Getting here
Nelson Airport
Located at the Top of the South Island, Nelson Tasman is highly connected to other parts of New Zealand and the world. You can fly, cruise or drive to our region.
Nelson Airport (NSN) is one of the country's busiest regional airports. Air New Zealand, Sounds Air, Originair and Golden Bay Air connect you to seven direct destinations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Approximate flight times
Auckland to Nelson - 85 min
Wellington to Nelson - 45 min
Christchurch to Nelson - 55 min
Nelson Tasman is highly connected to the rest of New Zealand and is accessible by road from Christchurch, Blenheim, Picton, the West Coast and Murchison.
Approximate drive times
Christchurch to Nelson City: 5 hours 20 minutes
Blenheim to Nelson City: 1 hour 45 minutes
Picton to Nelson City: 1 hour 55 minutes
Murchison to Nelson City: 1 hour 50 minutes
Westport to Nelson City: 3 hours 10 minutes
Port Nelson becomes a hub of activity during the summer season, welcoming multiple cruise ships from November through to March. View the cruise ship schedule.
Regular Cook Strait ferries provide vehicle and passenger access between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island, just a short drive from Nelson City. The two primary ferry companies are Interislander and Bluebridge, both of which offer spectacularly scenic journeys across the waters connecting the two islands.
