Nelson. It has an area of only 445 square kilometers. The length of the region from northeast to southwest is about sixty kilometers, and the width at its largest point is about fifteen kilometers. As you can see, the sizes are not large. And the main city in the region is Nelson, and it is the only one there. Nelson is in the western part of this tiny regional territory, on the shores of Tasman Sound. From the east, Nelson is completely protected by mountains, which occupy the entire territory of the region. The Meitai River flows through the city. The Nelson region borders only two regions. From the east and southeast, along mountainous, desert land, there is an administrative border with the wine-growing region, and from the southwest there is a region. The distance between Nelson and the administrative center of Tasman is considered to be 10 kilometers, but practically these two cities have merged into one.
Population and self-government.
Nelson has a population of 51,900. Given the concentration of a relatively large population in a small area, the population density of the Nelson region is quite high, but almost the entire population is concentrated within the city limits of Nelson. Some sources put Nelson's population at over sixty thousand. But these data also include the population of Richmond, which is not entirely true, since Richmond is a completely independent city. Although a number of issues of social coexistence are resolved jointly with the Tasman region, issues related to local government, as well as the management and distribution of resource potential, are the separate competence of the two regions. Several years ago, the question was raised about merging the two neighboring territories, in terms of financial, administrative, joint use of the Port of Nelson and in the tourism business. In April 2012, an official public survey was conducted, as a result of which this topic did not find support from the majority of the population. Three-quarters of Richmond's population opposed such a merger.
Story.
Since Nelson and Richmond are the closest cities, and the Nelson and Tasman regions are in close proximity, their history is very closely connected. Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands were devastated by the raids of northern tribes, led by the "Napoleon of the southern hemisphere" leader Te Rauperah. The first European settlers arrived in the area of present-day Nelson in November 1841, and already in 1842, wooden houses, barns, and streets were built on the site of modern Nelson. From the beginning, three ships from England, led by Captain Arthur Wakefield, arrived in the area of present-day Nelson. Subsequently, 18 more ships arrived. Among the first settlers to the Nelson area were immigrants from Germany, Protestant Lutherans and Bavarian Catholics. They arrived here on the ship St. Pauli. There are currently no statistics on the number of citizens of German origin, but the German Embassy states that the Nelson-Tasman region has the largest population of German origin in New Zealand. The resettlement and colonization of this region was organized by the New Zealand Company, which was based in London. The company's goal was to purchase land plots (it was planned to purchase 800 square kilometers), and then sell them for commercial purposes. But over time, difficulties arose. The planned amount of land was not here, since the Maori did not want to sell their lands. A conflict situation arose, which over time developed into bloody clashes.
The city of Nelson received its name in honor of Vice Admiral Baron Horatio Nelson, the famous English naval commander. Nelson's Maori name Whakatu, means to build, or to establish. From 1853 to 1876, Nelson was the center of a province whose borders were significantly larger than the modern region. They included the present Buller, Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough. On September 27, 1858, Nelson was awarded a letter of patent, according to which he (Nelsor) was proclaimed a city. In October 1859, Marlborough separated from the province of Nelson. In 1958, to mark the centenary of Nelson's existence as a city, it was awarded a coat of arms by the Royal College of Heralds.
Economy.
Currently Nelson is the economically developed region of the country. The region's economy is based on horticulture, forestry, seafood processing, and tourism. Small business and engineering technologies are widely developed; the city has many shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Port Nelson is the largest fishing port not only in New Zealand, but throughout Australasia, and the city's airport is rightfully considered one of the attractions of the Nelson region. It is located in the south-west of the city, approximately equidistant from Richmond and Nelson city centre, and has international status. Nelson is connected by air to Wellington and many cities around the world, and the airport's passenger turnover is one million people a year. Nelson is home to the Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology, which was founded a century ago, as well as a teachers' college. Festivals pass through the region and are held annually.
Religious structure.
The religious structure of the Nelson region is characterized by a high proportion of people who do not identify with any religion (32.2%). 20.7% of the population are members of the Church of England. Although, in my opinion, it is not entirely correct to define questions of faith as percentages.
Climate.
The climate of the Nelson region is temperate and oceanic. Summers here are warm, the air temperature sometimes reaches 36 degrees. Winters are cool, but there are no very low temperatures. The thermometer rarely drops to six below zero. The amount of precipitation is not large and it is evenly distributed throughout the year. Nelson is one of the sunniest regions of New Zealand. There are a very large number of hours of sunshine here (the average annual statistics is 2400 hours of sunshine). In this regard, Nelson received the nickname "Sunny Nelson".
The geographic center of New Zealand is believed to be in Nelson, on a hilltop not far from the city center. The zero-zero point from which the first trigonometric studies were carried out in 1870. But in 1962, taking into account Stewart Island and a number of other islands, it was established that the geographic center of New Zealand is located 35 kilometers southwest of Nelson. In 1867, Francis Stephen called Nelson "the Naples of the Southern Hemisphere."
Named after the world-famous Admiral Nelson - the city of the same name - Nelson is considered the smallest region in the country, because its area is only 444 square kilometers. Founded in 1841, this town has several very good beaches for relaxation and a fairly large port, as well as picturesque parks. In addition, it is here, on the top of a hill located in the city center, that the so-called geographical center of New Zealand is located - Point Zero, which is marked by an original statue.
Where is Nelson located in New Zealand?
Nelson in New Zealand, despite its small territorial size, is considered a resort town located in the north, and is one of the oldest regions in the entire country.
The territory in which the New Zealand city of Nelson is located is often called Tasmania and the “top of the South,” the geographical center of the country. You can get to the city by buses traveling in all directions throughout the South Island. In addition, Nelson has an airport that is the fourth busiest in New Zealand. There are flights from several cities here, including, and others. To get to the city, you can also use a car. So, a trip from Christchurch to Nelson will take only 6 hours, and from Blenheim it will take an hour and a half.
Features of climate and nature in Nelson
The nature of Nelson in New Zealand is fabulous and diverse. Incredible views of rivers, hills and mountains create a pleasant impression of this cozy place. Nelson differs from many New Zealand regions in that it is located along the coastline of the island and is surrounded on all sides by mountains and ocean. Within the city there are beaches where locals and tourists love to relax. The Port of Nelson seems to be covered by a nature-created strip 13 kilometers long, called Boulder Bank. The builders even needed to make a 150-meter cut in this strip, which allowed access to the bay for ships.
Many people call the climate of the city of Nelson in New Zealand ideal, because the sun is there more often than in other regions of the country. Moderately warm weather has led to active grape growing in these areas. The driest month here is February, and the most rainfall usually occurs in May. As for the temperature, it is better for those who like to bask in the sun to come to Nelson in January, when the air warms up to an average of 18 degrees, but the lowest temperature of 7 degrees usually remains during July.
Places of interest in Nelson
Nelson is famous for its picturesque countryside, golden beaches and green mountains. Once here, tourists should include in their cultural program a visit located on the shore. In this park, visitors are invited to take a walking route on a real journey, during which they will be able to see the bays, cliffs and unique flora of the city.
Another interesting park is located on the island of Tonga, where you can see seals and even sail along the river in a kayak. Nelson is also home to a clothing and classic car museum, which opened relatively recently in 2001.
You can learn about the history of the city and get acquainted with the way of life of the first tribes inhabiting the region at the Nelson County Museum, where more than a million exhibits are collected, including antiques, photographs, books, and art objects. On Saturdays, admission is free for visitors.
Nelson's significant buildings include Amber House, a two-story villa located on the Century Street river. The interior of this unique building even preserves wallpaper from the late 19th century. In the garden next to Amber House there is an English walnut tree, which is the oldest in the entire South Island. For a family holiday, Tahunanui Beach is ideal, where you can get there by regular city bus.
Finally, tourists should definitely visit the observation deck, which is the so-called “zero mark” for the entire country.
Nelson Hotels
In Nelson, tourists with any level of income and requirements for comfort will find a suitable place to stay. There are both expensive and quite affordable hotels and inns. Among them, it is worth highlighting the most popular:
- The Chelsea Park Motor Lodge hotel, located almost in the very center of the city, attracts the attention of tourists with truly luxurious rooms that have Wi-Fi, a kitchenette and a TV with fifty satellite channels. The daily cost of a double room is about $87.
- The five-star Delorenzo Studio Apartments is a huge complex with an outdoor swimming pool. The studios have free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and a bathroom with hydromassage. In addition, all apartments in the complex have a TV and a spacious balcony. The cost of living in a room for two is about $70 per day.
Lunch and dinner in Nelson
The city of Nelson in New Zealand, in terms of gastronomic dishes, is famous for its wines and seafood dishes. Many restaurants and cafes serve fish and meat with deep-fried potatoes or another type of side dish - kumar. Among the traditional desserts, it is worth highlighting plum cake and fruit pie.
So, for a portion of grilled chicken and French fries, a tourist should go to the Cafe Affair of Nelson, have a delicious omelet breakfast at the Anchor Bar & Grill, and get a hearty, healthy and satisfying lunch at the Boat Shed Cafe. It is better to have dinner in the romantic atmosphere of the Golden Bell Thai Restaurant, where visitors are offered to taste Thai cuisine.
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What else interesting awaits tourists in Nelson?
The city of Nelson is famous for its wide development of culture and art, which is reflected in the creation of a large number of craft workshops and galleries, which present products made of ceramics, glass and wood. Every Saturday there are fairs where tourists can buy souvenirs. One of the city's main events is the Jazz and Blues Festival, as well as the Kite Festival.
Tourists who are fans of the film “The Lord of the Rings” should continue their shopping at the Jens Hansen jewelry store. It is worth noting that the main concentration of shops and souvenir shops is concentrated on central streets, such as Waimea Road and Main Road.
The city of Nelson is notable for its picturesque embankment and harbour, the entrance to which is protected by a rocky ridge stretching for 13 kilometers. There is a zoo in Nelson, home to numerous species of animals.
On one of the streets stands the Cathedral of the Church of Christ, opened in 1965. The city often hosts cultural events, including the traditional Nelson Arts Festival. The World of Applied Arts Museum is located near the international airport. One of the suburbs of Nelson is the birthplace of Ernest Rutherford, a famous physicist.
In summer, these places have almost Mediterranean weather, and Nelson not only has magnificent beaches, the city is surrounded by valleys with orchards and vineyards. This area of the South Island is New Zealand's sunniest place and not only has an ideal climate, but also excellent soil for growing grapes.
Oakland-based Montana Wines arrived here in the 1970s, followed by other wineries. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling are produced here, and the best way to taste them is to organize your own “wine tour”. You can, of course, go on an organized excursion, but you will be forced to visit too many places, so the enjoyment will be limited.
Mount Robson Provincial Park, located in approximately the central part of British Columbia, is famous for the fact that it originates the Feather River. The river flows northwest and at Prince George Island changes direction to the south. Changing direction, the Fraser will connect with several tributaries, where the height of the river banks increases to 50-100 meters. At Quinel, the river flows into Fraser Canyon and joins the Chilcotin River to the west.
The length of the river is 1370 kilometers. Most of the river basin is located in Canada, and a smaller part is in the United States. The river is fed by rain and snow. The period from May to September is the beginning of the flood. The population uses about 112 cubic kilometers of water per year. The river was explored by Simon Fraser, a representative of the North West Company trading house, in 1808.
Lake Moberly
Lake Moberly is a freshwater lake located in northern British Columbia in Canada. Named after Henry John Moberly, a fur trader who lived on the banks of this reservoir for a long time at the end of the nineteenth century.
The indigenous people revered Lake Moberly very much, as they could always feed themselves thanks to the fish-rich waters. Also among the original peoples there was a legend about a fabulous creature that lived in the lake and appeared there from another world. The mystical story says that the mysterious resident appeared due to the fact that the lake has no bottom.
The flora and fauna of Lake Moberly is very diverse. Eagles and loons live in the treetops, and pike, trout and whitefish, traditional for northern Canada, live in the waters of the lake. On the shores of the lake you can set up a tent camp, try your luck at fishing, or just take a walk around this picturesque corner.
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River Beatton
The Beatton River is a freshwater river flowing through northeastern British Columbia in Canada. The river is named after Frank Beaton, a manager of the Hudson's Bay Company, who lived near the river for a long time and managed the fur trade in those areas.
The natural conditions here are quite harsh. But such a climate contributes to the preservation of this uniquely beautiful place. The river bed narrows in places and then the water passes through narrow gorges, forming water rapids.
The fauna is rich, including wolves, brown and grizzly bears, moose, pumas and deer.
In addition to stunning scenery, the area around the Beatton River is interesting for its archaeological finds. A site of ancient people was discovered here, at least 10,000 years old.
The Kechika River is a freshwater river flowing through the province of British Columbia in Canada. This is a corner of completely wild, untouched nature. Grizzly bears, mountain goats, moose, pumas and wolves are found in the forests along the banks of the Kechika River. Eagles and loons live in the treetops, and pike, trout and whitefish, traditional for northern Canada, live in the waters of the lake.
On the banks of the river you can set up a tent camp, try your luck at fishing, or just take a walk in this picturesque corner. Traveling along the Kechika River is not an adventure for the faint of heart. But travelers who overcome the harsh climate will be rewarded with stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences.
Tuchodi River
The Tuchodi River is a freshwater river flowing through northern British Columbia in Canada. Originates in the northern Rocky Mountains. In the language of the indigenous people of these areas, the name of the river means “big water.”
The natural conditions here are quite harsh. But this climate contributes to the preservation of this amazing place. Deer, mountain goats, moose, grizzly bears, wolves and cougars peacefully roam along the banks of the Tuchodi River.
The flora here is also diverse. In the upper reaches of the river dwarf willows, birches, alpine grasses and lichens grow. In the lower reaches there are coniferous forests. Poplars and aspens are also found there.
River Prophet
The Prophet River is a freshwater river that flows through northern British Columbia in Canada. It is a tributary of the Muskwa River.
On its banks there are many national parks, all of them are small, however, tourists will have something to see on their territory. These are, for example, waterfalls and hot springs. You can also go fishing or canoeing in the waters of the Prophet River.
Lovers of relaxing activities will enjoy the picturesque landscapes on the banks of the river. They are especially beautiful in the fall, when the leaves are colored with bright colors.
The Prophet River may not be as big as its older sisters, but they all carry their waves into the Mackenzie. And without rivers like the Prophet, the Mackenzie would not be Canada's longest and deepest river.
Gallery of Art" History and Science
The Gallery of Art, History and Science was built in the 1970s to allow local residents to enjoy great works of world art.
The gallery currently displays works of art created by children or teenagers as part of its permanent exhibition - sculptures, paintings, drawings and ceramics reflect the world as seen through the eyes of a new generation.
Particularly noteworthy about the gallery is the skill of the staff in working with the younger generation and hosting a range of attractive events. Thus, together with the children, the gallery planted a number of shrubs and trees in the organization’s garden and established joint work on the restoration and arrangement of islands with local herbs and flowers.
In the gift shop, aspiring artists and craftsmen can try their luck by offering their own works for sale.
Touchstones Museum
The Touchstones Museum is located in one of the most prominent buildings in the city, located at the intersection of Ward and Vernon streets.
As noted by the public, Touchstones Museum is a vibrant institution that serves as a cultural anchor in Nelson and is a symbol of the city in British Columbia.
The museum building was built in the Romanesque style; it successfully combines marble and granite, locally produced brick and pink brick from Washington State.
In 1902, this building was built to house the office of postal, customs and tax services. After 1955, the building was used as a museum housing artifacts and works of art related to the British Columbia region.
The most popular attractions in Nelson with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Find the best places to visit famous places in Nelson on our website.
Trafalgar Street is crowned by Church Hill and Christ Church Cathedral, located on its top. Christchurch Cathedral is the third church built on the site, which also formerly housed a surveyor's office, pas, fort and immigrant barracks. The hill is connected to Trafalgar Square by impressive granite steps, which, among many other gifts, were given to the city by the famous philanthropist Thomas Cawthron. The panels illustrate the history of the hill and some notable trees. This, as you probably already guessed, was another excerpt from the guidebook. The funny thing is that the photo in this guide is exactly the same as the one you see below in my rendition. The angle is almost the same. http://www.pronya.ru/, he won’t let me lie, I just demonstrated it to him.
Here is a view inside the Cathedral. Everything is quite concise and neat.
The perimeter of the cathedral is decorated with a flower alley.
Nelson is at your feet.
I hope to finish with the southern island tomorrow and move on to the tidbit of its northern brother. Thank you all again for your feedback and questions in the comments!