Getting to Nelson

The Nelson region is located in the northwest corner of the South Island. A region rich in art and craft, it also enjoys high sunshine hours and is home to some of New Zealand's best walking tracks and beaches.

BY ROAD:

CHRISTCHURCH TO NELSON: Follow the Northern Motorway / State Highway 1 north out of Christchurch for approximately 45kms to Waipara. At Waipara Flat Road turn left and head inland towards Hanmer Springs. At the Hanmer Springs turn off, veer to the left and continue on State Highway 7 for 84kms to Springs Junction. At Springs Junction continue north of State Highway 65 to Ariki - a distance of approximately 72kms. From Ariki follow State Highway 6 for 137kms to Nelson.

Driving Time: 5 hours 40 minutes

WELLINGTON TO NELSON: From Wellington take the interisland ferry to Picton - a journey of around 3 hours. From Picton head west on Queen Charlotte Drive, following the road along the coast for approximately 36kms to Havelock. At Havelock join State Highway 6 and follow for 73kms to Nelson.

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

AUCKLAND TO NELSON: Follow the Southern Motorway south out of the city for approximately 50kms. Continue south on State Highway 1 to Ngaruawahia. From Ngaruawahia follow State Highway 39 to Otorohanga, and then join State Highway 4. Head south on State Highway 4 to Wanganui. From Wanganui take State Highway 3 to Bulls, before joining State Highway 1 to Wellington. From Wellington take the interisland ferry to Picton - a journey of around 3 hours. From Picton head west on Queen Charlotte Drive, following the road along the coast for approximately 36kms to Havelock. At Havelock join State Highway 6 and follow for 73kms to Nelson.

Driving Time 10 hours 40 minutes Ferry Time: 3 hours Total Time: 13 hours 40 minutes

BY AIR: Nelson Airport is located on Trent Drive, just out of the city in Tahunanui. Nelson Airport is New Zealand's fourth busiest commercial airport, with roughly 1.2 million visitors passing through its doors each year. Three airlines have scheduled flights in and out of Nelson Airport - Air New Zealand, Flight Corporation and Air2There. Air New Zealand operates the most extensive network, with flights in and out of most major New Zealand destinations.