FOCUS ON NELSON

Where: South Island, New Zealand, 424km Nth of Chch

Population: 40,242

Nelson is the fourth largest urban area in the South Island. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains, giving it a mild equatable climate.

Nelsons major industry is forestry, fishing, wine and fruit, although it is also well known for its arts & crafts. It has an overseas Port (the Port of Nelson) which is the leading exporter of apples.

Not far from Nelson, Nelson Lakes National Park encompasses a mountainous area that surrounds the lakes of Rotoiti and Rotoroa. The park provides attractions such as camping, tramping, fishing, hunting and skiing.

Nelson is accessible from the North Island via the Cook Strait Ferry, or by air, its airport being one of the South Island's busiest.

Its history dates back to 1842 when 3000 migrants settled in the area. By the early 1900's the area was producing enough crops to establish the export of apples.

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