Plan best road trip ever to Nelson with a car rental from Christchurch

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by Hertz NZ - 11 November 2016

Nelson is a tourists’ paradise owing to its interesting environment, culture and food. It is easily accessible by road and the coastal scenic views make it one of the most beautiful drives in the country. If you’re planning a trip to Nelson Tasman, read on to get some vital information about the city and its attractions.

Getting Here:

Take a car rental Christchurch and start your drive via Lewis Park. If you happen to fetch time, take a detour and go to St. Arnaud, the alpine village located at the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. The distance between Christchurch and Nelson is around 424 km and can be covered in approximately 6 hours by car.

Best Time to Visit:

The enviable Mediterranean sunny weather makes Nelson one of those destinations you can visit at any time of the year. During the summers, the sun sets as late as 8.30 pm, leaving tourists with the convenience of remaining outdoors for a longer time. The best time for sea- kayaking is Autumn and Winter as the winds are relatively low. If you’re seeking some picturesque holiday time, spring is the ideal time to visit as the city is covered with vibrant flowers and vines.

Things to Do:

Nelson is renowned for its unique arts and crafts culture, gourmet foods, vineyards, untraversed beaches, lakes, lush green gardens and national parks. Some of the most exciting things to do in the city include:

  • Charter a private yacht and sail peacefully to the Abel Tasman National Park
  • Visit the Nelson Saturday market to meet the locals and immerse into the city’s traditions.
  • Go to the World of wearable Art & Collectable Cars museum located just 10 min away from the city centre
  • Head to the Nelson Provincial Museum to learn about the city’s history and pride
  • Take a winery tour at one of the famous boutique vineyards in the city
  • Go to the Höglund Art Glass set amidst 7 acres of serene gardens for some exquisitely handcrafter fused glass jewellery.

Places to Eat:

Along with the famous wines, Nelson is also popular for its gourmet food culture. You can enjoy delicious meals every day at the fine dine restaurants, country pubs, waterfront cafes and affordable food joints. Some of the most popular dining destinations include Hopgoods, Melrose House Café, Harbour Light Bistro, Urban Oyster and Cod & Lobster Brasserie amongst others. Take home a memorable experience after visiting this amazing city of New Zealand.