Nelson, New Zealand, is the oldest city on South Island and the second-oldest settled city in the country. With such a long-standing history, it is unsurprising that the city is steeped richly in culture, both European and Maori. Famed for its art scene and surrounding natural wonders, it’s recommended for one to grab a rental car for exploring Nelson.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Nelson, New Zealand has remarkably diverse geography that ranges from sunny beaches to pristine forests. There are countless idyllic coastal nooks waiting for tourists to explore, especially the Abel Tasman Coast Track. One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, it meanders through golden coastlines and seaside forests, providing visitors with spectacular sea views at every turn. Located within Abel Tasman National Park, this track is only an hour’s journey away by rental car from Nelson Airport.
For those who prefer a more wintery landscape, Nelson Lakes National Park provides just the perfect alpine experience. About 90 minutes away from Nelson Airport by rental car, visitors will be greeted by a panorama of rugged hills, snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, all silhouetted against a cerulean sky. Home to the beginning of the majestic Southern Alps, this park caters to tourists of all fitness levels, with its lakeside walking tracks to steep alpine hikes. Fun fact: the park was sculpted by massive glaciers in the most recent ice ages, and many glacial landmasses remain, such as the alpine lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Guests to Nelson can also rent cars and visit the neighbouring village of St Arnaud.
Explorer-types can choose to visit Kahurangi National Park, located only a stone’s throw away from Nelson Airport by rental car. Aptly named (Kahurangi means treasured possession in Maori), it houses some of the oldest rocks, strangest plants and rarest birds in the nation. Although much of the forested area is untracked wilderness, tourists will be satisfied by the sprawling network of walking tracks that cover 78km of subtropical rainforest. This route is also culturally significant, as local Maori tribes treaded the same footsteps for hundreds of years to mine for greenstone resources along the coast. This park in Nelson, New Zealand, is truly a geographical wonder with its marble mountains and arches that will most definitely sate anyone with a passion for geology.
Who knows what’s in the water in Nelson, but within decades, this city has become a bustling hive for all forms of art. Artists from all over the world flock to Nelson, New Zealand to take part in the dynamic culture of art, ranging from glassblowing to painting and sculpting, and the list goes on. Local artisans’ works are featured weekly every Saturday in central Nelson City, which is accessible by rental car. Regarded as an absolute must-do, this trip will be eye opening for many tourists as they witness the multitude of art forms and knick-knacks on sale. Bargain hunters will adore this place because trust us, it’s cheap! Don’t forget a visit to Jens Hansen – The Ringmaker. An internationally acclaimed artisan jeweler, Hansen is the creator of the ‘One Ring’ from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Very exciting stuff.
Nelson, New Zealand, is a beautiful city with an ancient history. Perfect for all tourists with its sunny beaches and enticing alps, a trip there will definitely be worth your while.
