The Nelson Region

The Nelson region is about azure skies and unspoilt beauty - beaches, lakes, mountains and forests, spectacular scenery all under one "blue roof!"

Nelson region combines the best the New Zealand experience has to offer and delivers across stunning scenery, with the most sunshine hours to boot!

The jewel in Nelson's crown - the Abel Tasman National park; unique landforms, vineyards and gourmet cafes, artists, galleries and boutique shopping experiences are easily accessible and visitors to our region are able to experience all that Nelson area has to offer, whether in a short time frame or a more lengthy stay.

Nelson is a uniquely art and craft paradise - blending lifestyle and scenery at the top northwest corner of the South Island. Mountains frame our region from the tip of the Southern Alps across National Parks to numerous beaches with golden sand and clear blue water.

The "Jewel In Our Crown" - the Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand's smallest national park is 22,350ha, famous for its golden beaches stretching from Marahau, just past beautiful Kaiteriteri and Motueka, to Wainui Bay, in Golden Bay. There are two walking tracks; the coastal track, and the inland track through the hilly centre of the park, where this unique region offers both experiences at the same time - all levels of fitness can enjoy the coastal track with easy walking through native bush.

There are four main entrances to the park - Marahau and Kaiteriteri - at the southern end, reached by road from Motueka, and the two northern entrances - Totaranui and Wainui, reached by road from Takaka in Golden Bay. Regular and on-demand bus services provide access to both points.

Commercial boat operators offer day excursions, drop-off and pick-up for walkers at various points along the coast, throughout the park. Sight seeing can be an all boating experience, either by kayak or commercial operator, to take in the breath-taking scenery of the golden coastline, seals and dolphins; or a combination of walking and boating.

Sixty-five kms and approximately 40 minutes drive from "Ambleside" Luxury Bed & Breakfast to Marahau, our guests nearly all make the Abel Tasman a part of their Nelson experience and return, sun-kissed and blissful, eager to share their adventures with our new arrivals anxious to take in all that Nelson has to offer.

Nelson Events

Arts, Wine & Food Festivals Etc

Over the summer season, the Nelson/Tasman region hosts various Wine & Food festivals, Arts, Craft, Jazz and Buskers Festivals. These events are well worth attending as they showcase Nelson's finest in one place at one time. The Buskers festivals are very entertaining and held daily in Nelson city with the grand finale taking place on the church steps in the evening. The culmination of the summer festival is the Sealord Opera in the Park.

Sealord Opera in the Park with Dame Kiri Te Kawana and Friends

Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Sat 16 Feb

One of the world's best loved and respected sopranos, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, will be back in New Zealand for a one off performance at Nelson's Sealord Opera in the Park, marking the popular event's tenth anniversary. This is a large event hosting national and international opera stars, symphony orchestra and culminating with a fireworks display to music. Your hosts will have tickets available to this event for you to purchase should you desire to attend, as you may only arrive on the day.

Brightwater Wine and Food Festival

Brightwater, Nelson, Sun 17 Feb

The Brightwater Wine and Food Festival has become an iconic event of the Nelson region's summer season. It features a wonderful choice of local wines, olive products and boutique beers, complemented with selected craft.

There is a booklet on the shelf in the guest lounge explaining venues and timetables for these events. The Flea Market is held in Nelson City every Saturday morning and usually worth attending.