Port guide · UN/LOCODE NZ NSN
Nelson, New Zealand
New Zealand · 41.27° S, 173.27° E
The World Port Index classes Nelson as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the Tasman Sea. It records a channel depth of 6.4 m and a cargo pier depth of 7.9 m. Norfolk is 14,150 km away in a straight line.
- Channel depth
- 6.4 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 7.9 m
- Max vessel length
- 243 m
- From Norfolk
- 14,150 kmGreat-circle distance
- Nearest port guide
- Wellington130 km away
Depths and vessel limits
The index sets a maximum vessel length of 243 m and a maximum draft of 9.8 m.
- Channel depth
- 6.4 m
- Anchorage depth
- 11 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 7.9 m
- Oil terminal depth
- 7.9 m
- Tidal range
- 2 m
- Maximum vessel length
- 243 m
- Maximum vessel beam
- 40 m
- Maximum vessel draft
- 9.8 m
As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.
Facilities on record
Arrival and entry
Nelson is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.
- First port of entry
- Yes
- Pilotage compulsory
- Yes
- Pilotage available
- Yes
- Tug assistance
- Yes
- Arrival notice (ETA message) required
- Yes
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Entrance restricted by tide
- Yes
- Overhead limits
- Yes
Cargo handling
The heaviest lift class recorded is up to 24 tons.
- Wharves
- Yes
- Fixed cranes
- Yes
- Mobile cranes
- Yes
- Lifts up to 24 tons
- Yes
- Longshore labor
- Yes
- Railway
- Medium
Services and supplies
Repair capability is rated limited.
- Repairs
- Limited
- Dry dock
- Small
- Fuel oil
- Yes
- Diesel oil
- Yes
- Potable water
- Yes
- Provisions
- Yes
- Medical facilities
- Yes
- Garbage disposal
- Yes
- Dirty ballast disposal
- Yes
- Airport
- Yes
US trade with New Zealand
- US exports, 2025
- $4.1BLed by aircraft and spacecraft
- US imports, 2025
- $5.6BLed by meat
Other ports in New Zealand
The nearest is Wellington, 130 km away in a straight line.
- AucklandCargo pier 13 m, channel 12.5 m, container, ro-ro, breakbulk and bulkNZ AKL
- GisborneCargo pier 9.4 m, channel 9.4 m, container, breakbulk and bulkNZ GIS
- GreymouthCargo pier 4.9 m, channel 1.8 mNZ GMN
- Manukau HarborCargo pier 4.9 m, channel 3.4 m, containerNZ MCY
- New PlymouthCargo pier 9.4 m, channel 9.4 mNZ NPL
- OpuaCargo pier 6.4 m, channel 4.9 m, ro-roNZ OPX
- Otago HarborCargo pier 12.5 m, channel 14 mNZ ORR
- Port LytteltonCargo pier 13.7 m, channel 17 m, container, ro-ro, breakbulk and bulkNZ LYT
- TaurangaCargo pier 9.4 m, channel 14 m, container, ro-ro, breakbulk and bulkNZ TRG
- TimaruCargo pier 7.9 m, channel 9.4 m, container, breakbulk and bulkNZ TIU
- WellingtonCargo pier 11.1 m, channel 11.3 m, container, ro-ro, breakbulk and bulkNZ WLG
- WhangareiCargo pier 4.9 m, channel 7.9 m, container, ro-ro, breakbulk and bulkNZ WRE
Sources
- US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
- Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
- Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
- Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.