zealand's South Island. It is well located for trips to Nelson, Mapua, the Moutere, the Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks, Kaiteriteri and for day forays to Golden Bay over Takaka Hill.
Its glorious climate, safe swimming beaches and water sports makes it the ideal summer holiday location. Its walking tracks, fishing rivers, arts, crafts, wineries, vineyards and outdoor activities makes it an all year round New Zealand destination.
Take a tour of the Nelson region's local wineries, vineyards, artists and galleries, or explore the golden beaches of Kaiteriteri - only a 15 minute drive away. Visit Golden Bay and take an organised 4WD trip along the Farewell Spit to view unique wildlife (including the gannet colony) and landscapes. While travelling to or from Golden Bay, discover the world's clearest springs at Pupu Springs.
The Motueka 18 hole golf course is only a 5 minute walk down the road. This prestigious course has a seaside layout and is playable all year round. Golf clubs and carts are available for hire from the pro-shop. Anyone, at any level, is welcome.
For the trampers (hiking or hill walking) amongst you, the hills of the Kahurangi National Park can be seen from the motel gardens. You can even see Farewell Spit from the top of Mt Arthur on a clear day.
Takaka
The road trip to Golden Bay is an extraordinary experience in itself - the highlight is a scenic drive over Takak Hill, known as the marble mountain. There are well signposted lookouts along the way and the subterranean marvels of Harwoods Hole (176 metres deep) and the Ngarua Caves shouldn't be missed.
Near Takaka is Te Waikoropupu Spings, New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and a 'wahi tapu' (scared place) to the local Maori tribe (iwi). The easy walkways have interpretive panels.
Farewell Spit is another 'must do'. It's a nature reserve on a sand spit jutting into the Tasman Sea. You can walk on the base of the spit, and there are excellent 4WD (four-wheel drive) safaris (based in Collingwood) along to the lighthouse and bird habitats.
Nearby Wharariki Beach is wild and beautiful - wind and waves have created massive rock and sand dune formations.
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