Nelson

The Nelson Tasman region, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, has a huge range of recreational resources, a great climate and a wealth of cultural and artistic activity. This makes for a vibrant and exciting region, which is a great place to live or visit. All year round, locals and visitors celebrate the region with events and festivals that range from internationally renowned performing arts through to community fairs and competitions.

For those wanting a cultural experience, an absolute must is the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards held annually, an internationally acclaimed theatrical extravaganza. Held bi-annually, the Adam Festival of Chamber Music offers an exciting opportunity to hear national and international classical musicians. The Nelson Arts Festival held in September each year is a week long celebration of arts in the region for both locals and visitors. Nelson School of Music's annual Winter Festival in July features an exciting mix of top international and national artists in a variety of highly popular musical styles.

The outdoors in Nelson give many reasons to celebrate and events such as Rainbow Rage, a 106km mountain bike adventure ride through some of the South Island's spectacular sub alpine country and the Antique and Classic Boat Show, held in St Arnaud which is nestled on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park, make the most of the stunning natural resources.

Abel Tasman National Park. This absolutely stunning area is one of New Zealand's favorite tramping and Beach destinations. Although you wouldn't know when basking on one of its secluded beaches. Whether you're looking for an active holiday of tramping and kayaking, or a lazy day at the beach, Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect destination. The entire Track can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days to tramp depending on you time frame. If the weather is fine you will be wanting to stay for a week. There are ample water taxi's available for those not so keen on walking or Kayaking. Day trips to and from civilization are readily available.

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park. It protects 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand.

Nelson's fresh produce and seafood is always appreciated, every festival and fair features local gourmet delights and events such as Hooked on Seafood not only showcase the best of the best but are a guaranteed great day out!

From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, our place is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand's highest sunshine hours.