Arts and Culture

The Nelson Tasman region is steeped in Māori history and a pivotal place for European occupation in New Zealand. The region is the undisputed creative arts centre of New Zealand. This is where the World of WearableArt (WOW) event was born and the internationally acclaimed Hoglund Art Glass studio has been in operation for 30 years.

The Nelson Tasman region is home to a host of unique cultural experiences. European occupation goes back to the 14th century. There are eight indigenous iwi of Te Tau Ihu (across the Top of the South island covering the Nelson Tasman & Marlborough region): Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Ngāti Rārua.

The region takes pride in its early Māori history and the European birthplace of the nation was first recorded at Golden Bay in 1642. The Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman attempted to land but weighed anchor and sailed off after an unexpected altercation with local Māori resulted in four of his crew being killed.

The region is named after the Dutch Explorer, Abel Tasman and the English, Lord Horatio Nelson, Admiral of the Fleet of the successful Battle of Trafalgar off the coast of England between 1822-1824, against Napolean Bonaparte. It was many years later in the early 1840s when the first formal European settlement (English and German settlement) took place. 

The region has over 300 working artists. Painters, sculptors, ceramic artists, potters, glass blowers, jewellers, writers and creators draw energy from the spectacular natural environment and create art and crafts that have a unique and personal signature attached to them. For an insight into the artistic culture of the region visit the Nelson Provincial Museum, Founders Heritage Park, South Street, Melrose House, Broadgreen House, Isel House and the many smaller museums across the region.