Nelson, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#610
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nelson is a picturesque city located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NZD ≈ 0.60 USD; ATMs available throughout the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone, 2degrees, Spark |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted services include ANZ, ASB, and Kiwibank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments like Quest Nelson. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in stores and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through sites like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | YHA Nelson (Hostel) offers dorms starting from $30 NZD. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nelson Central, near the waterfront and galleries. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Victory Square, known for quieter streets and a community feel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop is a popular coworking space with fast internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Styx offers a relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are regularly hosted at The Nelson Center for Creative Arts. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Nelson Expats Community Group on Facebook hosts monthly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is operational, as well as local services like Nelson Taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nelson Bike Hire offers affordable bike rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Tahunanui Beach, located just 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Nelson connects to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand serves international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | State Highway 6 connects Nelson to other parts of the South Island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nelson does not have a train station, but buses run frequently. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Nelson City Council provides bus passes for local travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Nelson with nearby towns, such as Motueka and Richmond. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Nelson Marlborough Hospital is the main hospital in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Awakening Yoga offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Snap Fitness and Club Physique are popular local gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold Laundry offers cleaning services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Menu Log and UberEats cover most of Nelson. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Green-lipped mussels are a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Shop offers a wide range of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Nelson Honey Shop has scrumptious honey-based desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nelson Market held every Saturday offers fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses like The Warehouse and Fishpond. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Nelson Waterfront area offers bars like The Tasting Room. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Victory Brewing Company is known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellar Door offers tastings from local vineyards. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vibrant food trucks are often present at the Nelson Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Indian Aroma restaurant offers excellent Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Christ Church Cathedral is a notable landmark in Nelson. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nelson Provincial Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum is a unique attraction. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Nelson Cathedral is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nelson Arts Festival takes place every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts District is alive with galleries and studios. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theatre Royal hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Nelson Saturday Market is a great place to find local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music, particularly during the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes offered by The Cook Shop are popular. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Suter Art Gallery showcases national and international artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Nelson Gaol is a significant historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Māori culture is integral to Nelson's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Abel Tasman National Park is just a short drive away, offering stunning coastal tracks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kahurangi National Park, known for its rugged beauty, is accessible from Nelson. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Maitai River Walk is a scenic trail for walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Center of New Zealand offers panoramic views of Nelson. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Nelson Lakes National Park is renowned for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Tahunanui Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | NZ Post provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair offers quality device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Nelson Table Tennis Club welcomes all skill levels. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Nelson Language School offers English classes for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nelson Public Library provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Nelson Community Center hosts various group activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide a social atmosphere for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | SkyCity Nelson offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NZD 160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 288,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NZD 228,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 336,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 256,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% |
| 🏦 Tax System | New Zealand operates a progressive tax system based on individual income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, New Zealand has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax, but rates are imposed by local councils. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax and tax residency rules benefit global digital nomads. |