DESTINATION NELSON
The city of Nelson is close to the centre of New Zealand. It lies at the shore of Tasman Bay, at the northern end of the South Island and is striking for its combination of golden beaches and idyllic bays, framed by native forests and snow-capped mountains. It’s a popular holiday destination all year round.
Nelson received its name in honour of the Admiral Horatio Nelson who defeated both the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Many of the roads and public areas around the city are named after people and ships associated with that battle and Trafalgar Street is the main shopping axis of the city.
Nelson is a creative art centre in New Zealand. With over 300 working artists spread throughout the region. Once a year, painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, potters, glass blowers and jewellers come together under one roof for a mega exhibition of art called Art Expo Nelson. This exhibition along with the Nelson Arts Festival will be in full swing at the time of your conference.
The World of Wearable Art Awards began near Nelson and despite the show being held in Wellington the WOW museum showcasing many winning designs is housed close to Nelson Airport.
This year also saw the opening of an internationally significant collection of unique classic motorcycles at the NZ Classic Motorcycles, located near to the centre of Nelson. Experience around 300 motorcycles spanning a centuary and including the incomparable Britten V1100 and a gallery of original art.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a sophisticated and unspoilt land with truly breath-taking scenery. One minute you can be soaking in natural thermal pools or scaling glorious mountains, the next you are enjoying fine dining in absolute luxury. It is 100% pure – pure nature, pure adventure, pure relaxation – no wonder it is the envy of the world. The modern urban lifestyle, stable political environment and friendly people attract millions of visitors every year, and they keep coming back. Our primary language is English and our exchange rate tends to benefit visitors. Come visit us. Live and breathe the Kiwi way of life for a while and see why some don’t want to leave Aotearoa, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.
For further Information about New Zealand visit www.purenz.com or www.tourism.org.nz
GETTING THERE
Nelson airport is the fourth busiest airport in New Zealand and is mainly serviced by New Zealand's national carrier, Air New Zealand. There is also a smaller airline called Air-2-there which has services from Wellington. A number of light plane and helicopter companies also operate from the busy regional airport. Nelson Lakes also has an airstrip at St Arnaud where scenic flights can land.
FLYING TIME TO/FROM NELSON
Direct flight times to Nelson (approximate flying times)
| Auckland to Nelson | 1 hour 20 mins |
| Wellington to Nelson 35 mins | 35 mins |
| Christchurch to Nelson | 50 mins |
FERRY CROSSING TIMES WELLINGTON TO PICTON
Ferry crossing times from Wellington to Picton (approximate sailing times)
| Wellington to Picton (Interislander) | 3 hours |
| Wellington to Picton (Bluebridge Service) |
3 hours 20 mins |
DRIVING TIMES TO AND FROM NELSON
| Driving times | k/ms | Time |
| Picton to Nelson city | 144 | 2 hrs |
| Westport to Nelson city | 226 | 3 hrs 15 mins |
| Christchurch to Nelson city | 424 | 6 hrs |
| Nelson city to Motueka | 51 | 45 Mins |
| Blenheim to Nelson City | 116 | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Nelson city to Takaka |
109 | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Kaikoura to Nelson |
246 | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Nelson city to St Arnaud |
109 | 1 hr 30 mins |
| St Arnaud to Picton |
125 | 1 hr 45 mins |
| Nelson city to Murchison |
129 | 1 hr 50 mins |
| Hanmer to Nelson | 301 | 4 hrs |
TAXIS, RENTAL CARS, SHUTTLES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Taxis:
| Nelson City Taxis Ph: +64 3 548 8225 Freephone: 0800 10 88 55 Web: www.nelsontaxis.co.nz |
Corporate Class Cars Ph: +64 3 547 9007 Dean: 027 724 8917 Web: www.corporateclasscars.co.nz |
Sun City Taxis Ph: +64 3 548 2666 Freephone: 0800 422 666 Web: www.suncitytaxis.co.nz |
Rental Cars:
| AVIS New Zealand Ph: +64 3 547 2727 Website |
Budget Ph: 0800 283 438 (NZ) Website |
Rent a Car Ph: +64 3 547 1270 Website |
Super Shuttle:
| Ph: 0800 SHUTTLE (748885) Website: www.supershuttle.co.nz |
