Nelson Airport is the main entry point for the region, with frequent connections to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The airport is about 7 km from the Nelson city centre and served by taxis and shuttles. Driving from Picton (the Cook Strait ferry terminus) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes on State Highway 6 — a pleasant drive through the wine country of the Wairau Valley. From Christchurch by road the journey is about 4 hours via the Lewis Pass or 6 hours via the West Coast.
The InterIslander and Bluebridge ferries operate between Wellington and Picton multiple times daily. From Picton, a hire car is the most practical way to reach Nelson and the surrounding parks. Public transport from Picton to Nelson exists but is infrequent — the region rewards having your own vehicle.