Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Plane -- Nelson City Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in New Zealand, with regular direct flights to and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and major provincial centers. It's serviced by Air New Zealand (tel. 0800/737-000; www.airnewzealand.co.nz). Super Shuttle (tel. 0800/748-885 in NZ; www.supershuttle.co.nz), operates regularly between the airport and the city center for NZ$20 (US$14/£7.20) one-way.

By Coach (Bus) -- InterCity, 27 Bridge St., Nelson (tel. 03/548-1538; www.intercitycoach.co.nz), connects Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura/Marlborough or the Lewis Pass. Both Kiwi Experience (tel. 09/366-9830) and the Magic Travellers Network (tel. 09/358-5600) include Nelson on their schedules. There are several local bus companies that link all towns within the region. Details are available from the visitor center.

By Car -- The scenic drive from Picton to Nelson, via Queen Charlotte Sound (narrow and winding), or State Highway 6 (more direct), takes approximately 2 hours without stops. (The scenic route takes about a half-hour longer than the State Highway.) If you're coming from the West Coast, the drive from Westport takes approximately 3 1/2 hours; from Christchurch via Lewis Pass, about 5 hours, or via Kaikoura-Blenheim, 6 hours.

By Taxi -- Taxis pick up passengers outside the Majestic Theatre on Trafalgar Street and on Bridge Street opposite the Suburban Bus Company. For pickup, call Nelson City Taxis (tel. 03/548-8225), Sun City Taxis (tel. 03/548-2666), or Motueka Taxis (tel. 03/528-7900).

Orientation

Two landmarks will keep you oriented in Nelson: Trafalgar Street (the main street) and Church Hill, owned by Christ Church Cathedral and surrounded by lush lawns. The steps leading up to the church are a local gathering point. If there is any trouble at all to be had in Nelson, you'll usually find it in this area after dark.

Most shops, cafes, and restaurants are at Trafalgar and Halifax streets, although you'll find a few eateries around the bay on the waterfront. The waterfront road leads to Richmond township, which is 14km (8 1/2 miles) and approximately a 10-minute drive away.

Past Richmond, you turn right over the railway bridge and take the Coastal Highway (St. Hwy. 60) to Motueka township, a 1-hour drive. Motueka itself is a straightforward little town built around the main highway at the mouth of the Motueka River. On the way to Motueka, stop off at the delightful little village of Mapua -- it's just 5 minutes off the main highway. The wharf area particularly is home to a number of excellent cafes, galleries, and attractions.

Visitor Information

The Nelson i-SITE Visitor Centre, at 77 Trafalgar St. (tel. 03/548-2304; fax 03/546-7393; www.nelsonnz.com), is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, and 9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays (closed Dec 25). It occupies a stylish complex that incorporates a large gift store and a display center. Make sure you watch the fabulous video of the region's attractions. Major bus lines also arrive and depart from here. The Department of Conservation counter at the visitor center is staffed only from October to Easter. The Motueka i-SITE Visitor Centre is on Wallace Street, Motueka (tel. 03/528-6543; fax 03/528-6563; www.abeltasmangreenrush.co.nz).

Fast Facts

The post office is at the corner of Halifax and Trafalgar streets, diagonally opposite the visitor center. There is handy Internet access at the visitor center, or at Internet Outpost, 35 Bridge St. (tel. 03/539-1150), and Boots-Off Travellers Centre, 53 Bridge St. (tel. 03/546-8789).

Special Events

Sadly, the Montana World of Wearable Art Awards (www.worldofwearableart.com) are no longer held in Nelson; they've transferred to Wellington in the interests of coping with larger audiences. The Nelson Jazz Festival runs from late December to early January. The Sealord Summer Festival runs from December through February. Late January's Taste Nelson Wine & Food Festival is one of the biggest in the country. For details on all these events, contact the visitor center.