The 10 Best Things to do in Nelson

Top 10 Things to Do in Nelson

This guide to the best things to do in Nelson is here to help you plan an unforgettable trip to this beautiful part of New Zealand. 

One of the sunniest and oldest cities in New Zealand, Nelson serves as a gateway to incredible natural wonders, thrilling adventure activities, and vibrant artisan communities. Small but perfectly formed, this South Island gem truly showcases the best of New Zealand. 

On my last visit, I was impressed by how Nelson punches above its weight with its excellent cafés, wineries, and easy access to stunning beaches and national parks. It also has a sense of history which is not something that all New Zealand towns and cities have. 

This article also provides tips on how much time you’ll need to fully experience Nelson, how to get around, and where to stay. 

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The Best Things To Do In Nelson

Nelson is a gateway to incredible natural experiences, including the iconic Abel Tasman National Park, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. However, the city also boasts a vibrant cultural side, with historic attractions and quality art galleries. 

Visit Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Visiting Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most popular activities in Nelson. With turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches, native forests, and unique wildlife, this compact but stunning national park has plenty to offer. 

There are many ways to experience Abel Tasman. You can take a water taxi to one of its picturesque bays and enjoy a day hike, or stay longer to explore more of the area. Kayaking is another excellent way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty. 

Abel Tasman is highly accessible, so it can feel a bit crowded during the peak season (December through March). However, there are still plenty of spots where you can escape the crowds. 

There are also many organised tours that allow you to experience the park to the fullest. For instance, this full-day sailing and self-guided walk tour is an ideal way to enjoy the park’s stunning coastline and explore a section of the main track on the same day. 

Explore Golden Bay

Wharariki Beach in Golden Bay
Wharariki Beach in Golden Bay

Nelson is an ideal gateway to a stunning region that’s well worth a day trip. Located in the north-west corner of the South Island, Golden Bay offers natural wonders, a welcoming community, and a wide variety of adventure activities. 

Although still a popular tourist destination, Golden Bay is less crowded than Abel Tasman and the Nelson region. There’s only one road leading to Golden Bay, taking you over Takaka Hill, where you can enjoy incredible views from the top. 

One of the must-see attractions in the area is Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs). These are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, containing some of the clearest water in the world. The springs hold spiritual significance for Māori people. 

Another gem in Golden Bay is Wharariki Beach, accessible via a short walking track through scenic farmland. The windswept Wharariki Beach is truly spectacular—you might even recognise it from a Windows 10 screensaver. 

The area also offers other excellent walking tracks, including Farewell Spit, one of the largest sandspits in the world and home to over 90 bird species. 

You can take in the beauty of the Golden Bay coastline on a scenic flight. A Farewell Spit and Northern Abel Tasman scenic flight from Takaka is a fantastic option. 

Go to Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park

Just an hour’s drive south of Nelson lies Nelson Lakes National Park, another fantastic destination waiting to be explored. It’s home to 16 alpine lakes, surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and native forests. 

In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, and mountain biking. In winter, the Rainbow Ski Field opens for a range of snow-based activities. 

The park offers a variety of walking options, from easy short walks to challenging tracks. Some areas are more accessible than others, so be sure to consider travel times when planning your visit. 

For example, my husband and I took a day trip from Nelson to St Arnaud, a gateway village to the park, located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. It’s about an hour’s drive to St Arnaud, making it an excellent base for a short trip. 

The area around St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti features many short walks that showcase the beautiful surroundings. Venturing deeper into the park will, of course, increase travel times. 

Hike up to the Centre of New Zealand

The 10 Best Things to do in Nelson

Enjoy incredible panoramic views of Nelson and delve into local history by hiking to the summit of Botanical Hill, a short walk east of the city centre. The hike is brief, taking about 30 minutes, but it is steep—though the views make the effort worthwhile. 

At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform and a monument marking the site used as the central point for land surveys in the 1800s. From there, you can take in views of Nelson, Tasman Bay, and the Kahurangi mountains. 

Just a note: this is not the true geographical centre of New Zealand, which is actually located in the Tararua Ranges in the Wairarapa area of the North Island

Tour Wineries and Craft Beer Breweries

The Nelson region is home to many excellent wineries and craft beer breweries. You can sample world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and aromatic wines by visiting one (or more) of the 22 cellar doors. 

Beer is also a significant part of the local culture, with Nelson considered the craft brewing capital of New Zealand. 

Hop cultivation was introduced by German settlers who arrived in the area in the 1840s, and the trade has flourished ever since. Today, there’s even a dedicated beer trail to explore. 

One way to experience the region’s wines is by cycling the Nelson Tasman Great Taste Trail, which takes you through beautiful vineyards, beaches, artists’ studios, and seaside villages. 

Along the way, you can sample the region’s finest food and wine. The trail map is available on the New Zealand Cycle Trails website

Relax at Tahunanui Beach

This beautiful stretch of golden sand is Nelson’s main beach, offering stunning views of Tasman Bay and calm, shallow waters that make it an ideal spot for swimming. 

Both locals and tourists flock to Tahunanui Beach to enjoy scenic strolls, paddleboarding, kite surfing, or a classic BBQ. You can also pick up some fish and chips at a nearby café for the ultimate Kiwi summer experience. 

When my husband and I visited Nelson, we stayed at a hotel near Tahunanui beach. It was wonderful to head there in the evenings after a day of exploring. 

The area is connected to the city centre by public buses. Once, we even walked from the beach to the city centre, which took just under an hour. 

Go to the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum Museum

Although classic cars and designer gowns make for an unusual combination, this museum is well worth a visit. 

The museum showcases a collection of 150 iconic cars in immaculate condition. From 1950s classics to aspirational Ferraris and Jaguars, the collection spans over 100 years of motoring history. 

The museum also houses an exquisite collection of garments from the World of WearableArt Awards Show (WOW), an international competition that attracts designers from around the world. 

Adult admission is $19 NZ ($11 US), with discounts available for children, students, and seniors. 

Shop Till You Drop at Nelson Market

Held every Saturday morning, the Nelson Market is a must for the lovers of all things artisan, from food to craft. 

The market showcases quality local produce and unique handmade goods by Nelson makers. There are up to two hundred stalls to explore. 

The Nelson Market is the perfect spot to experience the creativity of the region and enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch and excellent coffee.  

The market runs from 8am to 1pm in Montgomery Square in the heart of Nelson. 

Established in 1899, the Suter is the oldest public art gallery in continuous use in New Zealand. Its diverse art collection, featuring paintings, watercolours, and ceramics by local, national, and international artists, is of national significance. 

In 2016, the gallery underwent an extensive redevelopment to accommodate its growing collection and meet modern gallery standards. Today, it’s worth visiting just to appreciate the architecture, which combines heritage elements with contemporary materials and design. 

The gallery also features a café, gift store, and theatre. Admission is free. 

Travel Back in Time at the Founder’s Heritage Park Museum

Discover Nelson’s colonial past at the Founder’s Heritage Park Museum, an open air attraction featuring a replica historic village, beautiful gardens, a railway and an excellent café serving locally-produced craft beer and wine.

Period buildings are home to galleries, quirky shops and artisan workshops – perfect for those looking for a unique memento from New Zealand. You can easily walk to the Museum from Nelson’s town centre.

Adult admission is $11 NZ (6.50 USD), child (5-16 years) – $5 NZ (3 USD). 

The Best Time To Go To Nelson

The best time to visit Nelson for warm weather and plenty of sunshine is between November and March (New Zealand’s summer). This is also the region’s busiest period, so be sure to book your accommodation and activities well in advance. 

New Zealand’s ski season runs from July to the end of September. If you’d like to hit the slopes, this is also a good time to visit Nelson due to its proximity to the Rainbow Ski Area. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Nelson

If you’d like to explore the town, enjoy the local wineries, and do a hike or two, I’d recommend staying for two to three days. 

However, if you’re planning to use Nelson as a base for day trips to Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Golden Bay, consider allocating four to five days instead. 

When my husband and I first visited Nelson, we stayed for four nights and managed to do a few of these day trips. It was quite a lot of moving around, and I actually wished we’d stayed longer to enjoy a bit more downtime. 

Getting To Nelson

Nelson is served by a small regional airport with connections to New Zealand’s main cities, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. 

A daily half-hourly bus service runs from the airport to Nelson’s CBD. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hire a car from one of the airport’s rental offices. 

If you’re travelling from another location on the South Island, you might also consider taking an inter-city bus. Alternatively, self-driving is a popular choice for many travellers. 

How to Get Around Nelson

Nelson is a compact city, so you’ll be able to explore the CBD on foot. A local bus network can also help you reach the suburbs, including Tahunanui Beach. 

For the most freedom and flexibility, consider renting a car, allowing you to access all local points of interest. 

If driving isn’t an option, you can still reach some of the major tourist destinations, including Abel Tasman National Park, by joining an organised tour. Many tours include hotel pick-up in Nelson, making this a convenient option. 

Where to Stay in Nelson

Since tourism is one of Nelson’s main industries, you’ll find accommodation options throughout the region, primarily private rentals along with a few hostels and locally-owned hotels. 

Personally, I’d recommend staying either in the CBD for easy access to local attractions or in the Tahunanui area to enjoy the city’s main beach. 

We stayed at Beaches Nelson in Tahunanui, which offered spacious rooms with kitchenettes and free parking—perfect for us, as we hired a car for our entire trip. 

Final Thoughts

Hope this list of the best things to do in Nelson will inspire you to spend some time in this beautiful part of New Zealand. I, for one, can’t wait to come back there to see and experience more. 

If you’re planning to visit other parts of South Island, I highly recommend visiting Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital. It’s a great base for exploring some of New Zealand’s most famous scenery. 

For something a bit more off the beaten track, head to the charming village of Akaroa. This hidden gem offers unforgettable wildlife experiences, stunning hikes, French-inspired cuisine and charming places to stay

FAQs: Things to Do in Nelson

Is Nelson worth a visit?

Yes, Nelson is a great place to visit as part of your New Zealand adventure. It is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding national parks likes Abel Tasman. The city also boasts a selection of great attractions, hiking trails and a thriving food and drink scene.

Is there much to do in Nelson?

There is lots to see and do in Nelson including stunning beaches, hiking and cycling trails, wineries and craft beer breweries, historic attractions and, of course, the incredible Abel Tasman National Park.

Do you need a car in Nelson? 

You don’t need a car in Nelson if you are only exploring the CBD. However, it’s definitely good to have to venture out to all the amazing destinations outside the city. 

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2 Comments

  1. Привет Ксения вы описали райское место, хотелось бы там побывать, ждём новых приключений…..

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