Everything you need to know about the WHV in Nelson

Nelson is located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, on the shores of Tasman Bay. It is the economic and cultural hub for the Tasman region. Nelson might not be as well-known to working holiday makers as cities like Christchurch or Queenstown. However, it’s worth considering spending your WHV in Nelson if you love sunny weather, arts and culture, and outdoor activities.

The city was named after Admiral Nelson, Britain’s famous soldier who defeated the French and Spanish at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Many areas in the city are named after men and ships associated with this battle (e.g. the main street, Trafalgar Street). Nelson is New Zealand’s second-oldest settled city, after Christchurch.

As of the last census in 2024, the city has a population of approximately 55,000. Most residents are of European descent (this includes Kiwis born in New Zealand), with a small percentage of Maori and Pacific Islanders. As the region is good for farming and vineyards, there is a lot of seasonal work near Nelson, which attracts backpackers. The average age of a resident in Nelson is 42.5 years old (slightly older than the national average, and the average of other popular cities like Queenstown or Auckland).

Facts about Nelson:

• Located in the sunniest region of New Zealand
• Surrounded by mountains and ocean (contributing to the mediterranean climate)
• Has three national parks on its doorstep
• Geographical centre of the country
• New Zealand’s art capital
• Renowned mountain biking circuits (Nelson has been recognised as one of six Ride Gold Centres in the world!)
• An agricultural and wine-growing region

If we’ve piqued your curiosity about life in this little slice of paradise, read on for more information about the city and surrounding region. You can also check out the official Nelson tourism website.