Nelson – South Island of New Zealand
As you will no doubt be aware now I am very passionate about the Island Nation I call home.
New Zealand or land of the long white cloud as it is affectionately known. Or Aotearoa the name our native New Zealand people the Māori call it.
I have been told that New Zealand has a small piece of other parts of the world – and to come to New Zealand means that you get to see all these vistas condensed into the North and South Island.
My “journey” of sharing these places with you now moves onto the South Island – of course I have already told you about our “home region” Marlborough and Picton.
Nelson
But “just over the hill” from us here in Marlborough one and a half hours drive will bring you to sunny Nelson.
The Nelson region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains. It has stunningly beautiful long hot summers so you always have the chance to experience these landscapes.
Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople living in the region; traditional, contemporary and Māori.
I love to spend time in Nelson, visiting their studios, exploring the weekend craft markets, or tasting the delicious locally made artisan products and find something extraordinary to take home with me.
Nelson is surrounded by mountains on three sides with Tasman Bay on the other and the region is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
And it is the Abel Tasman National park which I will tell you about next.