Nelson, Nelson Map
Explore Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand, with this interactive street and satellite map. You can “grab” the Nelson map and move it around to re-centre it. You can change between standard map view and satellite map view by clicking the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. You can use the zoom buttons on the lower right side of the map to zoom in or out to street-level detail.
This page also offers TOPO MAPS — the official LINZ topographic sheets — plus LINZ aerial imagery, an OpenStreetMap search for anywhere in New Zealand, a GPS grid-reference readout and turn-by-turn driving directions. See How to Use This Map below. You will find live weather, local and world news further down the page.
Interactive Map of Nelson, Nelson
How to Use This Nelson, Nelson Map
This interactive map shows the street layout and satellite imagery for Nelson, Nelson. Use the Map and Satellite buttons above to switch between street map and aerial imagery views. Use the + and − buttons to zoom in or out, or scroll your mouse wheel while holding the Control key to zoom. On a touchscreen, use a two-finger pinch gesture to zoom in and out. Drag the map to pan to any area of Nelson or beyond.
Click ⛶ Fullscreen to expand the map to fill your screen for a larger view. To return to the normal page view, press the Escape key on your keyboard, click the ✕ Exit Fullscreen button that appears above the map, or on a mobile device tap the back button (Android) or the close icon (iOS).
TOPO MAPS — NEW. Click the green 🔍 Search Maps button below the map to open a second map with a Base map row offering three choices. OSM is the standard OpenStreetMap street map. Topo shows the official LINZ topographic maps — the Topo250 and Topo50 sheets used for tramping, hunting, hut access and back-country navigation, switching scale automatically as you zoom in. Aerial shows LINZ aerial imagery, down to 5cm resolution in urban areas. The search box above the map finds any New Zealand town, suburb or landmark by name, so you are not limited to Nelson.
Click 📍 My position in that same panel to take a single GPS reading from your device. It marks where you are, shows your accuracy, and reports your position as an NZTM2000 grid reference as well as plain latitude and longitude. The NZTM grid reference is the format New Zealand search and rescue services work from, and there is a Copy position button so you can paste it straight into a text message. It takes one reading and stops, rather than tracking continuously, to conserve your battery. Note that map tiles need mobile coverage, but a GPS reading does not — your coordinates stay correct even in places where the map itself cannot load.
The blue 📍 My Location & Navigate button starts live turn-by-turn driving directions from wherever you are to any destination you enter, with spoken guidance, lane hints and automatic re-routing if you leave the route.
Map search is available for a limited number of queries per session to manage costs. Be specific — search precisely for best results.
| Locality | Nelson |
| Region | Nelson |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Timezone | New Zealand Time (NZST/NZDT) |
| Remoteness | Main Urban Area |
| Latitude | -41.27078 |
| Longitude | 173.28404 |
| Population | 54,400 |
| Elevation | 11 m |
| Area Code | 03 |
About Nelson, Nelson
Nelson is a locality in the Nelson Region of New Zealand. With a population of 54,400, Nelson is a major urban centre in the Nelson Region. It sits at an elevation of around 11 m above sea level. Nelson is the capital of the Nelson Region. Nelson is located at 41.2708°S, 173.2840°E. It observes New Zealand Time (NZST/NZDT). Statistics New Zealand classifies the area as a main urban area.
Nelson resides in a landscape of gentle contours and coastal proximity, approximately two kilometres from the open sea. It lies 6.6 km north-east of Stoke (from Stoke: bearing 40°T), and is situated 10.9 km north-east of Richmond. The Maitai River, a constant presence, threads its way through the local terrain, its waters reflecting the ever-changing sky. To the west, Wells Ridge rises, a subtle but persistent guardian of the horizon, while the verdant expanse of Hira Forest lies a manageable distance to the east. The air here often carries a faint, briny tang, a whisper of the ocean that shapes the very character of Nelson, and the nearby Dun Mountain Walkway offers a path through this attractive natural setting, promising vistas that speak of both land and sea.
The early history of Nelson is a narrative of determined settlement and the establishment of a community with a clear vision. Its founding was driven by a desire to create a new society, a place where order and enterprise could flourish. The inhabitants, a mix of artisans, farmers, and merchants, worked assiduously to carve a life from the landscape, their efforts laying the groundwork for the Nelson of today. This foundational period, marked by both hardship and innovation, imprinted a spirit of resilience and self-reliance that continues to resonate within the locality. The past, in Nelson, is not a distant echo but a palpable influence, visible in the enduring structures and the very layout of the streets.
Nelson's economy is a tapestry woven from diverse threads, reflecting a robust engagement with both its natural resources and its intellectual capital. Viticulture thrives in the surrounding areas, with vineyards producing wines of considerable repute, while horticulture, particularly the cultivation of kiwifruit and apples, forms another significant pillar. Tourism, drawn by the region's natural beauty and sunny disposition, contributes substantially to local prosperity. The presence of universities fosters a vibrant intellectual atmosphere, nurturing innovation and attracting a skilled workforce. This blend of agricultural, industrial, and academic pursuits, supported by well-developed infrastructure, ensures Nelson remains a dynamic and forward-looking centre.
The cultural life of Nelson is a rich and varied affair, encompassing both spirited sporting traditions and a deep appreciation for the arts. While professional teams may represent larger centres, Nelson champions its own provincial rugby teams with a fervent local pride. Major annual events and festivals punctuate the calendar, drawing crowds and celebrating the unique spirit of the region. The Centre of New Zealand, a prominent landmark, offers panoramic views and a tangible connection to the locality's geography. The natural beauty of the area, from the proximity of Nelson Harbour to the inviting pathways of Hira Forest, provides endless opportunities for recreation and contemplation. While no single individual universally defines Nelson, the collective character of its inhabitants, a blend of industriousness and a laid-back charm, is its most enduring attribute, fostering a sense of community that is both welcoming and distinctive.
Nearby Places to Explore — Nelson, Nelson
Featured Attractions
Lookout / Viewpoint · 0.0 km WSW
Cathedral / Church · 0.4 km S
Museum · 0.5 km S
Landmark · 0.5 km S
Botanic Garden · 0.7 km SSE
Botanic Garden · 0.7 km SSE
Museum · 2 km SSW
Museum · 2 km SSW
Other Nearby Places
Cinema · 0.0 km SSE
Public Artwork · 0.0 km ENE
Public Artwork · 0.0 km S
Gallery · 0.1 km E
Gallery · 0.1 km S
Gallery · 0.2 km SW
Arts Centre · 0.2 km SE
Recreation Reserve · 0.3 km NNW
Recreation Reserve · 0.3 km WNW
Attraction · 0.4 km N
Arts Centre · 0.5 km SSW
Historic Reserve · 0.5 km SE
Historic Ruins · 0.5 km S
Monument / Memorial · 0.6 km S
Monument / Memorial · 0.6 km ESE
Hill · 1 km ESE
Monument · 1 km E
Park · 2 km NE
Island · 2 km W
Rock · 2 km W
Mountain Pass · 2 km SE
Track · 2 km SE
Point · 2 km WSW
Scenic Reserve · 6 km NNE · 87 ha
Scenic Reserve · 14 km SSW · 83 ha
Marine Reserve · 14 km NNE · 904 ha
Scenic Reserve · 15 km ENE · 166 ha
Nature Reserve · 15 km W · 2 ha
Stewardship Area · 16 km NE
Stewardship Area · 17 km E · 282 ha
Conservation Area · 18 km SSW · 303 ha
Conservation Park · 20 km SE · 165,946 ha
Sources: curated tourist landmarks, DOC Public Conservation Areas (LINZ), GeoNames Gazetteer, OpenStreetMap.
Latest News: Nelson
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New Zealand News
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World News
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About This Nelson Map Page
This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand at coordinates -41.27078, 173.28404. Use the Map and Satellite buttons to switch views, the plus and minus buttons to zoom, and Fullscreen to fill the screen.
Search Maps opens a second, independent map with four things the embedded map cannot do. It searches OpenStreetMap for any New Zealand town, suburb or landmark by name. It offers LINZ topographic maps as a base layer — the official Topo250 and Topo50 sheets, switching scale automatically as you zoom, and the standard reference for tramping, hunting and back-country travel. It offers LINZ aerial imagery down to 5cm resolution in urban areas. And it can take a single GPS fix from your device and report your position as both an NZTM2000 grid reference and plain latitude and longitude — the grid reference being what New Zealand search and rescue services work from. Map tiles require mobile coverage, but a GPS position does not, so the coordinates remain correct even where the map itself cannot load.
My Location & Navigate starts the vector-tile navigator: live turn-by-turn driving directions from your current position to any destination, with spoken guidance, lane hints and automatic re-routing.
Live weather conditions with current observations and a 7-day forecast are powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time New Zealand and world news feeds keep the page current, while an editorial description provides background on Nelson.
Nelson sits within the Nelson Region. Location data is drawn from the GeoNames geographical database and verified by coordinates, ensuring the correct Nelson is identified even where the name is shared across multiple New Zealand localities.
| Page generated | September 2026 |
| Location data | GeoNames Gazetteer (CC BY 4.0), Stats NZ regional and urban-rural classifications |
| Description | Editorial description generated from verified location data. |
| Map layers | Google Maps; © OpenStreetMap contributors; LINZ Basemaps topographic and aerial imagery, sourced from Toitū Te Whenua LINZ (CC BY 4.0) |
