Nelson, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nelson is a coastal city located at the top of New Zealand's South Island, known for its sunny climate and vibrant arts scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NZD ≈ 0.59 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone, 2degrees, and Spark |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Westpac, ANZ, and ASB are widely available; also, Revolut is accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include rentals, Airbnbs, and serviced apartments |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely across shops and restaurants |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as The Bug Backpackers and Nelson YHA |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop Nelson |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Raglan Roast for great coffee and a cozy atmosphere |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups held regularly at The Boardroom Nelson |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Nelson Social Club Facebook group for community events |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, along with local taxi services |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Explore with Nelson's bike rental service, BikeWalk Nelson |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tahunanui Beach, about 10 minutes from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sounds Air offers scenic flights to nearby attractions |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Qantas provide international connections |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | State Highway 6 runs through Nelson, connecting to both West and East Coast |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nelson does not have a train station, bus services via Nelson Coachlines |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single-use tickets and day-pass options available for buses |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Nelson to nearby cities like Richmond and Motueka |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nelson Hospital provides emergency and general healthcare services |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nelson Yoga offers a variety of classes and wellness workshops |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Les Mills Nelson, and Snap Fitness Nelson are popular gyms |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available such as Nelson Laundromat |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Menulog |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fresh Green-lipped Mussels |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Branston offers excellent vegan dishes |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Monkey Bakery for delicious cakes and pastries |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nelson Market on Saturdays for local produce and crafts |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | TradeMe is a popular online marketplace in New Zealand |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Countdown offers online grocery shopping and delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Upper Trafalgar Street hosts popular bars and pubs |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Founders Brewery offers tours and tastings |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Freehouse serves a variety of local wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Nelson Night Market every Friday features various street food vendors |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Gurkhas for Nepalese food and The Styx for Thai |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nelson Cathedral and the Center of New Zealand |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nelson Provincial Museum showcases local history |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Founders Heritage Park contains historical buildings and exhibits |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christ Church Cathedral is a significant landmark |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nelson Arts Festival held annually each October |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Motueka Street for local arts and shops |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Nelson Centre of Musical Arts hosts performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nelson Market on Fridays and Saturdays is popular for local goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Suter Art Gallery often features live music events |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the vibrant murals in the Nelson city center |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Nelson Market offers occasional cooking workshops |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Suter Art Gallery showcases local and international artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old post office building is a notable heritage site |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nelson is known for its rich cultural heritage and local craftsmanship |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the stunning Abel Tasman National Park for hiking and beaches |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kahurangi National Park offers beautiful landscapes and hiking trails |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Nelson Great Taste Trail is popular for walking and biking |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Center of New Zealand offers fantastic views of the city |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Nelson Lakes National Park is a top spot for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Tahunanui Beach has designated bonfire areas |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | New Zealand Post offers reliable shipping services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech 2 You provides device repair services in Nelson |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Nelson Table Tennis Club hosts regular games |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers offer language classes |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nelson Public Library offers study areas and resources |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Nelson Community Centre hosts various events and activities |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game 2 Gether provides gaming space and equipment |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Nelson Gaming Club offers casual gaming options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 6,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = NZD 180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 330,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 312,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for NZ tax residents; 15% for non-residents |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxed based on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% for income over NZD 180,000 |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% GST |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to certain foreign companies for NZ tax residents |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax; rates applied based on property value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No transfer tax; legal fees and registration costs may apply |