The region’s gateway to the world
Port Nelson’s purpose is to facilitate regional prosperity, Kia āhei ki te kōkiri whakamua ki te taumata ā-rohe.
Port Nelson is the maritime gateway for Te Tauihu – a vital hub for economic activity and a key facilitator of our region’s continued growth and prosperity.
Port Nelson is an international port located in the city of Nelson and is owned by Infrastructure Holdings Ltd which is in turn equally owned by both Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. The rich history of Port Nelson has helped shape the vibrant ‘gateway to the world’. Early accounts of Wakatū (Nelson) – means a ‘standing place or shelter for canoes’- described the area’s rich history for Māori trading fish and produce. Since the establishment of the Port Nelson Harbour Board in 1901, Port Nelson has welcomed visitors and commercial traders to Te Tauihu and, to this day, continues to respond to its customers’ and community’s needs. The Port handles a wide variety of cargo, including containerised cargo and bulk cargo.