Nelson
If it's your first time in Nelson, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Nelson for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Nelson city has a population of around 50,880 people(external link that opens in a new tab).
Fun fact
Nelson is surrounded by 3 National Parks: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park, as well as the Tasman Sea.
Places to visit
Living in Nelson
There are many ways to describe life in Nelson. Here are two important ones:
Sunny
You're in for a treat! Nelson city has some of the best weather in the country. It's often at the top of the list for most sunshine hours in New Zealand.
That means it's the perfect place for discovering the outdoors. There are three national parks close by: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi. As well as award-winning mountain bike tracks and some great hiking trails.
Just remember to protect yourself from the sun. Bring a hat (that covers your head and shades your face, neck and ears), sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt. We recommend buying sunscreen of at least SPF 30+, the SPF rating tells you how well it will protect you from the sun.
You can get sunburnt even on a cloudy day, so keep a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag just to be safe. You can buy sunscreen at a local dairy, supermarket, pharmacy or online(external link that opens in a new tab).
Relaxed
Nelson is a smaller city, so once you've settled in you'll probably see people you know all the time – even if you're just doing your weekly grocery shop! New Zealanders are friendly, so challenge yourself to say 'Kia ora, hello' or start a conversation.
Tip: With beaches close by and sunny weather, you can expect a more relaxed atmosphere than you would in larger cities like Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland. It might take a little while to get used to if you're coming from a much larger city, but many students really enjoy the slower pace and "beach town" feel to life here.
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Nelson websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Nelson.
Studying in Nelson(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Nelson.
Explore Nelson-Tasman:(external link that opens in a new tab) Find events, festivals, day walks and great places to eat.
Nelson City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Nelson. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook.(external link that opens in a new tab)
Travelling around Nelson(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around your new home and its surrounding suburbs on public transport. Find out which bus you need to catch and other travel options available to you, like cycling(external link that opens in a new tab).
Nelson Provincial Museum(external link that opens in a new tab): Experience history and the future in action! Discover the stories of our indigenous peoples and early settlers with a focus on the Nelson-Tasman region.
See Gollum's precious ring(external link that opens in a new tab): Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? Nelson is home to Jens Hansen, the jeweller who made that famous ring for the recent J. R. R. Tolkien movies. You can visit his studio in central Nelson.
The Suter Art Gallery: (external link that opens in a new tab)Visit out one of the oldest art galleries in New Zealand. You can see some of the best Kiwi and international art in the heart of Nelson– for free.
Nelson Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab): If there's a medical emergency and your life or someone else's is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit the Medical and Injury Centre Nelson(external link that opens in a new tab).
Civil Defence – Emergency Management Nelson-Tasman(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a pretty safe place but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami, earthquake. Civil Defence have information on how to prepare for a natural disaster and you can follow them on Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab) to keep up to date on what's happening.
Trade Me - Rooms in Nelson(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part-time).
Bin Inn Nelson(external link that opens in a new tab): Save money by buying food in bulk, or shop for special herbs and spices to make your favourite dishes.
Deville Cafe: (external link that opens in a new tab)For breakfast, brunch or lunch. Deville cafe is also a concert venue for local and international musicians.
East St Eats(external link that opens in a new tab): For a vegan and vegetarian option.
Try out a mountain biking track(external link that opens in a new tab): Nelson-Tasman is rated a Gold Riding Centre by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. That means you can expect some great tracks – whether you're a beginner or advanced. Don't have a bike? You can easily hire one.
