Sunday, February 18, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Nelson, New Zealand

Where in the World Are We?

In Nelson on the South New Zealand Island in the South Pacific Ocean

NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
NELSON TASMAN IS RENOWNED FOR ITS STUNNING NATURAL LANDSCAPES

Tucked right into the very top of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is easy to miss. Yet, it would be foolish to do so; overlooking Nelson would be overlooking a fabulous town with friendly people, gorgeous scenery, and no shortage of superlative food and wine.

The city has long held a magnetic pull for creatives of all types: it’s known for artisanal craft shops and diverse art galleries. In fact, with one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of talented craftspeople living in the region; from traditional, to contemporary to Māori.

Not only is Nelson one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand, but it is the oldest on the South Island (and second oldest in the country). The land was bought in 1840 by the British for £800, to provide a place to live to settlers. By 1843 almost 2,000 adults had relocated to the province, yet lack of funds thwarted their dreams of becoming landowners. Thus Nelson has been largely left alone by industry.

Population has swelled in recent years due to the town’s stunning natural landscapes, but this is a place for young families and lovers of the Great Outdoors. Set on the Able Tasman Coast Track, and the border of the Nelson Lakes National Park, there is much to keep your eyes – and legs! – occupied.

Kayak alongside dolphins, penguins, and seals in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, bathe in the crystal waters of the Kahurangi National Park or a low tide beach walk – or ride – in Wharariki.

TE WAIKOROPUPŪ SPRINGS
This is the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere with approx. 14,000L of water per second bubbling up from underground vents. It’s also among the clearest in the world. The colorful little lake is reached via a 45-minute forest walk from the car park, where you can find Māori carvings and illuminating information panels.

Māori consider this a wāhi tapu (sacred place), and the waters are off-limits to all but the local tribe who use them for healing and other ceremonies. Tradition has it that a taniwha (a kind of dinosaur-like spiritual guardian) regularly visits here.

SIGHTS

• Abel Tasman National Park
• The Suter Art Gallery
• Queen’s Gardens
• The Nelson Provincial Museum
• Broadgreen Historic House
• Tahunanui Beach
• Nelson Lakes National Park

Today’s Excursion – Nelson Discovery
Nelson is a city on the South Island of New Zealand and it’s known for local arts and crafts stores, and art galleries.

Panoramic Drive & Clasic Car Museum
We departed the pier for an orientation drive through Nelson on our way to the Nelson Classic Cars Museum.
We enjoyed a self-guided tour of this unique museum, a memorable experience like no other, and unique to Nelson. Firmly
established as an iconic Nelson visitor attraction, the Nelson Classic Cars Museum houses over 160 Classic cars. We marveled over one of Australasia’s largest private collections of classic cars. The car collection represents years of passionate sourcing from New Zealand and around the world.

Artisan Workshops
Afterward, we visited some of the artisan workshops, such as Jen Hansen Ring Maker, their “One Ring” in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movie are undoubtedly the world’s most famous ring. Its shape is simple, yet recognizable. We visited Flamedaisy Glass Design, is an original handmade glass studio by Anthony Genet and Berinthia Binnie. Based in the heart of central Nelson, we browse the gallery or watch the magic of glassblowing in the hot shop.

Queen’s Garden and Museum of Modern Art
We visited The Queen’s Garden which opened on Queen Victoria’s Jubilee celebration in 1892. The Queens Gardens is a beautiful example of a classical Victorian ornamental park. We toured the Suter Art Gallery which is one of the oldest galleries in New Zealand, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Our return drive back to the ship and Port Nelson took us past Tahunanui Beach and Nelson’s waterfront with a view of Haulashore Island and the naturally formed Boulder Bank.

Tonight’s dinner was at The Grill on the Pool Deck under the stars

Check out today’s Chronicle