NELSON

Nelson City does not feel like a city. The title was bestowed upon it by royal charter in 1858, technically making it the secondoldest city in the country. But it's more of a town with city-like aspirations. Named in honour of Admiral Horatio Nelson, many of its roads and public areas are named after people and ships associated with the Battle of Trafalgar — including its main street. Nelson's goals are increasingly being felt throughout the city — with world-class chefs, artists and businesses revitalizing the CBD. There are plans for popup playgrounds and more public spaces. Plenty of time can be spent wandering the city centre's shops, checking out its bars and restaurants and, if timed right, wiling away the hours in its popular markets.