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$25 each way.
By Coach (Bus) -- InterCity, 27 Bridge St., Nelson (tel. 03/548-1538; www.intercity.co.nz or www.nelsoncoaches.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.
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.
