Nelson City Council

Identification of heritage sites, houses and precincts is an ongoing project.  An update of the current inventory of Nelson's significant heritage, including important sites for tangata whenua and recent heritage commenced in 2008.  Although many buildings and areas and historic items are already listed, the way that these items are assessed and managed is being reviewed, and new sites will be identified for inclusion.

For more information on this project contact Manager Environmental Policy +64 3 546 0431.

Heritage sites, houses and precincts

A number of key sites and properties within the city are recognised as having heritage significance and are noted within the Nelson Resource Management Plan.  Some are owned by Council and some by private groups or individuals

Heritage sites

Some important sites include Church Hill ( also known as Piki Mai); Matangi Awhio (also known as Auckland Point); Botanics Reserve and the Centre of New Zealand; Early Settlers Memorial, Wakefield Quay and Rocks Road Chain; Isel House and Park; Broadgreen Historic House and Samuels Rose Garden; Queens Gardens; Albion Square; Anzac Park,  South Street historic precinct

Heritage buildings

Early settlement of Nelson has resulted in a wealth of heritage buildings.  Many of these are recognised by Councils District Plan and also listed by the Historic Places Trust. They include Bishop Suter Art Gallery; Nelson School of Music; Bishop's School, Fairfield House, Melrose House, and Warwick House. Many are in active use today.  See Historic Places Trust website for more information

Heritage precincts

To date seven historic precincts have been identified including those at South Street, Nile Street, and Elliott Street.

Heritage cemeteries and historic records

Four cemeteries- Marsden, Hira, Whakapuaka and Seaview are maintained by the Council. They are a great source of information about the past.

In addition Nelson has a number of small historic graveyards, including Hallowell Cemetery which now shows little evidence of its original use. Our cemeteries database allows you to easily locate friends and family buried in Nelson. Online cemetery maps are also being developed.

The Nelson Branch of the Genealogical society has excellent records particularly of Whakapuaka Cemetary.  The history has been captured in a book by Rosemary Venner available from the Nelson Library. You can search the Nelson City Council Early Settlers Database to find information about your ancestors who made the long voyage from Europe to settle in the Nelson Region. This information is based on original NZ Company Passengers To Nelson manifests and shipping lists published in The Colonist newspaper 1841-1850, supplied by the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Historic places to go in Nelson

Archeological records

The New Zealand Archaeological Society database of sites is kept by the Department of Conservation.

Heritage trees

Check out our list of notable trees in Nelson selected for their historic value, age , size or rarity in Nelson.

Heritage collections/taonga

Nelson has a number of valuable heritage collections that can be viewed by the public. Nelson Provincial Museum, Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao in Trafalgar Street, is open daily apart from Good Friday & Christmas Day. Their extensive archival photographic collection is housed at Isel Park and can be viewed by appointment.

Civic House treasures belonging to Nelson City Council in Trafalgar Street include a number of items of interest in their collection-including items such as a ceremonial cloak, Māori carved entrance to the mayoral Chamber, memorabilia around Lord Nelson and gifts to the Nelson city from her sister cities.

Learn more about some of the treasures in Civic House.

Read more about Nelson's heritage.

Founders Heritage Park provides a snapshot back in time of the life in Nelson from 1880-1950 with its permanent collection of memorabilia in a park setting. Find out more about Founders Heritage Park.

Other fascinating collections on display include those at Broadgreen Historic House an elegantly restored Victorian Cobb cottage, and Isel House.

More on Broadgreen Historic House.

More on Isel House.

Libraries

The Elma Turner library on Halifax St in Nelson city has an excellent reference section and has some books from one of the first libraries in New Zealand, that was started in 1842 on a sailing ship on its way to the new colony.  Read the story The library from the sea by Dorothy Stafford written to celebrate Nelson's library.

Smaller specialist libraries are found with many community organisations such as the library at the Latter Day Saints church in Nayland Rd. The Nelson Branch of the Genealogical Society and the Returned Services Association both have interesting reference materials.

Historic Art works such as the work of famous early artists who captured the essence of the New Zealand landscape such as Gully and Woollaston are kept in The Suter collection and on display in various exhibitions during the year.  Contact The Suter for more information on their collection and upcoming exhibitions.