The three boarding houses of Nelson College, Rutherford, Barnicoat and Fell are situated in the parklike grounds of the college close to the centre of Nelson city. An onsite dining room and fully staffed sanatorium complete the facilities on hand. Each house is supervised by a resident housemaster and a team of staff who work hard to meet the needs of each individual. There is a strong sense of unity in each house!

We welcome to our boarding community students from New Zealand and further afield from the Pacific Islands, Asia and Europe. This diversity makes up the ‘International Boarding Community’ at the heart of College life.

Boarding students at Nelson College enjoy a varied lifestyle with relative freedom within defined boundaries. Full participation is encouraged in all aspects of boarding and college life.

We like to keep in close contact with our Boarding families.  Twice a year, in Terms 1 and 3 we look forward to our traditional Boarders weekends which include parent-teacher interviews, concerts, sporting events and commemoration services.  The Director of Boarding keeps in touch with regular newsletters as do the Housemasters and the school newsletter is produced twice each term.  We encourage parents to check this website often for updates, information and photos of school events.

"Students who reside in the houses state they feel safe.  They speak of a family atmosphere and positive supportive relationships among boys.  House rules are considered fair and they appreciate the reward system and opportunities for leadership.  There is a structured programme to welcome new boys to the hostel including mentoring support from the Year 13 boarders.  Permanent staff and Gap tutors assist boarders to build relationships.  Students benefit from regular access to recreational opportunities, health, wellbeing and learning support."