Visitor Information
The Nelson i-SITE Visitor Centre, at 77 Trafalgar St. (tel. 0800/635-827 in NZ, or 03/548-2304; fax 03/546-7393; www.nelsonnz.com), is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, and 9am to 4pm 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.motuekaisite.co.nz). Pick up a copy of the free newspaper Discover the Top of the South at either visitor center. It details many local attractions.
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 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 (www.nelsonjazzclub.co.nz) runs from late December to early January. The Nelson Arts Festival (www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz), in late October, celebrates the region's diverse creativity over 12 days. For details on the wide range of Nelson regional events, contact the visitor center or check www.nelsonfestivals.co.nz.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
