A world-class location with targeted civic investment

Nelson offers a vibrant investment opportunity with a growing population, diverse cultural appeal, exceptional lifestyle amenities, and strategic infrastructure investments supporting business and community growth.

With a regional population growing faster than the national average, it’s easy to see why Nelson is a great place to invest. Our lifestyle is a key advantage in attracting talent and workers, and Nelson appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs, remote workers, digital nomads, and those seeking a better work-life balance.

One in five people living here were born elsewhere, representing 48 different cultures.

The land and sea shape our lifestyle with a climate that allows us to enjoy our beautiful landscapes and recreational options. There are three national parks within an hour of Nelson city offering a variety of beach, coastal, lake, and alpine environments. We have over 300 mountain biking trails and are one of only six locations worldwide rated as a Gold Ride Centre. The Great Taste Cycling Trail links the city, waterfront, and Nelson Airport with New Zealand’s most visited national park, Abel Tasman.

Active transport is more popular here than anywhere else in New Zealand thanks to significant investments in cycle paths and shelters and our reliable weather.

Access to the city is enhanced by an expanded bus network, including electric buses, 100 bus stops, and routes linking key towns in our rural hinterland with central Nelson.

Nelson is a well-connected city, just 15 minutes from the regional airport which services over 300 flights per week. The port, adjacent to the city, is Australasia’s largest fishing port and supports extensive business activities in logistics, freight handling, and marine services. It also serves as a key facility and partner for other industries in the Top of the South. Moananui,

New Zealand’s leading Blue Economy Cluster, is also headquartered in Nelson and brings together a range of ocean-related innovations and activities.

The region offers excellent education with five high-performing secondary schools in Nelson and Richmond. Nelson College, founded in 1856, was New Zealand’s first state school, and the city’s Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) provides tertiary education (up to Degree level) to over 6,500 students, serving as an important resource for local businesses.

The Nelson Regional Development Agency is actively working with local and central government to attract investment for a portfolio of prioritised regional projects, nine of which are located in central Nelson. This is in addition to administering the Events Fund, regional promotion, tourism, and economic development activities to enhance the city and region.

Situated in the heart of the city centre, the three sites on offer are in the hub of the regional economy and represent an opportunity to be part of the exciting revitalisation of Nelson’s city centre.