144km (89 miles) W of Picton; 226km (140 miles) NE of Westport; 424km (263 miles) N of Christchurch
Nelson is the sunniest playground in New Zealand. Its 2,500 hours of annual sunshine, tranquil waters, gold-sand beaches, vineyards, and craft activities make it one of the most popular destinations in the country. And the good thing is, this applies to winter as well. While the rest of the country is lashed with foul winter chills, Nelson sits in a sheltered haven, blissfully unaware of everyone else's discomfort.
Perhaps this accounts for why the area is one of the last bastions of alternative lifestylers, especially in the Takaka-Golden Bay area. Immigrating Europeans and Americans have sought it out, too, so you'll find plenty of mixed accents among the locals.
The combined population of Nelson City and nearby Richmond is about 51,000. An hour's drive east is the small town of Motueka, population 12,000, and between the two is an area rich in tourist pickings. This is where you'll find most of the 300 full-time artists and craftspeople. It's thick with orchards, vineyards, galleries, quaint shops, and cafes, and a visit here should not be rushed. It's a laid-back province that quickly convinces you that laid-back is best.
