Destination Profile
Haloed by grassy hills and lapped by the waters of Tasman Bay, Nelson occupies one of the finest plinths in South Island. It's known as the sunniest part of New Zealand, and is loaded with all the gold-tinged beaches and cooling surf to match that accolade. What's more, the Wild West Coast and the great rises of the Southern Alps both begin just on the doorstop, so the town is a prime base for avid adventurers. Cheap flights to Nelson can bring you in from all over NZ. There are links from Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and even smaller airfields like Karamea.
Just over an hour's drive from the city, the Nelson Lakes National Park spreads over the Saint Arnaud Range to offer tramping and ski slopes alike.
Abel Tasman National Park might be small, but it hosts penguins, tidal islands, gurgling waterfalls, and gleaming white-sand beaches alike within its borders.
Some accessible trekking paths link up the headlands of Glenduan to reveal spectacular views of Tasman Bay.
Air New Zealand have direct flights to Nelson.
Air New Zealand is the best airline to fly to Nelson and it flies non-stop.