Nelson

Nelson has a population of around 50,000 people. It is the geographical centre of New Zealand, and is a region renowned for warm sunshine, fine beaches, lakes, mountains and native forests. The City of Nelson is large enough to offer all the services and amenities of a large city yet is small enough to be intimate, welcoming and friendly. Nelson began its life as a planned settlement by the New Zealand Company whose first settlers arrrived in 1842. Their first task was to grow food for survival and from this an agricultural economy was born. By the 1850's the seeds of Nelson's horticultural future had been sown and the first 'export' apples were shipped out to Wellington.

Nelson is situated in the Tasman District in the top north west corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The city is dotted with pleasant cafes and restaurants, and arts and craft galleries, amid golden sandy beaches and forested mountains. The region is famous for the production of world class wines and three of New Zealand’s splendid national parks lie on the city’s doorstep. The Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s only coastal National Park, is renowned for it’s magnificent walking tracks, while the northernmost peaks of the Southern Alps create an attractive alpine setting in Nelson Lakes National Park. The last, Kahurangi National Park, is a wilderness of native forestry and marble and limestone caves, providing the trout and various rafting and kayaking rivers.

Nelson a relaxed, sunny city, is the fourth largest urban centre in the South Island. It has an interesting history, and there are a number of well-maintained heritage buildings. Nelsons restaurants and cafes are known for their quality and innovative menus. Over the last decade or two, Nelson has developed a talent for art, craft and all forms of creative expression and just about every imaginable material is used to create original artworks. Groups and artists perform and exhibit in shops, cafes and hotels.

Nelson will host 2 pool C games on the 20 and 27 September both featuring Italy, these will be in; Trafalgar Park, Trafalgar Street, Nelson, Tasman, New Zealand

Accomodation

Accommodation is plentiful, some beachfront, there is luxury accommodation and apartments, lodges, hotels, self-catering motels and bed & breakfasts. Holiday parks offer budget accommodation, campervan and campsites, youth hostels and backpacker. To find accommodation near the stadium or in the area check out the following listings just click on each name:

Hotels, Motels

Bed and Breakfasts

Holiday Parks or Camping

Car Hire

We are sure that many of you will be looking for car hire whilst you are in New Zealand. So click here to see our Pegasus page.