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.

Wellington , General info:
8/10

Located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. Wellington is a town like no other in New Zealand. Its renowned for being very friendly, very liberal and full of incredibly interesting people.

Cuba Street in the middle of Wellington City Centre is usually thriving with buskers, jugglers and people wearing no shoes and piercings all of the place.

Wellington , Cheap stuff:
8/10

The asian food and sushi is excellent and incredibly cheap.

Wellington has more cafe's per capita than New York and Wellingtonians are incredibly proud of having some of the best coffee in the world!

Wellington , Different stuff:
9/10

Blanket Man! The City's superstar homeless guy - wearing only a blanket - even in winter - he is a local hero. Often found on Cuba Street smoking pot - he is always listening to his ipod, greets passers by with a little wink and has his own religion and political party!

Wellington , Don't miss:
10/10

Te Papa - fantastic museum of all things Kiwi. Be warned you can spend a full day walking round and seeing the exhibitions etc.

Wellington , Food:
8/10

Breakfast/Lunch:

Cafe L'affare just off Tory Street is excellent. Cafe Delux on Cambridge Terrace also has fantastic organic coffee and the best gluten free muffins in Wellington. Also of note are Dixon St Deli and Victoria St Cafe. Coffee is excellent everywhere.

Dinner:

Highlights include Flying Burrito Brothers, Logan Brown and Hede.

Wellington , Safety:
9/10

Very safe city. Often surprised to see young women walking alone at 2am down the high street.

Some homeless people in the centre of town but they are mostly harmless and often quite friendly.