Concealed on the grand shores of Tasman Bay, Nelson lies in a breathtakingly beautiful part of New Zealand with three wonderfully wild national parks encompassing it. The oldest settlement in the country, the city was founded in 1841 by Master Admiral Nelson, after whom it is named, and is located in the northernmost realms of the South Island.
Nicknamed ‘Radiant Nelson’ because of its fantastic climate, the city is eminent for its flourishing arts and crafts scene and boasts loads of brilliant restaurants and clamoring markets. Widely considered to be one of the best places to reside in New Zealand, it is an extremely pleasant place to invest some energy, with loads of exquisite parks and gardens scattered around town.
1. Abel Tasman National Park
Named after Abel Tasman, the main European pioneer to see New Zealand back in 1642, this fabulous national park is home to probably the most breathtaking nature and view in the country. Despite its small size, the park encompasses a wide array of various habitats, with its densely forested inside contrasting delightfully with the indented coastline and secluded islands that boast bunches of beautiful beaches.
Hidden away among all of this are loads of various birds and untamed life, with possums, penguins, deer, and wild pigs all dwelling inside the park. Exceptionally popular with nature sweethearts and open-air aficionados, Abel Tasman National Park has loads of grand climbing trails for you to investigate, with its Coast Track being the most famous of the parcel. In addition to this, you can also go kayaking around the park’s hidden coves and bays or parlor on one of its amazing beaches.
2. Center of New Zealand
Lying just to the east of the city center, a short climb up Botanical Slope takes you to the Center of New Zealand. Contrary to the claims of the fascinating tower monument that lies at the top, the site isn’t exactly the geographical center of the country, although it is adequately close. The main reason for visiting the spot – besides having the option to say that you’ve been to ‘the center of New Zealand’ – is for the astounding perspective it offers from its culmination.
Extending away underneath you, you can see all of Nelson, the sparkling bay before it, and Abel Tasman National Park off somewhere far off. As such, it is certainly worth the work of climbing to the top of the Botanical Slope. Around the monument and park, you’ll also track down loads of magnificent local flora on show.
3. Queen’s Gardens
An exceptionally beautiful and pleasant place to invest some energy, the Queen’s Gardens were opened back in 1892 to coincide with, celebrate, and commemorate 50 years of Queen Victoria’s standard. Delightfully laid out, the Victorian-style gardens have bunches of beautiful roses and plants on display alongside an exquisite little horseshoe-shaped lake and various fine fountains, models, and memorials.
In addition to this, you can also track down the Suter Art Gallery in one corner of the park and the charming Huangshi Chinese Gardens in another. Delighted by generations of Nelsonians, the Queen’s Gardens are located right close to the city center and are ideal whether you want to take a walk in the vicinity or partake in an outing in the beautiful natural environmental factors.
4. Christ Church Cathedral
Roosted atop a slope sitting above the center of Nelson, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most famous and recognizable images of the city. Showing an inquisitive blend of art nouveau and Gothic features, the cathedral is extremely particular to gaze upon and makes for some fantastic photos.
Worked somewhere in the range 1925 and 1965 on the same site where two earlier wooden churches once stood, its magnificent marble-clad nave is topped by a great concrete tower that stretches towards the heavens. Although its inside is very plain in comparison with its ravishing outside, Christ Church Cathedral is worth visiting when in the neighborhood and is only a stone’s expendable from many of the city’s other main attractions.
5. Founders Park
Located in a pleasant spot just to the northeast of the city center, Founders Park is a fabulous open-air museum that shows you what a Victorian-era village in New Zealand used to seem to be. Set around a village green, you can track down many delightful historic structures, with a bar, church, and windmill on show alongside antiquated stagecoaches, transports, and farm utensils.
As some of the structures and cottages are home to various shops, Founders Park is also a great place to get gifts or attempt a few delicious baked products and craft lagers. You can try and partake in a ride on its small model railway. Opened to people in general in 1986, the heritage park makes for a tomfoolery and educational day out for all the family.
6. Saturday Market
For the past 30 or so years, this wonderful market has been held each Saturday morning in Montgomery Square in the center of town. Loads of amusing to scrutinize, its multitude of stands and stalls gladly showcase the best of Nelson’s local produce, as well as all sorts of artworks and handicrafts delivered by local artisans.
Besides getting a portion of the arts and crafts for which Nelson is prestigious, Saturday Morning is also a great place to sample a few local delicacies while taking in the enthusiastic yet laidback atmosphere.
7. Rabbit Island
Lying right across the Waimea Bay from Nelson, Rabbit Island – or Moturoa, as it is known in Maori, is a great place to head to relax on the beach, drench yourself in nature, or essentially partake in an excursion and take in the breathtaking landscape. Framed nearly 7,000 years ago, the island lies solidly in the south of Tasman Bay, with a small extension connecting it to South Island.
Presently a recreation hold, Rabbit Island is home to various biological systems, with beautiful beaches, mountainous sand hills, and stunning pine woods all on show. With heaps of barbecue and excursion facilities on offer and unspoiled trails, for you to climb or run along, the peaceful island has something for everyone to appreciate.
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