Welcome to Nelson, Nelson's Maori name Whakatu, means 'build', 'raise', or 'establish' and is the geographical centre of New Zealand, is a region renowned for warm sunshine, fine beaches, lakes, mountains and native forests. The City of Nelson is large enough to offer all the services and amenities of a large city yet is small enough to be intimate, welcoming and friendly.

It is New Zealand's largest fishing port and the gateway to a major forestry and horticulture industry. Add to this the attraction of fine foods, superb wines, an innovative craft industry, spectacular scenery and traditional "Kiwi" hospitality and you can understand why Nelson is a place to which holiday makers flock all year round.

Nelson Hotels of the Month