Nelson is situated in the northwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, in a region known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and nearby mountains that shelter the city and contribute to its Mediterranean-like climate.

Woollaston JazzFest: the Nelson City Council sponsors this event that has brought performers such as Whirimako Black and the Jazz Divas to Nelson from other parts of New Zealand; Dan Teka and Jamie Oehlers from Australia; and Fiona Pears from the UK. In the past, more than 60 music events have been held over a five-day period. Nelson Summer Kite Festival: the venue for this colourful annual event is Neale Park in Nelson. For nearly two decades this festival has drawn kite-flyers from both of New Zealand’s islands, from Australia and around the South Pacific. Competitions are held and prizes are awarded for kite design.

Nelson Airport (NSN) is New Zealand’s fourth-busiest facility after the country’s three international airports: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Daily non-stop flights are scheduled from these airports to Nelson. Passengers can also fly non-stop from Hamilton, New Plymouth and Palmerston North several times each week.