Nelson

Nelson is a regional city at the northern end of Tasman Bay on the South Island of New Zealand. The center stretches along the coast, with forested hills rising behind and the harbor positioned on the eastern side.

Arthur Wakefield founded the settlement in 1841 as the first city on the South Island, naming it after the British admiral. Over the following decades the town developed into a major regional port through fishing, fruit growing and timber processing.

The city honors Admiral Horatio Nelson in its name, while street names like Trafalgar, Hardy and Collingwood recall his famous naval battle. Residents today spend weekends at beach suburbs along the bay or walk the trails that climb the nearby hills.

The Saturday market on Montgomery Square runs from morning to afternoon and offers a chance to browse local produce and craft items. Visitors can walk along the waterfront promenade or explore the hills behind the center on foot.

The geographic center of New Zealand sits on a hill southwest of town, marked by a small stone pillar. Port Nelson processes marine products daily from surrounding waters as the largest fishing port in Australasia.

Location: Nelson City

Inception: 1841

Founders: Arthur Wakefield

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Reference: NSN

GPS coordinates: -41.27108,173.28368

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:38