Nelson makes a good jumping off point for the Abel Tasman Coastal Track Photo: Jane Blair

Although it is located in New Zealand's damp South Island, Nelson enjoys the distinction of being the nation's sunniest city.

It is also an immensely handsome place, full of creative and New Age types and surrounded by kiwifruit orchards, wineries and pristine sandy beaches.

Nelson is also handy for accessing three national parks: Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman.