Nelson: New Zealand's Sun-Kissed Art Haven

• HelloKia ora
  [key-a or-a]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-reh rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāo
  [kah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomeWhakawhetai
  [fah-kah-feh-tie]
• Thank youMihi
  [mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryAroha mai
  [ah-raw-hah my]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [keh-ee teh pay-ha koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?E pai. Ā, koe?
  [eh pie. eye, koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kei te kōrero koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [keh-ee teh core-air-oh koh-eh ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-hah]
• I don't understandKaore au e mohio
  [kah-oh-reh ow eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe āta kite i te pānui kai, tēnā
  [meh aah-tah key-teh ee teh pah-noo-ee kai, teh-nah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai mīti
  [kah-oh-reh ow eh kai mee-tee]
• Cheers!Tōku waiata!
  [toh-koo why-ah-tah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe hiahia te utu, tēnā
  [meh hee-ah-hee-ah teh oo-too, teh-nah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rah-ngah kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga ki te doctor!
  [kah-rah-ngah kee teh dock-tor]
• I'm lostKei te ngaro au
  [keh-ee teh ngah-roh ow]
• I'm illKei ahau e tino mate
  [keh-ee ah-hah-oo eh tee-noh mah-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Me hiahia ki te hoko...
  [meh hee-ah-hee-ah kee teh hoh-koh]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro tonu au
  [keh-ee teh tee-tee-roh toh-noo ow]
• How much is it?E hia te utu?
  [eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe nui rawa te utu
  [heh noo-ee rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wā?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKo te tahi te hāora
  [koh teh tah-hee teh hah-oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Tekau mā rima
  [teh-koh mah ree-mah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [poh]
• YesterdayRāwhiti
  [rah-fee-tee]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [teh-nay rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [eye-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-koh]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...
  [keh-ee heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?Ko wai te wāhitau?
  [koh why teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai ki ahau (i te mahere)?
  [kah teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my kee ah-how ee teh mah-heh-reh]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te wā roa?
  [eye-heh teh wah row-ah]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki ....)
  [heh tee-kee key]

Nelson was founded in 1841 by the New Zealand Company, making it the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand. Named after Admiral Horatio Nelson, the city was established with the aim of creating a community based on agriculture and industry. The first settlers arrived on the Fifeshire, marking the beginning of European colonization in the region.

Edward Gibbon Wakefield and his brothers played a pivotal role in the colonization of Nelson. They were key figures in the New Zealand Company and were instrumental in promoting the settlement and development of the area. Their vision was to create a well-organized colony with a balanced mix of social classes.

The Wairau Affray of 1843 was a significant and tragic event in Nelson's early history. A confrontation between European settlers and local Māori over land rights led to a violent clash, resulting in the deaths of 22 Europeans and 4 Māori. This incident highlighted the complexities and tensions surrounding land ownership and the impact of colonization on indigenous communities.

During the New Zealand Wars (1845-1872), Nelson served as a strategic location for both military and settler communities. Although the city itself was not a battleground, it provided supplies and support to forces involved in conflicts in other parts of the country. Nelson's involvement in these wars underscores its importance in the broader historical context of New Zealand's colonial struggles.

The discovery of gold in the 1850s in the nearby Aorere Valley brought a wave of fortune seekers to Nelson. This gold rush era significantly boosted the local economy and led to rapid population growth. Many of the historic buildings and infrastructure in Nelson today date back to this prosperous period.

Nelson has long been a hub for artists and artisans, earning it the nickname 'The Creative Arts Capital of New Zealand.' The city boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous galleries, studios, and arts festivals. The Suter Art Gallery, established in 1899, is one of New Zealand's oldest art galleries and remains a central part of Nelson’s vibrant arts scene.

The Nelson Provincial Museum, Te Tai Ao Komuri o Te Tau Ihu, is the oldest museum in New Zealand, founded in 1842. It houses a vast collection of artifacts that chronicle the history and culture of the Nelson region, from its Māori heritage to European settlement and beyond. The museum is a testament to the region's commitment to preserving and sharing its rich historical narrative.

Nelson is renowned for its wine production, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The region's winemaking history dates back to the mid-19th century when German settlers introduced viticulture to the area. Today, Nelson’s vineyards are celebrated for their quality and contribute significantly to New Zealand's reputation as a leading wine producer.

Nelson is located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The nearest international airport is Nelson Airport (NSN), which has regular flights from major New Zealand cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Airlines such as Air New Zealand and Jetstar operate frequent flights. If you are traveling by car from other parts of the South Island, State Highway 6 connects Nelson to other major cities. There are also intercity bus services that provide a scenic route to Nelson.

Nelson is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, Nelson has a reliable public bus system operated by Nelson Coachlines. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. If you prefer to explore the region at your own pace, consider renting a car. Biking is another popular option, with many bike rental shops and well-maintained cycling paths throughout the city.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Nelson's hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can also find currency exchange services at the airport and various locations around the city. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially if you plan to visit smaller towns or rural areas.

Nelson is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially in parked cars. The city center and main tourist areas are safe, but be cautious in less populated areas after dark. While Nelson does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Nelson Hospital is the main medical facility in the area. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Casual clothing is generally acceptable, but smart-casual is recommended for dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While New Zealand is secular, it's polite to be respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do have exact change for bus fares or use a transport card. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Kiwis are generally friendly and informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like green-lipped mussels and Nelson wines. Don't tip excessively; a small gesture is appreciated but not required.

To experience Nelson like a local, visit the Nelson Market on Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and local delicacies. Engage with locals at cafes and bars; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss visiting the nearby Abel Tasman National Park for hiking and kayaking. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Centre of New Zealand Walkway, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.