Nelson
Relaxed, hospitable, and easy to explore on foot, Nelson has a way of always making you feel as though you should stay longer. You can make your way around the mostly two-story town in a day, poking into craft galleries and stopping at cafés, but two days is a practical minimum. You can also use Nelson as a base for a variety of activities within an hour's drive of the town itself.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Elsewhere in Upper South Island and the West Coast
Blenheim >
Restaurants (5), Things to do (10), Hotels (4)
Golden Bay and Takaka >
Restaurants (5), Things to do (4), Hotels (4)
Picton >
Restaurants (3), Things to do (5), Hotels (4)
Westland/Tai Poutini National Park >
Restaurants (4), Things to do (3), Hotels (5)
Hokitika >
Restaurants (3), Things to do (5), Hotels (3)
Kaikoura >
Restaurants (5), Things to do (2), Hotels (4)