Nelson starts from the Southern Alps, stretches across the fertile plains to a great sweep of beaches. It is beautifully laid out ,has New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours with stunning landscapes and a sheltered harbor. The Nelson economy is based on seafood, horticulture, tourism and forestry. The city offers many lodgings, restaurants, and unique speciality shopping such as at the Goldsmiths where "The One Ring" in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was designed.