Seafood City

Enjoy the catch of the day

If you happen to be in the largest fishing port in Australasia, chances are you've got your seafood cooking skills down pat.

And bets are on that the fish served on your plate would be the freshest catch of the day.

That's exactly how it is in Nelson; a South Island coastal city dotted with a myriad of fishing boats, seafood restaurants and dining options catering to every demand - even the old classic of fish and chips wrapped in a steamy take-away parcel.

One of the best places to kick back and tuck into this option is up in the Port Hills in Nelson. A secluded and intimate city reserve located on a sun-drenched cliff top, it affords panoramic views over a number of key local features.

As you enjoy your feast, watch the sun sets dramatically over distant mountains, with Tasman Bay in the foreground. Immediately below, you'll see The Cut - where fishing boats return and cargo ships are escorted to port by tugboats.

This man-made channel separates Haulashore Island and the Boulder Bank, a geographically unique landform and the longest natural boulder bank in the southern hemisphere. Stretching some 13 kilometres north-east to Cable Bay, it's also home to a historic and picturesque lighthouse.