Nelson: Stuck in the Middle with You

By Chris Farnell

If you’re planning to explore New Zealand, why not start at the very centre of the country? Or at least, the alleged centre, there is some controversy over where the exact centre of New Zealand is situated.

If you ask for directions to the centre of New Zealand, you will be pointed to Botanical Hill, where Chief Surveyor John Spence Browning placed his central surveying point for New Zealand’s first geodetic survey back in the 1870s. This is a spot found at the end of a scenic walk from either Nelson’s Botanical Reserve or the Nelson Visitor Information Centre. When you get there you will find some excellent views, information panels directing you to some of the more interesting features of Nelson’s geography, and somewhere to sit, as well as a starting point for various other possible walks. On your way back you can even take a dip in the scenic, but ominously named Black Hole.

Alternatively, another survey in 1962 determined the actual centre of New Zealand was about 35 kilometres south-west of Nelson, in an unremarkable patch of dense scrub. You’re welcome to visit this spot instead, but personally, we’d recommend the “centre” with the nice views and the benches.

Of course, simply going to the middle of something doesn’t like a great trip on its own. Fortunately, Nelson has a lot more going for it- starting with the other famous middle of New Zealand. Because New Zealand is also the home of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, and a great deal of that fantasy world can be found in Nelson and its surrounding environs.

One Jeweller’s to Rule Them All

If you’ve read or seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy, you will know that the One Ring to Rule Them All was forged by Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom- and you’ll be wrong. The ring seen the films was actually made here in Nelson, at the Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith workshop. Jen Hansen helped design and make the One Ring, among many other handcrafted pieces of jewellery made for the trilogy. What’s more, you can get your own replica of the ring while you’re here, although admittedly it won’t turn you invisible.

Once you’ve got your ring of power it’s only fair that you should go on an epic quest, and Nelson is but a short distance from many of the astounding locations Peter Jackson used to film the famous trilogy. But where Frodo had to struggle along on foot, fighting trolls and orcs, you can see it all from the comfort of a helicopter ride.

Tasman Helicopters offer a range of experiences, including a special Lord of the Rings tour of the films’ locations, as well as hiking, trout fishing and winery tours. This helicopter company can boast of its status as the only one in the region with clearance to fly the British royal family when they visit. If it’s good enough for Queen Liz II, you should be fine with it.

One of the World’s Newest Historic Cities

However, there’s a great deal of exploring to be done without even leaving the city. New Zealand often boasts of being the youngest country in the world, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a wealth of history here, and perhaps nowhere in the country are you in a better place to discover that than Nelson.

Unlike many places in New Zealand, Nelson has kept hold of its buildings from the last but one century. Sites of historic interest include the city’s well preserved town centre and South Street, described by the city’s mayor as “An oasis of calm, quiet and 19th century charm.”

These aren’t the sort of historic buildings kept roped off from the public however. In fact, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you could do worse than renting one of South Street’s idyllic self-catered cottages.

A Centre of Creativity

Nelson is also an absolute hot bed of cultural activity. If you want to some quality glass work, you can check out Hogland Glass Studio and Gallery, or maybe the brilliantly named Flamedaisy Glass Design. Every Saturday you’ll find local artists setting out their work for sail at Nelson’s weekly market, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the city in October, you’ll be just in time for the city’s famous art festival, featuring music, theatre and comedy, among other things.

However you decide to enjoy this city, that is at the centre of New Zealand in more ways than one, you can be virtually guaranteed some great weather. Nelson boasts the best weather in the country, receiving more sunshine than anywhere else in New Zealand. This place might the middle in a lot of ways, but in others, it’s absolutely top.

USEFUL LINKS

Nelson City Council: http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/

South Street Cottage Accomodation: http://www.cottageaccommodation.co.nz/

Jens Hansen Jewellers: http://www.jenshansen.com/collections/lordoftherings.aspx

Tasman Helicopter Tours: http://www.tasmanhelicopters.co.nz/

Tourism Website for the Region: http://www.nelsonnz.com/

Nelson Arts Festival: http://festivals.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/festival-home/