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OceaniaNew ZealandNelson Region

Nelson

Nelson Region, New Zealand · Oceania

About Nelson

Nelson is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Tahunanui, 44km from Takaka Hill Road.

Nelson is a town located in Nelson Region, New Zealand. With a population of 54,400, it is an important destination in Oceania.

On a road trip, Nelson sits in New Zealand, where you drive on the left. It's in the Pacific/Auckland time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Nelson to your route.

About Nelson

Nelson Province was constituted in 1853 under the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, and originally covered the entire upper South Island, including all of present-day Buller, Kaikoura, Marlborough, and Tasman districts, along with Nelson City, Grey District north of the Grey River, and the Hurunui District north of

Read more the Hurunui River. It was reduced in size by Marlborough Province splitting off in November 1859. It was abolished in 1876, along with all the provinces of New Zealand.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Nelson

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Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Nelson.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Nelson?

Nelson offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Nelson?

Plan your road trip to Nelson with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Nelson as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Nelson located?

Nelson is located in Nelson Region, New Zealand, Oceania. The coordinates are -41.2708 latitude, 173.2840 longitude.

What is the population of Nelson?

Nelson has a population of approximately 54,400 people, making it a town in New Zealand.

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Quick Information

Population
54,400
Continent
Oceania
Country
New Zealand
Region
Nelson Region
Timezone
Pacific/Auckland
Coordinates
-41.2708, 173.2840

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in New Zealand

Police
111
Ambulance
111
Fire
111
Non-emergency police
105
Driving side
left

Many rural bridges are single-lane. Give way as signed.

Full driving guide for New Zealand

Tags

OceaniaNew ZealandNelson RegionTown

Worth the detour from Nelson

4 notable places within an hour's drive.

museum

National Transport & Toy Museum

Eclectic collection of vintage vehicles and motoring memorabilia in New Zealand's sunny Nelson region.

4 km · about 10 min drive

famous road

Takaka Hill Road

New Zealand's most winding main highway climbs a marble mountain to reach Golden Bay on the South Island's northern tip.

44 km · about 50 min drive

national park

Abel Tasman National Park

Golden sand beaches, turquoise bays, and lush coastal forest on New Zealand's South Island.

49 km · about 55 min drive

coastal drive

Queen Charlotte Drive

Winding 35 km sealed road between Picton and Havelock hugging the Marlborough Sounds, with numerous bays and lookout pull-offs.

54 km · about 65 min drive

Driving roads near Nelson

  • 44 kmTakaka Hill RoadNew Zealand's most winding main highway climbs a marble mountain to reach Golden Bay on the South Island's northern tip.
  • 54 kmQueen Charlotte DriveWinding 35 km sealed road between Picton and Havelock hugging the Marlborough Sounds, with numerous bays and lookout pull-offs.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Nelson.

Washington Valley

🇳🇿 New Zealand

1 km awayPop. 3,080

Nelson South

🇳🇿 New Zealand

2 km awayPop. 2,690

Moana

🇳🇿 New Zealand

3 km awayPop. 3,060

Bishopdale

🇳🇿 New Zealand

3 km awayPop. 2,630

Tahunanui

🇳🇿 New Zealand

4 km awayPop. 2,970

Enner Glynn

🇳🇿 New Zealand

5 km awayPop. 3,110

Atawhai

🇳🇿 New Zealand

5 km awayPop. 2,890

Marybank

🇳🇿 New Zealand

6 km awayPop. 1,100

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence