Nelson (New Zealand)

As a seaside town, Nelson is ideal for a lazy wander. I stopped here three times during my stay in New Zealand, and on each occasion, I really appreciated the opportunity to rest and recover. In fact, it is a great place to walk through the various neighborhoods, in particular South Street, an historic district with cottages that date from the late 19 ^th century.

The visit to the Founders' Park provided the opportunity both to stroll through a reconstructed 19 ^th century neighborhood, including all the shops and public services, and to discover the current works of local craftspeople and artists. If the mood takes you, take a seat on the terrace and enjoy a beer in the brasserie of the same name; I have a slight personal preference for the 1981 brew.

Once you've finished walking the streets of the town, head for the Free House, a former church that has been converted to a bar, offering a wide range of exceptional quality national beers. Don't hesitate to ask the server for a sample to try before making a decision about what to order. Accompany your drink with food from the bar, or bring your own food from an outside restaurant.

If you just want to relax, you can unwind by basking in the sun on Tahunanui Beach, just outside Nelson.