New Zealand has no shortage of attractions, and visitors often have trouble deciding which sites to see and which to skip as they tour the country on limited timetables.
Recently, though more and more visitors are making Nelson a highlight on their itineraries and the most recent edition of the Rough Guide travel guidebook calls it an "essential stop".
So what makes Nelson such a can't-miss destination? Here are ten reasons for visiting: 1.
Sun With an annual average 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 inspiring scenery, or the laid-back culture, but the Nelson region is home to a substantial population 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 heritage 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 popular museum, and displays wearable art and classic cars.
And in keeping with Nelson's artistic interests, the Suter Art Gallery showcases what is possibly the best collection 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 heritage value.
Some notable buildings include: Nelson Cathedral, Amber House and Nelson Central School.
6.
Festivals Nelson hosts a number 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 annual Jazz Festival) to film (such as the Suter International Film Festival) to gastronomy (like the Taste Nelson festival) to more specific 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 involved 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 appropriate then, that the region represents so many different kinds of classic 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 landscape 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 provide 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 through Nelson.
10.
Outdoor Activities There are plenty 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 number 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 really adventurous, try sky-diving over beautiful Tasman Bay.
The Nelson area is a perfect setting for any number of activities and experiences.
With the guarantee of sunshine and a convenient location in the centre of the country, Nelson is an ideal destination for those travelling within New Zealand.
Recently, though more and more visitors are making Nelson a highlight on their itineraries and the most recent edition of the Rough Guide travel guidebook calls it an "essential stop".
So what makes Nelson such a can't-miss destination? Here are ten reasons for visiting: 1.
Sun With an annual average 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 inspiring scenery, or the laid-back culture, but the Nelson region is home to a substantial population 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 heritage 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 popular museum, and displays wearable art and classic cars.
And in keeping with Nelson's artistic interests, the Suter Art Gallery showcases what is possibly the best collection 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 heritage value.
Some notable buildings include: Nelson Cathedral, Amber House and Nelson Central School.
6.
Festivals Nelson hosts a number 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 annual Jazz Festival) to film (such as the Suter International Film Festival) to gastronomy (like the Taste Nelson festival) to more specific 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 involved 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 appropriate then, that the region represents so many different kinds of classic 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 landscape 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 provide 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 through Nelson.
10.
Outdoor Activities There are plenty 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 number 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 really adventurous, try sky-diving over beautiful Tasman Bay.
The Nelson area is a perfect setting for any number of activities and experiences.
With the guarantee of sunshine and a convenient location in the centre of the country, Nelson is an ideal destination for those travelling within New Zealand.