Located amid the stunning landscape at the top northwest corner of the South Island, the Port of Nelson is a busy commercial and fishing port and enjoys the highest hours of sunshine in New Zealand.
The port is a very shallow, tidal port which services container vessels, car carriers, log vessels, dry bulk, product/chemical tankers and cruise vessels. There is a repair slipway, several wharves dedicated to fishing fleets as well as numerous moorings and a marina for recreational vessels.
The climate, and proximity to various activities, plus the great cruising grounds locally, make this area a good stopover/re-fit location.
The port sits within a complex system of tidal and river currents due to a large tidal range, the proximity of two tidal lagoons and two rivers. Generally, the port is well sheltered from wind and swell compared to other West Coast ports in New Zealand. Wind directions are predominantly from the NNE or SW.
Tidal ranges at the port vary between 1.5m during neap cycles and 4.5m during equinoctial spring cycles. Heights of tide vary from 0.0m to 4.5m and tidal streams within the harbour can reach 2.5 knots during the
flood and ebb tides.
All yachts must keep clear of the Moving Prohibited Zone and Total Exclusion Zone during shipping movements as indicated in Clause 2.3 of the Nelson City Council Navigation Safety Bylaw 218 2019.
A Harbour Transit Lane has been established allowing vessels to legally exceed 5 knots when transiting the port provided they stay on the red beacon side of the channel and do not approach within 50 metres of any other vessel within the transit lane or port (clause 2.4).
Check out the Nelson Yacht Club Visitor Information for a very informative video on entering "The Cut" into Nelson.
There are also strict biosecurity requirements if visiting the Nelson/Marlborough Sounds area. See the "Clean Below - Good to Go" Marine Pests website to ensure compliance. Any vessels not complying will be taken to Nelson or Picton, hauled out and cleaned at the owner's expense.
41º 15.72'S, 173º 15.38'E (outer harbour entrance)
Last updated: January 2025
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