The Nelson area is
located in the top northwest corner of the
New Zealand
South Island. The region is famous for its sunshine and as such described by the local as the sunniest in New Zealand.
Even in winter, it's likely to be sunny in Nelson. The region gets more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year.
The Nelson area is known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui, the tip of the nose of the canoe of
Maui. From his waka, the demi-god Maui used his magic fish hook to catch and land the North Island (Te Ika a Maui -
the fish of Maui).
Some of the towns within this god-made holiday paradise include Nelson town, Collingwood, Marahau Motueka and Richmond.
Nelson region is hart of New Zealand
artistry and creativity. The region has for many years attracted residents who love to use their imaginations.
There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary
Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region's exceptionally beautiful geography - coastal, forest and
valley landscapes provide places to wander and dream.
