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Nelson South, New Zealand

Nelson Region · New Zealand

Nelson South is a small town in Nelson Region, New Zealand with a population of 2,690. Elevation: 154 ft (47 m). Average temperature: 51°F (11°C).

3.6 /5.0
B+ Good
2,690 Population 16/sq mi density
154 ft Elevation 47 meters
51°F Avg Temperature 11°C
50.8 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$48,800 Median Income
B+
Overall
3.6 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$48,800 median income, 5.1% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.1 / 5.0
$223,600 home value, $1,118/mo rent

Discover Nelson South, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Nelson South

Nelson South

Nelson South is an inner suburb of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies to the southwest of Nelson city centre, between it and Bishopdale, close to the foot of The Grampians. The main inland route to Stoke, New Zealand, Waimea Road, is Nelson South's main road.

People

Population2,690
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density16/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$48,800
Per Capita$49,076
Unemployment5.1%

Housing

A
Home Value$223,600
Rent$1,118
Ownership64.5%
Housing Units1,076

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Population2,690
Population Density16 / sq mi
Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Coordinates-41.2850°, 173.2749°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceNelson Region
Average Temperature51°F (11°C)
January Average59°F (15°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Annual Precipitation50.8 inches (1,291 mm)
Annual Snowfall3.1 inches (8 cm)
Median Household Income$48,800
Median Age37.2 years

About Nelson South

Nelson South is a small town in New Zealand (Nelson Region) with a population of 2,690. The city sits at an elevation of 154 feet (47 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 51°F (11°C). Temperatures range from 59°F in January to 43°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 50.8 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Nelson South has a population of 2,690 with a density of 16 people per square mile, spread across 171.8 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

2,690
Total Population
16
People / sq mi
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below New Zealand avg
171.8mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Nelson South vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Nelson South is $48,800, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,076 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 247 business establishments.

Income: Nelson South vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$48,800
35% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$49,076
Avg Weekly Wage$944

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)247

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Nelson South is $223,600, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,118 (4% below the national average of $1,163). 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,076 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$223,600
21% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,118
4% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership64.5%
Owner-Occupied64.5%
Renter-Occupied35.5%
Housing Units1,076

Property Tax

Nelson South experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 154 feet.

Temperature

59°F Jan (15°C) 43°F Jul (6°C)
Annual Average50.9°F
6% below New Zealand avg
January Average59°F (15°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Sunny Days276 days/yr

Geography

Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Area171.8 sq mi (445.0 km²)
Population Density16/sq mi
Coordinates-41.2850°N, 173.2749°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 50.8"
34% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 3.1"
Wettest Month (Aug) 5.67"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.68"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,048 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M4.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

Aug 16, 2013 29 km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 89 km
Jul 21, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 100 km
Jul 3, 2012 63 km S of Opunake, New Zealand M6.3 146 km
Apr 24, 2015 73 km S of Wakefield, New Zealand M6.1 89 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 124 km
May 27, 1992 21 km WSW of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.0 53 km
Aug 16, 2013 26 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 82 km
Jul 20, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 101 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 93 km
Mar 22, 1995 27 km N of Picton, New Zealand M5.8 68 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 131 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 134 km
Oct 4, 1990 25 km SE of Brooklyn, New Zealand M5.6 142 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 88 km
Jul 18, 2013 38 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 99 km
Mar 13, 2005 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 126 km
Jan 5, 2017 36 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 90 km
Aug 16, 2013 25 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 84 km
Jul 15, 2009 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 126 km
Jul 21, 2013 34 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.3 95 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 11.0 m (36 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1855 NORTHERN ISLAND Earthquake 11.0 m — 144 km
1868 NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 3.0 m — 123 km
2013 WELLINGTON Earthquake 0.1 m — 89 km
2013 COOK STRAIT Earthquake 0.1 m — 100 km
1855 WHARANUI Earthquake — — 99 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 59°F (15°C) 3.9 in
February 62°F (17°C) 2.7 in Warmest, Driest
March 60°F (16°C) 4.0 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.8 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.4 in
June 46°F (8°C) 4.3 in
July 43°F (6°C) 5.0 in Coldest
August 46°F (8°C) 5.7 in Wettest
September 49°F (10°C) 4.3 in
October 53°F (12°C) 5.1 in
November 56°F (13°C) 4.3 in
December 60°F (15°C) 4.0 in

Nelson South has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 43°F in July to 62°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 52.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.7") and February the driest (2.7").

View full weather details →

Schools in Nelson South

5 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Nelson College for Girls — — — —
Nelson College — — — —
Victory Primary School — — — —
Nelson Intermediate School — — — —
Hampden Street School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Nelson South

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Brian FM 105.6 Nelson NZ — AAC 128 kbps
BeachFM 106.3 00s, 60s MP3 192 kbps

Museums in Nelson South

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Founders Heritage Park
Maritime museum
Nelson Classic Car Museum
Nelson Provincial Museum
Port Museum

Libraries in Nelson South

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Elma Turner Library0.0
Mapua Community Library0.0
Mapua Library0.0
Nightingale Library Tāhunanui0.0
Richmond Library0.0
Stoke Library0.0
Wakefield Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Nelson South

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Nelson Farmers Market
The Nelson Market

Hotels in Nelson South

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Hotel Nelson

Restaurants in Nelson South

2 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Flames on Forty
Spagalimis Pizzaria

Cafes in Nelson South

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Melrose Cafe

Clinics in Nelson South

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Nelson Clinic

Dentists in Nelson South

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Access Dental

Veterinaries in Nelson South

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

NZ #3431888648

Gas Stations in Nelson South

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Challenge

Breweries in Nelson South

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Two Thumbs Brewery

Stadiums & Teams in Nelson South

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Nelson South

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Rainbow Ski Area 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Nelson South

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Nelson AirportNSNMedium Airport
Woodbourne AirportBHEMedium Airport
Lake Station Airport—Small Airport
Motueka AirportMZPSmall Airport
Omaka Blenheim Airport—Small Airport
Picton AerodromePCNSmall Airport
Takaka AirportKTFSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Nelson South

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Victory Church

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Nelson South.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson South

What is the population of Nelson South?

Nelson South has a population of 2,690 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 16 people per square mile, spread across 171.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years.

Is Nelson South expensive to live in?

The median household income is $48,800, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,600 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,118 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Nelson South?

Nelson South has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 59°F in January, while summers reach an average of 43°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Nelson South?

The unemployment rate in Nelson South is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 247 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Nelson South?

The median home value in Nelson South is $223,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,118. The homeownership rate is 64.5%.

Nearby Cities

Bishopdale, F5 2,630 pop · 0.9 mi Washington Valley, F5 3,080 pop · 1.0 mi Nelson, F5 54,400 pop · 1.1 mi Moana, F5 3,060 pop · 1.1 mi Tahunanui, F5 2,910 pop · 1.5 mi Enner Glynn, F5 3,110 pop · 1.8 mi Stoke, F5 19,850 pop · 3.1 mi Monaco, F5 2,460 pop · 3.5 mi Atawhai, F5 2,920 pop · 4.2 mi Marybank, F5 1,100 pop · 4.6 mi Richmond, TAS 19,700 pop · 5.8 mi Mapua, TAS 1,819 pop · 9.4 mi Brightwater, TAS 2,390 pop · 10.7 mi Wakefield, TAS 2,680 pop · 14.1 mi
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