You’ll fall in love with the city after trying out all these superior issues to do in Nelson, New Zealand!
Nestled on the northern coast of the South Island, quaint little Nelson is likely one of the most habitable locations in New Zealand.
It’s positioned on the sting of the Tasman Bay and is surrounded by pure magnificence. Nelson metropolis can also be a enjoyable cultural hub to take a look at.
There are many issues to do Nelson, and with its shut proximity to various superior nationwide parks there are many unimaginable views
With beautiful pure surroundings on all sides in addition to eateries and galleries galore, it’s straightforward to see the place Nelson’s burgeoning status is coming from.
The Finest Issues to Do in Nelson for Each Traveller
Not solely does Nelson have lots happening within the metropolis itself, however the metropolis’s outskirts are additionally stuffed with quite a few mountaineering trails, superior mountain biking routes, and an entire heap of nice meals and wine.
The Tasman Bay is an exquisite place so there may be a lot to see and do.
Fairly often folks use Nelson as a spot to base themselves earlier than or after a go to to the Abel Tasman Nationwide Park or Nelson Lakes Nationwide Park.
So seize a drink, relax and skim my private suggestions for one of the best issues to do in Nelson in your subsequent journey!
1) Examine Out the Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu (The Suter Artwork Gallery)
Nelson metropolis is chock filled with artwork ngalleries, and wandering between them is a traditional Nelson exercise. Nevertheless, Suter Artwork Gallery is one which deserves a particular point out.
The Suter Artwork Gallery is likely one of the most fascinating Nelson points of interest. When you’re seeking to go straightforward on the pennies, then that is actually a superb possibility as a result of it’s free.
Housing a superb assortment of modernist and watercolour works alongside quite a lot of different exhibitions it’s positive to spark curiosity!
- Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day
- Value: Free
- Deal with: 208 Bridge Avenue, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
2) Calm down on Tahunanui Seashore
A brief drive from central Nelson is that this moderately massive and wonderful expanse of seashore. Jutting out, nearly pointing in the direction of the Abel Tasman Nationwide Park, Tahunanui Seashore is especially beautiful through the summer season months.
With some fairly spectacular views in the direction of the aforementioned Abel Tasman Nationwide Park, Tahunanui Seashore is a stunning place to loosen up with a great guide and an awesome view.
When you’re undecided what to do in Nelson, then it is a great spot to begin.
READ MORE: Plan your journey to New Zealand with our complete New Zealand Journey Information.
3) Take A Wander Round Nelson’s Markets
Held each Saturday and Sunday in Montgomery Sq., within the coronary heart of Nelson metropolis you’ll find the Nelson Market and Monty’s Sunday Market.
When you’re undecided what to do in Nelson then the Nelson Market is a superb place to begin.
Anticipate finding a variety of arts and crafts in addition to some incredible produce and meals on supply.
The whole lot bought right here is produced in and round Nelson, so don’t look forward to finding any imported items right here.
Saturday morning focuses totally on crafts, artwork, and produce whereas on Sundays you will see loads of classic and second-hand gadgets in search of new properties. There may be at all times wonderful meals and produce!
Examine the web site for the listing of distributors and occasions.
4) Go to the Nelson Provincial Museum
This wonderful museum positioned within the coronary heart of Nelson metropolis is house to quite a lot of displays trying on the area’s historical past, wildlife, and geographic range.
It’s an awesome alternative to know the area’s historical past and its distinctive geographical options.
The higher gallery is house to the museum’s particular displays. Give your self a minimum of an hour to benefit from the displays.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (4.30 pm Higher Gallery) weekdays. 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (4.00 pm Higher Gallery) weekends / public holidays
- Value: Adults $5 and Kids $3
- Deal with: Cnr Trafalgar St and Hardy Avenue, Nelson 7040, New Zealand
5) Benefit from the Queens Gardens
These beautiful gardens are an awesome instance of a standard Victorian park. The gardens have been formally opened in 1892 to have fun Queen Victoria’s jubilee.
Initially, this land was a meat market till the late Eighteen Eighties till 1887 when the world was named the Queens Gardens and a contest was held for its design.
This makes for an exquisite place for a stunning stroll in Nelson metropolis.
- Deal with: Nelson 7010, New Zealand
- Value: Free
- Hours: 24/7
6) Go to The World Of Wearable Artwork
This museum is dedicated to wearable artwork and traditional automobiles. A barely eclectic combine, however you then would anticipate nothing much less from an internationally recognised design competitors.
The museum opened in 2001 and displays clothes from the World of Wearable Artwork design competitors which is held yearly in Wellington, drawing 60,000 attendants.
It’s the most effective museums and artwork galleries to go to in Nelson metropolis.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm every day
- Value: Adults $3, youngsters $0.5 and scholar $1
- Deal with: 1 Cadillac Approach, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
7) Stand within the Geographical Centre of New Zealand
Positioned a 60-minute stroll from the centre of Nelson is a monument to mark the centre of New Zeland.
It’s a straightforward hike and the stunning views over town of Nelson are a worthy return.
READ MORE: You’ll want to add these actions to your Wellington itinerary.
8) Head to Nelson Lakes Nationwide Park
Dwelling to beautiful lakes (clearly), forests and rugged peaks this beautiful Nationwide Park has an superior mixture of mountaineering trails, starting from straightforward lakeside walks to tougher alpine trails.
Simply over an hour’s drive from central Nelson makes it a superb possibility for a day journey. It’s a spotlight of the Nelson Tasman Area.
If you end up right here within the depths of winter then snowboarding will be accessed by way of the Rainbow ski area providing all types of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Two wonderful one-day hikes which can be nicely price trying out are the Mt Robert Circuit Monitor and the St Arnaud Vary Monitor.
The previous begins on the Mt Roberts automotive park and provides the optionally available aspect journey alongside Robert Ridge which provides unimaginable views.
The St Arnaud Vary Monitor begins on the jap aspect of the lake and ends with spectacular views of the valleys and mountains. Each hikes are actually on the strenuous finish of the size.
As talked about earlier there are a selection of shorter routes out there in Nelson Lakes Nationwide Park. Take a look at the I-site in Nelson or the DOC Nelson Lakes Customer Centre for some advocate trails.
That is completely the most effective issues to do in Nelson, so get your mountaineering boots on and prepare to go to one of many beautiful Nelson Lakes Nationwide Park.
9) Be taught About Nelson’s Historical past at Founders Heritage Park
Take the chance to study extra about Victorian-era Nelson at Founders Heritage Park.
Take a look at the big variety of exhibitions that target a various vary of matters.
With shows specializing in beer, bikes, and planes to call a couple of. There may be lots to maintain you busy right here.
The Founders Heritage Park can also be house to various artisans and craftsmen promoting some wonderful merchandise.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm every day
- Value: Adults $11, youngsters $5
- Deal with: Founders Park, 87 Atawhai Drive, The Wooden, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
10) Go Chicken Recognizing on the Brook Wanimara Sanctuary
This beautiful sanctuary on the outskirts of Nelson is house to all kinds of native fowl and plant species.
The Brook Wanimara Sanctuary has various mountaineering trails the place you may take off and discover the native bush, and hopefully catch a glimpse of a number of the native species that inhabit the sanctuary.
With the entire challenges that New Zealand’s native bush and indigenous species face, its nice to see organizations like this attempting to reverse the issues invasive species have introduced to those shores.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
- Value: Grownup $18; Baby (5-15 yrs) $10.
- Deal with: 651 Brook St, The Brook, Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
11) Cycle By means of Spooners Tunnel
Constructed from 1891 – 1893 Spooners tunnel was as soon as an important a part of an remoted government-owned railway line.
Nevertheless now, it holds the moderately unusual honour of being the longest disused railway tunnel in New Zealand.
Additionally, it will possibly simply be included right into a Kohatu to Norris Gully Part of the Nice Tasman Style Path.
Seize your bike and head on by way of the tunnel!
12) Get a Style of Victorian New Zealand at Broadgreen Historic Home
This beautiful previous Victorian home on the outskirts of Nelson is a incredible instance of Victorian life in New Zealand.
Initially inbuilt 1855 it was lived in by two totally different households till it was introduced by the Nelson Metropolis Council in 1955. The home itself is filled with gadgets that inform the tales of Nelson’s colonial previous.
Along with the home remember to try the Samuel Rose Backyard which is house to over 3000 vegetation and is especially lovely in spring and early summer season.
- Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm from October to Could and 11:00 am 3:00 pm from June to September.
- Value: Grownup $7; Baby (5-15 yrs) $2.
- Deal with: 276 Nayland Highway, Stoke, New Zealand.
READ MORE: Take a look at these superb issues to do in Auckland.
13) Go Mountain climbing in Mount Richmond Forest Park
One other wonderful mountaineering vacation spot that may be a very doable day journey from Nelson is Mount Richmond Forest Park. There are quite a few mountaineering trails all with wonderful however difficult day hikes.
The park can also be house to various multi-day hikes, however you will want to be sure you’re absolutely ready.
That is one other spotlight of the Nelson Tasman Area.
14) Discover Your Inside Zen on the Miyazu Japanese Gardens
The Miyazu backyard is a celebration of Nelson with its Japanese sister metropolis of Miyazu near town of Kyoto.
This backyard is an excellent place to channel your inside zen. It has been lovingly created with specific consideration paid to the supplies and design used to precisely show a real Japanese backyard.
The backyard is open 24 hours.
15) Examine Out the Gorgeous Structure of Christ Church Cathedral
Within the coronary heart of Nelson you with discover the Christ Church Cathedral, to not be confused with the cathedral within the metropolis of Christchurch itself.
It’s a stunning previous constructing that’s nicely price taking a stroll round.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm every day.
- Value: Free
- Deal with: 1 Trafalgar Sq., Nelson 7010, New Zealand.
16) Day Journey to Tasman Nice Style Path
This superior cycle observe takes you thru the Tasman area’s beautiful shoreline and charming countryside.
It’s an effective way to take a number of the area’s greatest points of interest together with wineries, craft breweries, fruit stalls, nice eating places, and artwork galleries.
Your entire path is 174km in size nonetheless there are quite a few sections that may simply be executed as a day journey. The path hyperlinks Nelson to the smaller cities of Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri.
There are quite a few sections of the path that make incredible one-day rides. The Richmond to Mapua leg is especially beautiful.
Slightly additional afield is the route operating from Motueka to Kaiteriteri which runs alongside quaint nation lanes. There are some good wineries to take a look at right here.
17) Examine Out the World-Well-known Abel Tasman Nationwide Park
This is likely one of the South Island of New Zealand’s most well-known nationwide parks. It is usually house to one of the vital accessible of the nation’s 9 Nice Walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Monitor.
You may deal with the whole path which takes between 3-5 days, nonetheless, it’s attainable to tackle a part of this path as a day journey from Nelson if time will not be in your aspect.
Its shut proximity makes this the most effective issues to do in Nelson.
You’ll want to move to Kaiteriteri and from there you may take a water taxi up into the park itself.
A preferred possibility is to move as much as Onetahuti or Bark Bay after which hike all the way down to Anchorage Bay. At round 11km, it’s actually manageable as a day journey.
A enjoyable option to sightsee in Abel Tasman Nationwide Park is from the water. You may guide a scenic boat cruise that sails previous all one of the best surroundings, or go kayaking.
We even have an article on kayaking within the Abel Tasman Nationwide Park so that you can try.
18) Day Journey to Richmond
This quaint little city positioned simply to the south of Nelson is known for its orchards and vineyards.
There’s lots right here to maintain you entertained, from mountaineering and mountain biking trails to numerous phases of the Tasman Nice Style Trail.
When you like mountain biking then head as much as the Silvan Mountain Biking trails. Head over to the Seifried Property Winery for one of many premier stops on the Nice Style Path.
Dwelling to eight vineyards over 250 hectares of that is one vineyard you gained’t wish to miss.
READ MORE: Take a look at these nice issues to do in Queenstown.
19) Go to Rabbit Island (Moturoa)
Dwelling to a shocking 13km stretch of seashore simply 20km west of Nelson is Rabbit Island. It is a spot that’s well-liked year-round for seashore journeys and picnics.
There are quite a few trails that may be simply explored on each foot and bicycle as you hunt in your personal little piece of paradise.
There are quite a few biking excursions that embody journeys to Rabbit Island, your lodging or Nelson’s i-site would be the greatest place to take a look at.
Rabbit Island will be simply accessed by ferry from Mapua Wharf. You too can rent bikes from Mapua Wharf to discover the biking trails on the island.
When you’re undecided what to see in Nelson then it is a great spot to begin.
20) Take a Hike to Whispering Falls
Close by the city of Richmond, you will see the beautiful Whispering Falls.
Beginning on the Aniseed Valley automotive park it’s a 3 to 5-hour return stroll. The hike is a straightforward to medium path so it’s accessible to anybody.
With so many different hikes within the space, this one could be very not often visited so remember to take benefit. Positively one of many prime issues to see in Nelson.
21) Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
When you’re in search of a spot to set your coronary heart racing with adrenaline actions then Nelson will not be the primary place you consider.
Each Queenstown and Taupo would most likely be the primary locations that spring to thoughts.
Nevertheless, Nelson is a superb place to attempt your hand at kite browsing, kayaking, quad biking, and paragliding.
In truth, many excursions out to the Abel Tasman Nationwide Park will contain taking in a number of the space’s beautiful coastal surroundings by kayak.
When you fancy throwing your self out of a airplane then head as much as Motueka the place you are able to do simply that with spectacular views of the Abel Tasman as you hurtle again all the way down to earth.
Head additional north in the direction of the Abel Tasman Nationwide Park itself and also you be capable to tackle one in all New Zealand’s latest adrenaline actions – Canyoning.
Involving abseiling, climbing, slipping sliding and swimming it is a actual combination of every thing and undoubtedly an exercise that’s price attempting out.
Along with the above, there are quite a few wonderful mountain biking trails within the space as nicely!
Nelson Journey Information
Now that you recognize what to do in Nelson, we wish to assist you to make your different plans as nicely by sharing one of the best lodging and locations to eat within the metropolis.
Lodging in Nelson New Zealand
Listed here are our suggestions on the place to remain in Nelson.
Finest Funds Lodging in Nelson – Bridge Backpackers
This wonderful backpacker hostel is positioned within the coronary heart of Nelson. Providing each dorms and personal rooms, with each being very fairly priced.
With an enormous frequent area and kitchen that wouldn’t look misplaced in one in all New Zealand’s many vacation parks, this is a superb possibility.
The hostel additionally provides complimentary breakfast, which is actually not frequent on the finances finish of the size. As well as, it’s also possible to lease bicycles to move out to the Nice Style Path!
Finest Mid-Vary Lodging in Nelson – Quest Nelson
This funky midrange possibility provides residences versus rooms, with a studio, one and two-bedroom residences out there. It is a significantly good possibility for households or teams of associates travelling collectively.
Positioned within the coronary heart of Nelson it’s strolling distance from town’s galleries, eating places and markets.
When you’re in search of a bit greater than a resort room for a similar value then this is a superb possibility to think about.
Finest Luxurious Lodging in Nelson – Retiro Park Lodge
This beautiful lodge is positioned roughly 10km outdoors of Nelson and comes with all of the refinement and attraction one would anticipate with luxurious lodging in New Zealand.
Dwelling to a non-public pool and beautiful countryside views this is a superb place to loosen up and unwind on this beautiful area of New Zealand.
What to Eat in Nelson New Zealand
You’ve gotten your room sorted, you recognize what to do in Nelson, now it’s time to determine one of the best locations to eat at!
Funds – Monty’s Sunday Market
Monty’s Sunday Market is filled with superior meals and produce. Costs are extraordinarily affordable, and the entire producers are from the Nelson space.
Be sure you come right here on an empty abdomen as there may be loads of nice meals on supply. That is additionally an awesome place to refill with some incredible street journey snacks.
Midrange – Mama Cod Tiki Bar
If you’re into seafood then that is an absolute should. Nevertheless, if seafood will not be your factor then there are many different choices on the Mama Cod Tiki Bar’s menu.
Set in an exquisite previous constructing it has a splendidly eclectic really feel, that’s actually price trying out.
Luxurious – Hopgoods
This legendary Nelson is institution is the proper setting for a romantic meal or vacation deal with. Hopgoods is extraordinarily well-liked each locals and vacationers.
With native substances used all through, the meals is unfussy and rustic completely mirroring this area of New Zealand.
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