Nelson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nelson - Tasman
Nelson
Nelson
Nelson
Nelson

Browse the local arts and crafts markets, explore the countryside, dine on freshly caught seafood or find a spot overlooking the bay and sip a local wine.

Nelson is a small but charming city on the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is characterised by quaint old colonial buildings and is known for its thriving arts and crafts scene and sunny weather.

Join locals at the Nelson Market, held every Saturday morning, and browse regional produce and crafts at more than 200 stalls.

Visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum and see some of the most inventive outfits from the Wearable Art Awards hosted in the city until 2004. Car lovers should check out the 100 classic automobiles, including vintage Cadillacs, Jaguars and Buicks, housed in the same complex.

Learn about the history of the area at the Nelson Provincial Museum. Here you’ll find artefacts from the area’s pre-history as well as items and accounts from pioneer settlers.

For more colonial history, make your way to Founders Heritage Park. Enjoy an assortment of historic homes and businesses, an old train and a boutique café and brewery. Move on to the Christ Church Cathedral to see one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Art lovers should visit The Suter Art Gallery for a look at a great collection of paintings from both international and New Zealand artists. Take a break and relax in the recreated Japanese landscape at the Miyazu Garden, visit local wineries or even go diving in the Tasman Bay. Travellers with kids will love the Natureland Zoo where you can get up close to wallabies, llamas and several other species.

Many visitors to New Zealand use a rental car to get between destinations, enjoying the spectacular scenery on the way. Nelson is about 6 hours’ drive from Christchurch. You can also fly into the Nelson domestic airport on a connecting flight from other major New Zealand cities.

Nelson is a great little city with some interesting museums and pretty countryside. Admire the work of local artisans, look at heritage buildings or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Where to stay in Nelson

Nelson - Tasman

Nelson City Centre

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nelson Provincial Museum and Christ Church Cathedral.

Nelson City Centre
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Tahunanui

Tahunanui is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Tahunanui Beach Reserve and Natureland Zoo while you're in town.

Tahunanui
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Stoke

4.5/5(81 area reviews)

Stoke is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like McCashin's Brewery and Marsden Recreation Ground.

Stoke
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Nelson South

4.5/5(117 area reviews)

Unique features of Nelson South include the spas and restaurants. Make a stop by Fairfield Park or Victory Square while you're exploring the area.

Nelson South
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Maitai

If you're spending some time in Maitai, Centre of New Zealand Monument and Waahi Taakaro Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Maitai
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Toi Toi

Though Toi Toi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Christ Church Cathedral and Nelson Market.

Toi Toi

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Activities

Reviews of Nelson

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
279
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
222
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nelson is awesome, central to all outdoor activties that is offered.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Covid 19 level 2 and you can as you stroll through the city feel a buzz and confidence coming back. Well worth the visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walker the Heaphy track with Kahurangi Track Walks. Totally recommend the walk and the company.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

WOW and Classic Car Museum, was well worth the visit. Would like to bring our bikes next visit and drive to Nelson, rather than fly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nelson has lots of cafes and restaurants and good shopping facilities for a small town. Tahunanui beach is perfect for families with safe swimming, play areas and a good cafe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place to visit easy to get around by vehicle or bus

Cities near Nelson