Entertainment

Nelson is a centre for creative people whether its music or arts and crafts. Every year Nelson hosts many popular events such as the Nelson Arts Festival, The annual Wearable Art Awards began near Nelson and a museum, World of Wearable Art, is now housed close to Nelson Airport showcasing winning designs and a fine display of collectable cars. This is just one of several top-flight museums in the region. For instance, the Nelson Provincial Museum houses a collection of locally significant artifacts. Nelson has a vibrant local music and arts scene plus a variety of potters, glass blowers and  wood carvers who use native New Zealand southern beech and exotic macrocarpa in their work. The One Ring that figures prominently in Sir Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, was designed by goldsmiths in Nelson. Brightwater, near Nelson is the birthplace of Lord Rutherford, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist whose image appears on New Zealand's $100 banknote, the largest denomination in circulation in New Zealand. Nelson is a popular visitor destination and year-round attracts both New Zealanders and international tourists. The Saturday Nelson Market is renowned and you can buy direct from local artists. Art organisations include the Suter Gallery and Nelson Arts Festival. The first rugby match in New Zealand took place at the Botanic Reserve in Nelson on May 14, 1870, between the Nelson Football Club and Nelson College and an informative commemorative plaque was renovated at the western edge of the grassed area by Nelson City Council in 2006. http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/festivals-and-events/

Click here to view large version of map.