GETTING THERE

Getting to Nelson

Nelson's central location at the top of the South Island makes the region very accessible from all points around New Zealand, whether arriving by air, by sea or by road.

Arriving by Air

Flights operate at Nelson Airport 6am to 10pm daily, with more than 66 arrivals and departures to and from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch aboard Q300 Bombardier 50-seater aircraft.

In addition, there are scheduled flights on light aircraft between Nelson and Paraparaumu, and between Takaka and Wellington, Palmerston North and Karamea.

Arriving by sea

Regular Cook Strait ferries provide vehicle and passenger access between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. Two primary ferry companies are the Interislander and Bluebridge. Regular coach services connect Nelson and the inter-island ferry services at Picton.

Ferry crossing times approximate sailing times

Wellington to Picton (Interislander) 3 hours
Wellington to Picton (Bluebridge Service) 3 hours 20 min

Arriving by road

Good roads connect Nelson to the West Coast via the Kahurangi National Park, Blenheim and Christchurch via the Lewis Pass. Whether you travel to Nelson through Murchison or follow the Eastern Kaikoura coast, you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Nelson Tasman region is well serviced by coaches operating into and around the region.

Driving times km driving time