Nelson, New Zealand
Nelson, famous for its sunshine, long golden beaches and national parks
Nelson, the geographical centre of New Zealand. Â The Nelson region is famous for its year-round sunshine, long golden beaches, national parks, locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood, and a large creative community of working artists. A vibrant music, arts and cultural calendar with a multitude of annual events and festivals.
Traditional Kiwi hospitality
The City of Nelson is large enough to offer all the services and amenities of a large city yet is small enough to be intimate, welcoming and friendly. It is New Zealand’s largest fishing port and the gateway to a major forestry and horticulture industry. Add to this the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and traditional Kiwi hospitality and you can understand why Nelson is a place to which holiday makers flock all year round.
Abel Tasman National Park
The journey from the city of Nelson into the western region of Golden Bay and the  is truly spectacular. Here the beautiful coastline is famous for clear blue waters and pristine golden sand beaches. The Abel Tasman National Park can be explored by guided walks, sea kayak, cruise boat, water taxi or freedom walking – experience penguins, seals, dolphins and native birds all set in lush native forest and beautiful beaches.
Nelson Lakes National Park
Inland Nelson is a wonderland of water adventure, including kayaking, rafting, boating and for those who prefer fishing, the  area provides some of the best trout fishing in the world.
Kahurangi National Park
has diverse forest and alpine flora and fauna and a wide array of landforms. It is the start of the famous Heaphy Track with short walks and multi-day walking options.
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- – Things to see and do
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- - Activities in Nelson
Rainbow Ski field
The Southern Alps of New Zealand are host to a number of superb ski areas.
One of the most beautiful is Rainbow Ski Area near St Arnaud, high in the north of this great mountain chain within 90 minutes of the Nelson / Marlborough region.
Snow boarding is also welcome and one of the popular excursions!
“Each individual is well supported through holistic academic and pastoral pathways for success."
- Education Review Office Report 2020
New Zealand
New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan. With a population of only four million people it’s also gloriously uncrowded.
Spectacular Scenery
Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches – it’s all here. No wonder New Zealand is becoming so popular as a location for movies.
Lying in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. Stewart Island and many smaller islands lie offshore.
The North Island of New Zealand has a ‘spine’ of mountain ranges running through the middle, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides. The central North Island is dominated by the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area. The massive Southern Alps form the backbone of the South Island. To the east of the Southern Alps is the rolling farmland of Otago and Southland, and the vast, flat Canterbury Plains.
Learn about the history of New Zealand, our weather and climate, and read visitor information to help you when you arrive.
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