SOUTH ISLAND (NELSON & CANTERBURY)

ARTIST’S MECCA

LOCATED at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, the Nelson Tasman region has plenty to offer wine and food lovers. The climate and lifestyle have historically drawn artists to this region – and there has been a growth in winemaking over recent decades to add to the local seafood and fruit, plus galleries and boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. Familiar winery names include Moutere Hills, Neudorf, Seifried Estate and Waimea Hills. The many attractions of Nelson are only a 30-minute flight from Wellington, 45 minutes from Christchurch, 80 minutes from Auckland, and a two-hour drive from the Picton Ferry. One of the best places to stay is Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, which offers hotel rooms and one- and two-bedroom self-contained cottages a five-minute drive from Nelson airport, and 15 minutes’ drive from Nelson CBD. The resort also features the Monaco Kitchen restaurant, beauty spa, hairdresser and a range of other facilities including a solar-heated pool, gym and conference.