Nelson Maps

Nelson is a city situated at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand. Named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, the city was established in 1841 and became a city by royal charter in 1858. Nelson serves as the administrative center for the Nelson Region and has a population of approximately 55,000 residents.

The city is nestled between Tasman Bay and the hills of the Western Ranges. Nelson is known for its year-round sunny climate, receiving around 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand. The city's geography includes a natural harbor and fertile plains, which have played a crucial role in its development as a significant port and agricultural center.

Nelson's economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as fishing, forestry, horticulture, and tourism. The Port of Nelson is the largest fishing port in Australasia. The region is particularly famous for its wine production, with numerous vineyards in the surrounding areas. The city is also recognized as one of New Zealand's major arts and crafts centers, hosting many artists and craftspeople who work with various media including pottery, glass-blowing, and woodworking.

Notable attractions in Nelson include the Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1925, which stands as a prominent landmark in the city center. Founders Heritage Park offers visitors a glimpse into Nelson's colonial history through its collection of heritage buildings and exhibits. The Nelson Provincial Museum, established in 1841, is the oldest museum in New Zealand and houses significant collections relating to the region's natural and human history. The Queens Gardens, created in 1892 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, features Victorian-style gardens and native New Zealand plants.

The surrounding region offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The Abel Tasman National Park, located nearby, is New Zealand's smallest national park but one of its most visited, famous for its golden beaches and clear turquoise waters. The city serves as a gateway to three national parks: Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes. The Centre of New Zealand monument, situated atop Botanical Hill, offers panoramic views of the city and bay, marking the geographical center point of New Zealand as calculated in the 1800s.

The Facts:
Region: Nelson.
Island: South Island.
Population: ~ 55,200 (June 2024).

Suburbs of Nelson: Nelson Central, Brooklands, Beachville, Bishopdale, Greenmeadows Park, The Wood, Hanby Park, Britannia Heights, Maitai, Nelson East, Nelson South, Toi Toi, Port Nelson, Saxton, The Brook, Washington Valley, Stepneyville, Moana, Glenduan, Wakapuaka, Todds Valley, Maitlands, Atawhai, Dodson Valley, Monaco, Tāhunanui, Enner Glynn, Marybank, Nayland, Tasman Heights, Annesbrook, Wakatu, Stoke.

Main sights in Nelson: Christ Church Cathedral, Centre of New Zealand Monument, Nelson Lakes National Park, Rabbit Island, Queen’s Garden.

Postcodes: 7010, 7011, 7020.
Area code: 03.
Google Map of Nelson
Website: www.nelson.govt.nz.

Major highways: State Highway 6.
Universities: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.