Tourism New Zealand - Nelson

Tourism New Zealand – Nelson (Part 1)

The population of Nelson is around 41600 people. The airport is located 7.7km from the city centre and 15-20 minutes by car. To get to Picton (where the inter-island ferry operates from) is about a 2 hour (114km) drive. Christchurch is about a 6 hour drive south (424km). Westport is about a 3 hour 15 minute drive (226km) to the southwest.

The major industry in Nelson is tourism, forestry, fishing, viticulture, agriculture and horticulture. The region is much loved by artists. There are more than 350 working artists live and create in galleries and workshops throughout the region. The Nelson wine industry is boutique, producing wines that are highly sought after and the region hosts some great wineries.

The Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand has five geographical areas: Nelson/Richmond, Mapua/Motueka Motuere, Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and Murchison/St Arnaud. Each area has unique features and history.

Lake Taupo

The population of Taupo is approximately 20350. The airport is off State Highway 1, a four kilometers drive along the lakefront from the Central Business District. From Taupo it is a 278km (4 hour) drive north to Auckland or a 380km (5 hour 10 minute) drive south to Wellington. The major industry for the area is forestry, energy, tourism, agriculture and retail.

Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption. The lake is the size of Singapore and the
largest fresh water lake in Australasia. Heading north from Taupo through to Rotorua there are various places with geothermal activity. The area is also renowned for Maori culture. Just north of the town you will find the Huka Falls on the Waikato River, New Zealand's largest river.

From the southern end of Lake Taupo you are close to the central three mountains of the North Island and it is not far to be skiing on Mount Ruapehu, the main North Island skiable mountain.
Turangi at the southern end of Lake Taupo consider the town is the anglers' paradise. Lake Taupo is also well renowned for great fishing around the area.