New Zealand · Nelson and Tasman · October 24, 2026

Top of the South Maps: Nelson and Tasman Property Maps

How to use Top of the South Maps, the free shared map of Nelson City and Tasman District, for property boundaries, zones and services, plus Marlborough.

Top of the South Maps is a free web map shared by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. Launched in late 2010, it combines both councils' data in one map, so you don't have to switch viewers when a search crosses the boundary between Nelson and Richmond, Motueka or Golden Bay.

Top of the South Maps (Nelson and Tasman) ↗

Top of the South Maps opened with no login when we checked on October 24, 2026.

What it covers

According to Nelson City Council, the map includes, for both council areas:

• Property: addresses and boundaries,
• Recreation: reserves and parks, walking and biking tracks, dog exercise areas and places of interest,
• Cemetery records,
• Services: stormwater, wastewater and water networks, bus stops and routes, rubbish and recycling collection and streetlights,
• Survey points,
• Planning: resource management planning zones.

Step by step: look up a property

1. Open the map with the button above.
2. Search the address in the search box.
3. Click the property to see its details.
4. Turn on the planning layer to see the resource management zone.
5. Add services if you want to see where water or wastewater lines run.
6. Switch to aerial imagery to compare boundaries with fences and buildings.

A note on Marlborough

Despite the name, Top of the South Maps covers Nelson and Tasman, not Marlborough. Marlborough District Council runs its own Smart Maps. Its property map searches by address, legal description, place name, property number, road name or valuation number, and links to the council's property files and rating information. Search for Marlborough District Council Smart Maps on the council's website. It did not load fully in our automated browser check, so there is no button for it here.

Reading zones

Nelson and Tasman each have resource management plans that set zones and rules. The planning layer shows which zone applies to a property. For what that zone allows, read the plan or ask the council. Rules about subdivision, minimum lot sizes, building height and coastal setbacks vary by zone.

Hazards to check

The Nelson–Tasman area has significant natural hazards, including flooding and landslides. Check the hazard information available from the councils, and ask for a LIM report before you buy. A LIM pulls together what the council knows about the property, including hazards.

From the map to the title

The property information gives you the legal description, such as Lot 2 DP 456789. Use it, or the address, to order the Record of Title from LINZ Land Record Search. LINZ's fee was $8 per record in October 2026. The title shows the registered owner, mortgages, easements and covenants.

Limits

• Approximate boundaries. The map itself says it is an approximate representation and must not be used to determine the location of boundaries precisely. Use a licensed cadastral surveyor for boundary work.
• No owners. Ownership is on the Record of Title.
• Plan rules are in the plan. The map shows where a zone applies, not all its rules.

A worked example

Say you are looking at a section in Motueka.

1. Search the address in Top of the South Maps and click the property.
2. Note the legal description and check the planning zone.
3. Turn on services to see whether water and wastewater mains run along the street.
4. Switch to imagery to check for drainage channels or streams near the boundary.
5. Order the Record of Title from LINZ ($8) and request a LIM from Tasman District Council.

Common questions

Does Top of the South Maps cover Marlborough? No. It covers Nelson City and Tasman District. Marlborough has its own Smart Maps.

Is it free? Yes, with no login.

Can I see owners? No. Order the Record of Title from LINZ.

Does it show zoning? Yes, the resource management planning zones for both councils.

Related guides

• How to see property boundaries in New Zealand for free
• What is a Record of Title in NZ?
• Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough parcel map pages

Sources

• Nelson City Council: Top of the South Maps.
• Marlborough District Council maps page (Smart Maps property map description), read October 24, 2026.
• Top of the South Maps opened and checked October 24, 2026.