Nelson is an excellent place to purchase New Zealand crafts of all kinds, especially fine handblown glass, pottery, woodwork, and jewellery. The Nelson Visitor Centre has a comprehensive guide to all local galleries and artisans, many of whom can be visited in their private studios.
Jens Hansen gold and Silversmith makes outstanding fine-quality gold and silver jewellery.
His handmade rings and jewellery were used in the trilogy The Lord of the Rings. South Street Gallery displays the work of about 25 potters of national and international fame. All pottery displayed can be brought or if you are inspired, you can buy your own clays, kilns and other accessories.
If you like beautiful glass pieces you'll find stunning colourful hand blown glassware at Höglund Art Glass International Glass Centre. What's more exciting than actually buying your precious glass figure is watching them work their magic in the studio. You can even make your own glass beads or paperweight. Hoglund offer a international postal service so you can rest easy about your purchase.
The Cool Store Gallery sells jewellery, ceramics, paintings and sculpture by several different artists located in a converted apple cool store on Mapua Wharf. The Bead gallery does, you guessed it beads.
Streets Around Nelson
