- New Zealand Travellers
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Abel Tasman
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Auckland
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Cape Reinga
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Christchurch
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Dunedin
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Franz Josef
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Greymouth
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Kaikoura
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Lake Tekapo
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Milford Sound
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Mount Maunganui
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Napier
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Nelson
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Paihia
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Queenstown
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Rotorua
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Taupo
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Wellington
Nelson is named after Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, a British officer in the Royal Navy. He won several battles including the one that killed him, the Battle of Trafalgar. Their main street is called Trafalgar Street.
Nelson is a small city but it has a small town feel. The high street has everything you need but is quite small, this adds to the personal atmosphere this city has. Nelson has kept some of its original houses from its settlement in the mid 1800s. South Street is the main place to see this piece of history.
Things to do
Nelson is situated close to Abel Tasman National Park. Day trips to the National Park are operated from Nelson offering anything from hiking, camping, sea kayaking and swimming.
A few of the activities Nelson has to offer are:
One of the more unusual attractions is the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars Museum. This is two small museums in one.
The World of Wearable Art is an exhibition/fashion show held every year in Wellington (the first show was originally held in Nelson but it outgrew the venue). Its more of a spectacle than just a normal fashion show with light effects and acrobatics. Competitors come up with pieces of art that can be worn which are then judged at the show. The museum in Nelson showcases some of the costumes and explains the shows origins.
Next door is a small museum with over 50 classic cars and motorbikes. You can sit in some of the cars.
In the foyer of the museum is another unusual attraction. One of the rings that was used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is displayed. You can actually touch the ring, just don’t expect it to fit you. The ring is very large and was used for close ups in the film.
Accommodation
We stayed at Accents on the Park. This is one of the best hostels I have ever stayed at. All areas were clean, the owners are very welcoming and the kitchen is very large. The TV room/dinning room has lots of character and the hostel has interesting nooks and crannies. All the travellers we met who stayed here loved it. We highly recommend this hostel.