Nelson Activities: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nelson, New Zealand

New Zealand has no shortage of attractions, and visitors often have problem deciding which sites to see and which to skip as they tour the country on itsybitsy timetables. Recently, though more and more visitors are manufacture Nelson a feature on their itineraries and the most recent edition of the Rough Guide tour guidebook calls it an "essential stop". So what makes Nelson such a can't-miss destination? Here are ten reasons for visiting:

1. Sun

California Sky Diving

With an yearly mean of over 2400 sunshine hours, Nelson is the sunniest region in New Zealand. Even in the coldest months of winter, the sun shines and snow is rare. There's no better way to guarantee a good vacation that to know that the weather will cooperate.

2. Rugby

New Zealand will be hosting the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup in 2011, and Nelson will be the venue of two games next September. And where better to watch the game than in the birthplace of New Zealand rugby? That's right, the first rugby game in the country was played in Nelson in 1870.

3. Art

Maybe it's the pleasant sunshine, or the intelligent scenery, or the laid-back culture, but the Nelson region is home to a big people of artists-over 350 working artists live here. Often considered to be New Zealand's art capital, the Nelson area is full of galleries and studios for art-lovers to visit. Meet with the artists and pick up a memorable souvenir.

4. Museums

For a look into the history and culture that defines Nelson, visit some of the areas museums. The Nelson Provincial Museum illuminates the cultural inheritance and natural history of the Nelson Tasman area. For a more modern look at the local culture, the World of Wearable Art is the area's most beloved museum, and displays wearable art and superior cars. And in keeping with Nelson's artistic interests, the Suter Art Gallery showcases what is maybe the best variety of fine art on the South Island.

5. Architecture

Downtown Nelson has retained much of the Victorian architecture that was built in the town's early days and much of the area (including all of South Street) is considered to have inheritance value. Some famed structure include: Nelson Cathedral, Amber House and Nelson Central School.

6. Festivals

Nelson hosts a estimate of festivals throughout the year, promising that there will always be something for visitors to do. The subject of the festivals ranges from music (such as the Nelson School of Music Winter Music Festival and the yearly Jazz Festival) to film (such as the Suter International Film Festival) to gastronomy (like the Taste Nelson festival) to more definite hobbies, like the Nelson Kite Festival.

7. Wine

The Marlborough region is a big name in the international wine world, gaining fame for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varietals. Take advantage of the many Nelson vineyards by taking a winery tour. You can get a behind the scenes look at the wine-making process, meet the people complicated and, of course, taste some of the wines.

8. Geography

Located at the top of the South Island, Nelson is the geographic centre of New Zealand. It's thorough then, that the region represents so many different kinds of superior New Zealand scenery. There are urban centres in Nelson and Richmond, rolling green fields around Mapua, Motueka and Moutere, dramatic coastline along Abel Tasman National Park, yellow sands of aptly named Golden Bay and alpine lakes around Nelson Lakes. Nowhere else offers such a diversity of scenery in such a small area.

9. Great Walks and National Parks

Nelson is the jumping off point to three different national parks: Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park. The parks supply adventure and ecotourism options for visitors to the area. Two of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Track and the Heaphy Track, are also accessible straight through Nelson.

10. Outdoor Activities

There are plentifulness of things to do in Nelson, and the cultural activities are just a small part of what attracts visitors to the region. With the great weather and a variety of natural scenery, a estimate of outdoor activities are available. Try fishing, sailing and sea kayaking on the water, mountain biking, tramping and rock climbing on land and, if you're as a matter of fact adventurous, try sky-diving over gorgeous Tasman Bay.

The Nelson area is a exquisite setting for any estimate of activities and experiences. With the guarantee of sunshine and a suitable location in the centre of the country, Nelson is an ideal destination for those travelling within New Zealand.

Nelson Activities: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nelson, New Zealand

Visit Iconic New Zealand Destinations With A Motor Home Rental

Motor homes have and continue to be one of the most favorite vehicles that tourists select to trip throughout New Zealand. Enabling a level of leisure that is not afforded to other vehicle modes, motor home rentals in New Zealand allow travellers to navigate the country at their own pace, selecting their own routes off the beaten track. With the room being on the back axles, tourists can stop wherever they wish for the night. There are a plethora of world class camping areas and campgrounds placed throughout New Zealand which have a multitude of powered and non-powered sites, placed in various scenic and urban areas.

New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty and undisturbed environments. As a result, there are numerous iconic and must-see locations where tourists flock to in their tens of thousands each year. Included among these iconic locations are Kaikoura, Corromandel, Rotorua and Queenstown. Kaikoura is placed on the east side of the South Island, in in the middle of Picton and Christchurch. A quintessential New Zealand seaside town, Kaikoura offers unparalleled 360 degree views, with majestic mountains on one side and coastal wonders on the other. Kaikoura's coastline is notorious for its aquatic wildlife, with the Hikurangi trench providing the excellent environment for whales, dolphins and seals that come close its shores.

California Sky Diving

The Corromandel Peninsula is any hours north of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. The area is blessed with a warm climate, large tracts of native forests and some of the most pristine sandy bays and beaches found in the world. Hot Water Beach is a favorite location for national and international tourists alike. The thermal region provides for a unique experience, whereby holes can be dug in the sand on low tide and hot water rises from the ground to generate a make shift hot pool. Cathedral cove is another well visited coastal landmark, where sandy beaches meet tree clad shores and towering rock formations.

Renowned for its geothermal operation and as a focal point of Maori culture, Rotorua has been thrilling tourists for decades. Bubbling mud pools and rising geysers of hot water are coupled with cultural displays recreating the past history of the native Maori people of New Zealand. Rotorua is blessed with a range of pristine lakes and rivers which are also sufficient trout fisheries.

Being the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is maybe the best known destination within New Zealand. famous for its range of adventure activities, such as jet boating, skydiving and bungy jumping, Queenstown provides dozens of thrilling experiences.

Visit Iconic New Zealand Destinations With A Motor Home Rental

5 Reasons to Visit Eco cordial Kaikoura, New Zealand

Are you environmentally friendly? Have you searched for spellbinding and affordable eco-tours to go on while vacations? Do you want to have a green vacation for a change? I know exactly how you feel.

I have looked high and low for a vacation that would encompass my earth kindly lifestyle. Short of me pitching a tent and living off the land it seemed that the possibility of my vacations being in sync with my day-to-day lifestyle was pretty slim on my budget.

California Sky Diving

In my quest for eco-vacations that fit my criteria; budget, culture, unique outdoor experiences, exhilarating eco-tours and eco-accommodations; I stumbled upon the small South Island, New Zealand town of Kaikoura.

Green Community

The first thing that struck me about Kaikoura is that they have obtained their Green Globe Benchmark certification. Getting this certification is no easy feat for a community. It indicates that the community has met a globally recognized suitable for sustainable tourism. Kaikoura has achieved a 72% diversion rate from their landfill site and are focused on 100% diversion. This minuscule community celebrates their eco-friendly lifestyle with events while the year.

Eco-Tours

Some fellowships offer eco-tours that bring you into close nearnessy with nautical life and there is an eco-tour that takes you into the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve. Dream having seals play within an arm's length, swimming with wild dolphins or hiking for hours through the unparalleled attractiveness of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range. The cost of the tours is extremely reasonable for what they offer. In addition, there is a Segwey rental shop that allows you to have scoot around town in an eco-friendly manner.

Incredible Outdoors

The backdrop of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range when looking inward and the ocean when looking outward provides practically limitless opportunities to spend time outdoors. The list of activities includes deep-sea fishing, parasailing, hang gliding, aerial and catamaran whale watching, cave tours, whitewater rafting, alpine hiking and skydiving. There are few indoor activities for tourists in Kaikoura.

Culture

As with most of New Zealand, Kaikoura honors the Maori history and culture. The museums pay tribute to their Maori roots and their whaling past. Maori handicrafts are sold in the crafts shops. Although tourism has brought commercialism to the area, you still caress a sense of discovery and wonder.

Accommodations/Dining

With a citizen of around 3900, Kaikoura has an comprehensive range of accommodations available. There are B&Bs, farm stays, boutique accommodations, campgrounds, hotels, and everything in between. No matter what type of place you want to stay at, it is ready in this small, kindly town.

With Kaikoura being a seaside fishing port, seafood restaurants abound. Having a truly fresh seafood evening meal is an expected caress and one to linger over. There are cafes, fine dining and informal restaurants that serve excellent meals at decent prices. When you consider the size of the town of Kaikoura, the variety and estimate of establishments is astounding.

When you are looking for a vacation destination, don't overlook Kaikoura. It is a jewel set in the remarkable seascape of South Island, New Zealand.

5 Reasons to Visit Eco cordial Kaikoura, New Zealand

My voyage Story and doctrine - After a 3-Year Stay in New Zealand

Basic Profile
Doris was born in the 1980s and grew up in Singapore. Fun-loving and all the time having a animated nature, she found her passion in traveling after a 3-year stay in New Zealand.

My Story
When I was 23, I was given an opportunity for an undergrad university schooling in New Zealand. This was one of the most needful gifts I ever received in my life. On my blog, I can share with you all about my experiences and lessons learnt throughout these 3 years.

California Sky Diving

In the first 20 years of my life, I had never traveled overseas. The first time I went to Malaysia (Johor Bahru) was when I was 21! And thereafter, I have been to Genting Highlands, Bintan, and any more times to Johor. My very first plane ride was on 14 February 2006 from Singapore to Auckland, New Zealand.

Prior leaving for New Zealand, I did very tiny research on the country and its culture. The only things confirmed were my University entry, staff pick-up from airport and school hall accommodation. What I brought with me was reconsider minimal in most population standards - 1 luggage, 1 hand-carry and a backpack.

Other than getting a degree, my introductory objective was to truly contact New Zealand - the culture, the lifestyle, the people, the nature, the food (including the beers as well) - the list goes on. Looking back, I daresay I fulfilled practically everything I set out to do in New Zealand in 2006. Those unique experiences there were truly once in a lifetime.

The number of unique and memorable experiences in 3 years can practically equate to my 23 years of living in Singapore. Living overseas alone trained my independence and discipline, as well as studying how to be more street-smart. In fact, I also learnt to see Singapore from a foreigner's point of view and truly appreciate how blessed and sheltered our Singaporean life is.

Three years may sound like a long time, but it flew by so quickly. Before I knew it, I have graduated and been back to Singapore for more than a year since then. Hence, I set up this blog mainly to immortalize my precious New Zealand memories - the population I met, the friends I made, and all the experiences I had.

Travel philosophy
The word 'philosophy' sounds big and all, but legitimately it is something very simple. Well, after traveling on and off nearby New Zealand and parts of Australia, trying out different traveling style and methods, I believe I ultimately figure out what is my trip philosophy. It may differ with every person and changes with age and maturity.

Basically, it can be summarized in 8 simple points:

Must be fun for me
Sounds simple? My selection of activities is what is fun in my opinion, not what is termed 'fun' for everyone. I think going to spa and facial at Rotorua and Hamner Springs were great experiences, but others might not think so. On the other hand, I don't think bungee jumping or skydiving is fun, so I won't do it, even though these are some of the must-dos in Nz.

Safety and safety first
Although New Zealand is a safe country with law and order, even so, do not take it for granted. In my 3 years, regardless which part of Nz I am in, I will all the time be home by 6pm unless I am out with friends. population said that South Auckland is more dangerous, after staying there for 3 months; I can safely say that it is not true. Yes, there might be crimes happening there, but it is the same for everywhere. It is also there where I met some overwhelming population and seen the gorgeous side of human nature.

Travel in comfort
I am referring to animated in a comfortable pace, staying at lodging with basic facilities, and having proper meals. I like to see and contact in a comfortable pace, without rushing from one place to an additional one place, and spending most of the time on traveling. Personally, I like a proper bed with heating facilities at night if the weather is cold. Eating bread with Nutella and banana for 1 month is definitely a no-no; it is nice to have an occasional meal at a café or restaurant once every other day.

Experience true freedom
In a new country, you are just you. The new friends and population you meet will not judge you from your past. Unless traveling with parents, there is no one to remind you that you should eat your greens or go to bed at a confident time. This is the best opportunity to form your independence and discipline, with many choices that comes with it.

Be open-minded to other cultures
As the saying goes "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", it is good to know and corollary parts of the culture, only to what you are comfortable with. For example, Kiwis drink heaps of beer, and it is probably the same for most parts of the world, except Singapore. I am not an alcohol-lover, but I had tried most of the beers, and some other alcohol mixes while I was there. Although I had never drunk to the extent of getting wasted, I did grow to like white wine. In fact, I still drink a glass of Sauvignon Blanc once in a while now, especially if it is from New Zealand.

Satisfy my curiosity
Personally, I prefer not to know exactly what to expect in a confident place. It is good to get a normal idea of what's the place is like, what is there to do, and then find out more when I get there. Yeah, Auckland is a big city, that's all I know before I drove nearby to peruse the city on my own while my 6 months there.

Live like a local
That is the best way to truly contact a country lifestyle and culture. Understandably not every person have the time and luxury for this, farm-stays and Wwoofing are some of the short-term alternatives. I was relatively kiwi-nised by my second year in Nz that strangers thought I was a New Zealand Chinese. I even advanced a very mild kiwi accent (more of improved enunciation minus the Singlish) when I was working at my summer job for 3 months. Now, I am back to my customary Singaporean accent, of course.

Experience it myself (or not)
Nothing beats Looking and experiencing it myself. However, I am by no means an athlete who does marathons and animated treks. Despite the Tongariro Crossing and Milford Track sounds real fun, I don't know if I am up to it. Do I legitimately want to try it and suffer the aching body and over-exhaustion for the rest of my trip? In this case, I rather hear other population experiences and not try it for myself.

Future plans
Ever since arrival back from New Zealand, I have started to plan for my hereafter trips. One of my to-dos in this lifetime is to trip to at least 100 countries nearby the world. In my opinion, part of the fun is the planning and anticipation.

For the next few years, I am Looking at short trips to Southeast Asian countries, and Australia as well. Due to commitments, I am unable to trip extensively for prolonged periods while this time.

Between 2015 and 2018, I am Looking at a 1-year trip to Japan and/or Korea. After watching so many Japanese and Korean drama series over the years, I am legitimately excited to see how the country is like, to contact the beauty of these 2 countries.

After 2018, I intend to trip and reside in some other countries for a more holistic earth experience. Some of the places I have in mind at the occasion contain England, France, Cape Town, Greece, Caribbean islands, Hawaii etc. This list is definitely subjected to changes, modifications and extensions along the way. This is something to look transmit to for the next few decades of my life.

My voyage Story and doctrine - After a 3-Year Stay in New Zealand

Nz Campsites - Camping Holidays in New Zealand

Nz campsites are not hard to find, by any means and they are a great selection for the funds conscious traveller. Because of the gigantic estimate of untamed and unclaimed land in New Zealand, camping adventures are a very popular selection for vacationers.

The first step in planning your New Zealand outdoor adventure is choosing on which parts of New Zealand you want to see. There are campsites in almost every town around the country, so you truly aren't dinky as to where to go to. Arriving into New Zealand from an international destination will most likely see you arrive in whether Auckland or Christchurch Airports. Each of these places are great to start your trip from as Auckland is in the north island and Christchurch is in the south.

California Sky Diving

There are many popular Nz campsites. Citizen love visiting the countryside, the mountains, lakes, and other landscapes throughout the country that are natural and untouched because there aren't many places in the world that still have so much untouched beauty. There are great hiking trails, driving tours, sights to see, scenic places to visit, and abundance of other activities to do while on holiday in New Zealand. Being outdoors, in fact, is one of the best ways to see the country if you ask most travellers who come to the country.

Here are some camping holiday ideas in the North Island:

Coromandel - This region is home to the popular Whangamata and Whitianga and the paramount Hot Water Beach - where you can dig your own spa pool in the sand! For those looking for a dinky bit of adventure, kayaking the marvelous coastline and visiting Cathedral Cove is a must do! This region offers abundance in terms of landscape too - beaches, forests and townships to roam through.

Waikato - The Waitomo Caves, the popular surfing destination of Raglan and Taupo, paramount for having the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, are all settled within this region. Each gift something a dinky bit different. The caves allow for abseiling and black water rafting, whilst Taupo lets you enjoy whatever from adrenalin pumping activities such as skydiving and white water rafting straight through to trout fishing and spa treatments.

Taranaki - Home to one of New Zealands paramount mountains - Mt Taranaki (aka Mt Egmont), Taranaki consists of a main centre, New Plymouth and many smaller farming towns such as Eltham. There is no shortage of coastline views in this area either, towns such as Opunake provide a great place to stop and enjoy the contrasting scenery.

And in the south island:

Marlborough - The Marlborough Sounds provide some great locations in smaller hidden bays. If you were to travel from the north island to the south, you can catch the ferry from Wellington into Picton, which is one of the main centres of the Marlborough regions. Within Marlborough are the Queen Charlotte Sound which provide a great walking track too.

Canterbury - Christchurch is the main city in this region and offers some great history to explore. If you are wanting somewhere a dinky more quaint, try areas such Ashburton or Gerladine, with their great craft shops and gardens these are great relaxing places to stop.

Southern Lakes - Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland - all very popular in both the summer and winter months. whether it's water activities or snow activities you want to share in, this is your region.

Nz campsites are typically filled 3-6 months in enlarge during peak seasons and even during the off season at some of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. That means that you should plan well ahead so that you can get your ideal location and ensure that you won't get into a encampment that is overbooked and miss out. You should check out other travellers' reviews, information about campsites and around towns and activities, and the costs of staying at discrete campsites throughout the country. Taking the time to educate yourself will effect in a much great holiday than if you wait until the last dinky or book accommodations without checking out your options.

The world's main cities do offer abundance of sights to see and things to do, but outdoor adventures are far more enjoyable and popular in New Zealand. Make sure that you take the time to plan your holiday accordingly so that you can get the ideal Nz campsites and accommodation that you want. If you are looking for the best holiday adventures, you will be hard pressed to find a destination that is great than New Zealand for affordable and adventurous holidays.

Nz Campsites - Camping Holidays in New Zealand