Sheltered by mountain ranges, Nelson is a sunny and busy small city on the coast, where you will find pretty gardens, spectacular beaches and a growing arts community - a destination with plenty to offer its visitors.

The Marlborough Province is well known for its wine, with several of the world-class, new world wineries located in this area.

Slightly further south, the Kaikoura coast is a world-famous conservation area, and offers opportunities to go on whale watching boat rides and swim with the dolphins.  Trips lasting between 2.5 and 3.5 hours are possible, where you will experience the opportunity to see the Giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment, as well as Dusky Dolphins, Fur Seals and numerous sea birds. 

Other activities to be enjoyed in the region on the Buller River area include:

White water rafting ~ Thrills on the Buller Gorge and West Coast Rivers, Kayaking ~ Inflatable Kayaking trips, and Jet-boating ~ Experience the spectacular scenery and blood-rushing exhilaration of a jet boat trip on the world renowned mighty Buller River near Murchison.  

 

 

• Motueka Adventure Park ~ Theme park offering high-speed water slides, mazes and a flying wire!
• Happy Valley 4-wheel drive motorcycle adventures ~ Visit the waterfall grotto or follow the forest trail on these 4wd motorcycles. 
• Waimea Estuary ~ 20 minutes from Nelson, and home to over 50 bird species, an abandoned submarine and 15 islands. Explore this eco-system on a unique jet boat or by kayak.
• Touch the Sea Aquarium ~ Specially created to allow the closest possible experience of a fascinating range of New Zealand sea and shoreline life.
• Wineries ~ Visit one of the many wineries in the region, including Kahurangi Estate and Wineart.
• Mac's Brewery ~ Experience the brewing of beers like Mac's Gold and Black Mac in New Zealand's only hop-growing region.
• Activities ~ On and around the Buller River.
• Interislander Ferry ~ Three ships that travel 6 times a day and take three hours to cruise Cook Strait, offering a wide range of onboard facilities for you to enjoy, as well as outdoor decks offer stunning view of some of New Zealand's best scenery.