About
Nelson • Welcome to Nelson
Nelson is a superb place to live and the recent influx of people both
from within NZ and abroad are proof to this fact. It boasts a unique ‘Mediterranean’
type climate and hence is home to grapes, olives, nuts, citrus fruits
and apples.
Nelson offers an irresistible blend of lifestyle and stunning landscape
at the top northwest corner of the South Island. From the northern edge
of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep
of beaches.
It attracts artists from all over the world and is host to many cultural
events throughout the year. It is still relatively small in comparison
to the larger cosmopolitan centres in NZ which means it retains a friendly
atmosphere.
The scenery and surrounding areas of Nelson boast some of the finest beaches
in NZ. There are lots of activities to suit all age groups and interests
and the Nelson region has 3 national parks that offer a range of diverse
activities.
The compact geography means most activities are within 1-2 hours drive
of the city. It’s easy to get around, the climate is mild what-ever
the season and with the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, most activities
are on offer year round. About
Nelson • key facts
The Nelson region is rich in history with a colourful past and a vibrant
and positive future.
· Nelson is New Zealand's second oldest city,
settled in 1841.
· Home to NZ's oldest state secondary school,
Nelson College, est. in 1856.
· Nelson city rates consistently as New Zealand's
sunniest spot with over 2,500 sunshine hours per year
· Home to 22 wineries which benefit from the
mild Mediterranean climate.
· Nelson city is the 10th most populous city
and geographical centre of New Zealand. Nelson Tasman Region has a resident
population of 87,000 (2001) - Nelson city 43,500, Tasman district 43,500).
· Nelson Provincial Government was established.
· Six Iwi (Maori tribal groups) claim ancestral
occupation rights, or rights of conquest over areas in the Nelson Region.
These Iwi are Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama, Te Atiawa, Ngati Koata, Ngati
Kuia and Ngati Toa .
· Unique with three spectacular national parks
all within 90 minutes drive of each other
· Where you will find two of New Zealand's Great
Walks - Abel Tasman Coastal Track and Heaphy Track.
The Big Picture -
Geography
The Nelson region covers five distinct geographic areas
· the urban centres of Nelson & Richmond
· the highways of Mapua, Motueka, Moutere, through
rolling horticultural land
· the idyllic coastline of Abel Tasman National
Park
· the heart of the parks, Golden Bay between
Kahurangi and Abel Tasman national parks
· the alpine lakes and rivers around St Arnaud
- Nelson Lakes & Murchison including Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi
national parks
People
Nelson and Richmond’s combined population of 54,500 ranks it as
New Zealand’s 10th most populous city.
· Maori occupation dates back some 800 years,
while European settlement occurred in 1842. Six Iwi groups claim ancestral
occupation rights, or rights of conquest over areas in this region.
These are Ngati Koata, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama, Te Atiawa, Ngati Kuia
and Ngati Toa. More ...
· Today Nelson is made up of Kiwis and increasing
numbers of immigrants from the UK, Germany, America and further afield.
Economy
The Nelson economy is based on the ‘big four’ industries;
seafood, horticulture, tourism and forestry. Port Nelson is the biggest
fishing port in Australasia. There are also a range of growth industries,
including art and craft, aviation, engineering technology, and information
technology.
Food & Wine
Nelson is slow food: indigenous flavours, sun-kissed fruit, farm-fresh
vegetables and succulent seafood provide endless gastronomic inspiration,
accompanied by high quality wines.
Fresh ingredients are transformed into mouth watering fare you can enjoy
in an environment of unsurpassed beauty. Dine among the vines, along
the waterfront with fabulous views, at a country café, or in
the city-scape. Seafood is a specialty, from chowder to garlic mussels,
so eat, explore, enjoy! Haute cuisine to Kiwi fish ‘n’ chips
– it just tastes better here!
Arts & Craft
When you’re not wining and dining, sailing or in a national park…catch
the region during the Nelson Arts Festival in October with national
and international acts. Hot on its heels comes the Sealord Summer Festival,
with many events including the vibrant Kite Festival in January. Summer
continues with the annual Opera in The Park in February. Even in winter
the region sizzles with the Nelson School of Music’s popular Winter
Festival programme.
(source: www.nelsonnz.co.nz
- visit this site for further info on Nelson region)
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