Nelson Attractions
To start you on a tour of Nelson's many activities and attractions we have links here to various websites for the region:
Christ Church Cathedral - participate in a service or just visit to appreciate the cathedral on its site above Nelson.
Nelson's Saturday Market - an entertaining browse through the fresh food, art, jewellery, clothes, toys, flowers, furniture, bric-a-brac, wood turning and much more at this market which has become a Nelson institution.
Nelson Provincial Museum - in its central city location on the corner of Trafalgar and Hardy streets, the museum has two main gallery spaces, one showing the region's history and the second showing regularly changing exhibitions.
The Centre of New Zealand - a walk of about an hour which rewards you with panoramic views of Nelson City and the sea beyond. Nelson City Council's direction page for the walk is available at www.nelson.govt.nz/recreation/recreation/parks-and-reserves/centre-of-nz
Hoglund Art Glassblowing Studio - visit the glassblowing studio and see the artists working. Studio, shop and cafe are set in a tranquil 7 acre garden only 15 minutes' drive from Nelson.
The Suter Art Gallery - visit this gallery, shop and excellent cafe in the centre of Nelson.
Theatre Royal - Nelson's recently restored Victorian theatre has performances year-round.
Happy Valley Adventures - Experience guided 4 wheel drive bike tours, ride the world's only Skywire flying fox, play paintball, enjoy horse trekking, horse riding along forest trails or ride on the amphibious Argo, all within a 20 minute drive from Nelson.
Make-a-Knife - whole day activity forging a knife from raw steel using the traditional Blacksmith toolkit of forge, hammer and anvil to create a blade you will treasure forever.
Ngarua Caves - an hour's drive away, on Takaka hill, you can enter a cave system to see an extensive display of stalagmites and stalactites and a skeleton display of an extinct Moa.
Pelorus Eco Adventures – a kayaking company based in Havelock, on the road towards Blenheim, taking guided trips down the beautiful Pelorus River, as used in the Lord of the Rings movies.
Arts and Crafts:
Nelson is famous for its wealth of artists and artisans - you could spend several days touring studios and galleries.
Breweries:
Nelson is known as the craft brewing capitol of New Zealand. See if you agree...
Golf:
Green Acres Golf Club is perhaps Nelson’s best golf club. Located in Richmond on Best Island which is approximately a 25 minute drive from Nelson City.
Nelson Golf Club is located by the Airport and is approximately a 10 minute drive. Both clubs have rental clubs for hire
Kayaking:
See the Nelson or Abel Tasman coastlines on guided or solo kayak excursions from half day to multiday experiences.
Kahu Kayaks, all operate year round
Mountain biking in Nelson:
Mountain biking maps from Nelson City Council
Paddleboarding:
Abel Tasman Paddleboarding offers a range of half day or full day experiences. Full training given.
Restaurants and Cafés:
Nelson has no shortage of great eating experiences available to you. From fine dining to relaxed family fare and plenty of international options. Check out
East Street (vegan restaurant)
Skiing:
Rainbow Ski Field : An hour and a half away is Rainbow ski field, in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
Tennis:
Several courts may be accessed for free. These are listed by their closeness to South Street.
Nelson Boys College, corner of Franklin Street and Waimea Road (5 minutes).
Paru Paru Road, Nelson, just behind The Palms Motel and opposite the entrance to Woolworths Supermarket (5 minutes).
Tahunanui Park just opposite the entrance to Nature Land Zoo (about 10-15 minutes).
Tahunanui Drive just past the Bella Vista Motel on the left heading towards Richmond (about 10-15 minutes).
Water Taxis into the Abel Tasman National Park:
Take a day pack and enjoy a walk in one of New Zealand's great National parks. Catch the ferries at Kaiteriteri or Marahau, about an hour's driving from Nelson, for a great day out.
all operate year round.
Wineries:
There are 28 boutique wineries in the Nelson Region, many serving excellent local food. Explore online at www.winenelson.co.nz
Get some more information on Nelson, NZ:
We've assembled some web sites with information about the Nelson, New Zealand area.
