Removals to Nelson from the UK

Nestled on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a truly picturesque region with a remarkable mix of natural beauty, a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle, and many career options. With its stunning landscapes, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community, Nelson has become an increasingly popular destination for individuals and families seeking a new place to call home.

When considering any move, weighing the pros and cons is crucial. On the positive side, Nelson boasts breathtaking scenery, with mountains, beaches, and everything in between. The region’s temperate climate has some of the country’s most annual sunshine, which makes it ideal for nature lovers. Additionally, Nelson’s arts and culture scene, highlighted by numerous galleries, theatres, and festivals, provides plenty of opportunities for creative expression and indulging in the arts.

The community in Nelson is also known for its friendliness and inclusiveness, so it’s great for new families and others wanting to move there. However, there are potential drawbacks, like the distance from major cities. This can pose challenges when it comes to accessing some services and businesses. The region has also recently been getting more and more harsh storms and other effects of climate change.

When choosing a place to live in the Nelson Tasman area, options are somewhat limited. The city of Nelson itself is the most obvious choice. The city is a vibrant hub with charming cafes and a lively waterfront full of beaches, bike tracks, and palm trees. The nearby suburbs of Stoke and Richmond provide a more suburban feel, and with house prices around 760,000NZD (£385,000) and 860,000NZD (£435,000), respectively, they provide family-friendly neighbourhoods and good schools.

For those seeking a quieter and more rural lifestyle, the picturesque towns of Mapua and Motueka, located near the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, offer a tranquil escape with stunning natural surroundings. These suburbs have similar house prices to Nelson City, at around 860,000NZD (£435,000). Newer homes in Mapua can be more expensive than this, with house prices for the region being around 685,000 NZD (£345,000).

The region may have a smaller job market than much of the country, but it does have thriving industries in some sectors. Nelson is renowned for its thriving horticulture industry, producing a wide range of crops and fruits for the country’s booming craft beer market, including apples, grapes, and hops. For these jobs, the average salary is around 60,000NZD (£30,000).

Tourism is the other leading industry in which people work in. The city has fewer tourism and hospitality jobs available but less competition, making it easier to get a job. An average salary for these is around 54,000 NZD (£27,000). Nelson is also home to a strong arts and creative sector, attracting talented people to work in design, film, and photography. And, of course, trades workers, healthcare professionals, and teachers. For these, an average salary can range from around 60,000NZD (£30,000) to well above 100,000NZD (£50,000).

For those considering tertiary education, Nelson offers few but excellent options for furthering their learning. The region is home to Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), a reputable tertiary institution with good vocational courses and practical, industry-focused training. NMIT offers a wide range of programs across several different fields, including business, health, arts and media, and trades.

The institute’s strong connections with local industries provide students with valuable networking opportunities making it easy to go straight into work after graduating.

Regarding leisure and recreational activities, Nelson is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is a haven for hikers (or trampers as Kiwis call them), with the nearby Abel Tasman National Park offering breathtaking coastal trails, incredible mountains and glaciers, and several opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting. The Kahurangi National Park, renowned for its diverse landscapes and the Heaphy Track, provides endless adventure for nature lovers.

Nelson is also a hotspot for food and wine connoisseurs, with many vineyards, craft breweries, and gourmet eateries showcasing the area’s local produce. And finally, for more artsy types, the region hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Nelson Arts Festival and the Nelson Jazz Festival, providing cultural and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.