The harbour entrance lies at the southwestern end of Boulder Bank, immediately to the west of Port Nelson.

[4] The council also owns Custom House Reserve, a small area of public reserve around the port's custom house.

[4] The estimated population of Port Nelson reached 40 in 1996.

The percentage of people born overseas was 36.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

[6] As of 2018, among those who commute to work, 44.4% drove a car, 11.1% rode in a car,11.1% use a bike, and 11.1% walk or run.