travel42 Port Guide: Nelson

travel42 Professional Cruise Port of Call Review

New Zealanders flock to Nelson, 270 mi/440 km north of Christchurch, because it has some of the South Island's best beaches and sunniest weather. As a result, this town offers a number of nice hotels and restaurants. Hundreds of artists and craftspeople live in the area, so it's also a good place to buy pottery, glass art, cheese, fresh olive oil and crafts such as Maori carvings, jewelry and weavings.

Sights include the Nelson Provincial Museum (Maori art, photography), Botanical Reserve (gr...