Nelson , General info:
10/10

Nelson is located at the top northwest corner of New Zealand's south island. It is New Zealand's second oldest city and has been settled as early as 1841. Its location makes for discoveries into the three nearby national parks (Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes) as well as Nelson's lively arts and crafts scene, leading along the Golden Bay region.

Nelson , Different stuff:
10/10

Creative workshops are offered as a way to interact with local culture and see artists at work. They focus on typical New Zealand activities, such as wood crafting, bone carving or harakeke (flax) weaving. Moreover, interactive workshops allow you to meet wine makers, olive oil, coffee & cheese producers. Or you can venture out on a fun educational trip to the native forests bordering Kahurangi National park.

Nelson , Don't miss:
10/10

Spend a day with a local artist and experience what makes up the culture of this region.

Nelson , Food:
10/10

Great seafood cookery and mussels.

Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...