The Dirty Aussie - The Daily Happenings Of The Dirty Aussie

Nelson City NZ

Nelson is New Zealand’s undiscovered jewel. The panorama takes your breath away, the local food especially seafood is excellent, and there is art and craft in large amounts.

The main lure of New Zealand’s oldest city is its beautiful scenery. Nelson city, on South Island, is bordered by several national parks, the ocean, mountains and forests. The panorama is simply amazing. It is also the sunniest city in New Zealand and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. But nights get cold. The charming, low-rise city with a population of 35,000 boasts lovely old heritage buildings, lush gardens and a laid-back atmosphere.

Some of the historic houses have been turned into cozy inns. One is California House Inn built in 1893 right in the heart of city. With just four guestrooms in the gracious colonial villa, the couples that run the place pamper guests with a teddy bear on each bed and an incredible American breakfast.

In Nelson city, no one seems in a rush and most of people have time for you. Friendly, helpful service makes eating out and shopping such a pleasure. Smiles welcome you everywhere you go.

Locals will generally recommend the seafood, Nelson city being New Zealand’s largest fishing harbor. Produce from the nearby farms is just as fresh food.

A favorite sea front dining spot is the Boatshed Cafe. Once a real boatshed, it has great ambience with an excellent collection of local catches. Wash it down with Nelson’s very own lager. Or try a local wine.

One time a year, the city celebrates the Nelson Arts Festival. There are street sculptors, and craft stalls dot the city street. Part of the artistic burst is the Wearable Art Awards — artists go wild creating outrageous fashions.

Nelson boasts many artists and craftsmen. There are art and craft shops and galleries in large amounts in the city and around the city. Look out for glassware, as well as pottery and ceramics made from local clay. Nelson city has a colony of weavers producing art as well as practical stuff. Woodcarvers and furniture-makers are also active here because of the excellent wood available.

The time for bargain hunting is Saturday morning at the Montgomery Square Market. Everyone from miles around come into town for the chitchat — if not for the market.

The wilderness surrounding Nelson city offers adventure seekers a wide range of activities — from kayaking to trekking to cross-country motor biking. The seriously good at sport can rent a kayak for several days and take in the sights of Abel Tasman National Park from the water: inviting beaches covered with soft sand perfect for picnics, numerous birds, and the mysterious forests. The recreational area is about an hour away from the city.

Skiing is promising during the winter months. The Rainbow Ski Area at St Arnaud is only an hour’s drive from Nelson city. Come dressed warmly for the snowfields.

With so many treasures in and around it, visitors will agree that Nelson city is a precious stone waiting to be discovered.