Artists excel in this place. Glass blowers, like Vulcan, labour next to their huge furnaces, producing beautiful pieces of fine art. Painters, readily inspired by the wondrous scenery, tranquillity and relaxed lifestyle, flock to Nelson to live and work, making it a haven for art lovers from anywhere. Choosing a memento won't be easy. And the food - ah, the food! Wineries, the bounty of the sea and the abundance of the land are all to be enjoyed in this bacchanalian paradise. Nature beckons in the Nelson region, which is blessed with three national parks, the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi (pr: 'Kah-hoo-rahng-ey'), and alpine Nelson Lakes - home to the purest water in the world. Hook up with a friendly guide and further your nature excursion with fishing, whitewater rafting, caving and four-wheel-driving. The Nelson Region caters for small to medium sized conference groups in a range of venues from purpose-built to hotels, lodges, inns and historic homes. As with Marlborough, the region is well serviced by air and coach links to the main centres but the inter-island ferry is highly recommended if there is time.

The icy wonderland of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers loom above. The massive forces at work propelling the giant frozen river make the ice crack and groan beneath boots. With ice picks in hand, walkers follow guides, climbing amongst ice pinnacles and crevasses that enchant with surreal beauty. Contrasted with the frozen mountain rivers is the remote and wild shoreline, pounded by thunderous surf. The tranquillity and sheer natural splendour of the region will astound. Explore the rich vein of the West Coast's coal and goldmining history. Gold still trickles through the streams and rivers, and conference goers can try their luck at panning, transforming their rewards into jewelry to take home or leave in its raw, natural form for a special gift indeed. Eco-tourism is a natural specialisation for a region that contains five of New Zealand's 13 National Parks as well as a World Heritage area. Eco-lodges concentrate on environmentally based outdoor activities, and a number of other West Coast operators will assist in allowing you to get "in touch" with the natural environment. The West Coast stretches along the coast between the Tasman Sea and Southern Alps and is accessible by road, rail or air. The train trip over the Southern Alps from Christchurch is a breathtaking entrance to the region.