Nelson Region is a unique place of beaches, mountains, and interesting people. Nelson is at the top of the South Island of New Zealand surrounded by three national parks. In a day trip students can easily explore Golden Bay, Abel Tasman from Nelson City. In less than three hours, students can easily undertake a weekend trip to Marlborough Sounds, the West Coast or Kaikoura for whale watching.

Nelson is an excellent base to explore the South Island. This means that after studying students can travel the South Island loop with new friends Nelson - Queenstown - Christchurch - Nelson.

Nelson’s Climate

Nelson has a clear Mediterranean climate. It does not have extreme hot or cold temperatures. Nelson is the sunniest city in New Zealand and is popular with tourists as a seaside holiday destination in summer. Nelson is known for having the best winter climate in New Zealand.

  
    
      Month
      Jan
      Feb
      Mar
      Apr
      May
      Jun
      July
      Aug
      Sep
      Oct
      Nov
      Dec

    

      Average high °C
       22.7 
      23.5 
       21.8
       19.2
       16.4
       13.8
       13.0
       14.1
       15.5
       17.5
       20.1
       21.3 
    

      Average low °C
       13.8
       14.4
       11.8
       9.0
       8.1
       5.0
       3.4
       4.7
       5.9
       8.0
       10.6
       13.5
    

      Average precipitation mm
       51.6
       36.3
       41.7
       54.4
       130.0
       125.6
       50.7
       90.0
       98.1
       79.4
       41.2
       110.8
    

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high °C	22.7	23.5	21.8	19.2	16.4	13.8	13.0	14.1	15.5	17.5	20.1	21.3
Average low °C	13.8	14.4	11.8	9.0	8.1	5.0	3.4	4.7	5.9	8.0	10.6	13.5
Average precipitation mm	51.6	36.3	41.7	54.4	130.0	125.6	50.7	90.0	98.1	79.4	41.2	110.8

Data from Nelson climate wikipedia

A Great Place to Study

Nelson City

Nelson is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities with a rich culture, vibrant cafes and welcoming tree lined streets. The English school is opposite the historic Nelson Cathedral and is an easy two-minute walk from the shops, bars, banks and restaurants of Trafalgar street. Students enjoy how easy it is to mix and speak with local people and practice their English. Homestays are often are just a short walk or bike ride away. Life in Nelson is convenient and lively without big city hassles.

If you are serious about experiencing New Zealand culture and getting maximum practice in speaking English, then Nelson is the perfect choice for you.

Everything You Want

Within 1 kilometre of school you can:

Sit on the grassy banks of the Maitai River
Get to know and chat to local people, shopkeepers and staff
Enjoy the famous produce from the Nelson Saturday market
Access a 20km network of walkways on the Grampians Hills
Enjoy lunch in the sun, sitting on the Cathedral steps.
Get a large variety of international, affordable food from Hardy Street
Find out the history of Nelson and New Zealand at the Nelson Museum
Improve your English with a movie at the eight screen Nelson Cinema
Walk 10 minutes to the Nelson Harbour and Yachting Marina
See a band at Sprig and Fern English pub or at one of the numerous other bars in Nelson
Catch a small fish off Nelson wharf – or sometimes a spectacular large, edible one

Around the City

Within 5km of the school you can:

Cycle an easy ride through New Zealand native bush in the Maitai Valley
Access exciting single trail downhill MTB rides from the famous Dun trail
Wet your feet in the wet sand of Tahuna beach at sunset
Walk further up the Grampians to the Nelson TV tower and Bishopdale native bush
Access the network of native bush trails in the Brook Waimarama Bird Sanctuary
Play golf at Tahuna or Maitai golf courses
Kayak or paddle board at Tahuna Beach
Play volleyball, or have beach BBQ at Tahuna Beach
Walk the beautiful Rocks Road
Have a special meal out with a close friend at the Boatshed
See a NZ band at the Boathouse on Rocks Road

Getting Here

A Warm and Friendly Welcome

Getting here

Nelson has a domestic airport which is a 1 hour flight from New Zealand's two biggest international airports; Auckland and Christchurch. On arrival students can purchase an airport transfer to their accommodation.