Nelson, New Zealand

Nelson province is situated in the Northwest corner of the South Island, and more often than not, enjoys New Zealand's highest annual sunshine hours.

Nelson city of some 45,000 citizens is ideally situated in the hub of the province, and is within 60 kilometers of three major National Parks; Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes. The Marlborough Sounds is the maritime equivalent with its many bays and coves.

The main industry that can be seen is timber, with large areas of land covered with trees, primarily pine suitable for building, furniture and pulping for paper production. Great quantities of logs are exported however there is an expanding industry where the logs are sawn, or chipped and there is a major manufacturer that exports medium density fiberboard.

Both farming and fishing are also large export earners for the province, with dairy and meat including fish processing plants sited in the area.

The wine industry is in a major expansion phase, with more and more local wines being produced and many of these are winners of medals of distinction overseas.

Young and old from all corners of the world visit Nelson to enjoy New Zealand's clean green environment.

Nelson images