Nelson is known for local arts and crafts stores, and art galleries. It's also a popular base for nearby caving sites, vineyards and Abel Tasman National Park. Established by English settlers in 1841, the city's history is showcased at Founders Heritage Park, a living museum with a vintage railway.
With so many great places to visit during your visit here to Nelson, below are a few of our favourites to help you choose what to fill your day with!
Explore
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park is a New Zealand national park located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of the South Island.
It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand and who anchored nearby in Golden Bay.
Known for it's beautiful Golden beaches, lush vegetation and warm weather, making it one of the best places to relax and enjoy New Zealand's beautiful nature.
Tahunanui Beach
Tahunanui Beach is the main beach in the city of Nelson, New Zealand.
It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay on the northern edge of a peninsula which stretches west from the suburb of Tahunanui.
A very popular beach among visitors & locals alike.
Natureland Zoo
As a non-profit and an NGO (non-governmental organisation), they exist to be a community hub to connect people, places, and animals.
Saving wildlife is a team effort, and their staff would like to you to join us as we work to save species. You can donate, volunteer, sponsor, or simply pay them a visit.
With native birds, primates, meerkats, and so many other animals, its a great trip for a family outing.
Do
Skywire Experience
The Skywire is set 300m above our base café and has incredible views of Cable and Delaware Bays, the western ranges and north towards D’urville island. One a clear day you can even see the snow-capped peak of Mount Taranaki.
Strapped securely into the ride with 5-point harnesses, the Skywire seats up to four “flyers” at a time, with around 800m of gravity assisted free-wheeling, reaching speeds of up to 100 kph, followed by 800m at a more leisurely pace - ideal for taking in the incredible scenery.
World of WearableArt & Classic Car Museum
The Museum showcases two very distinct collections that collide in a celebration of design, innovation and wonder.
Where else in the world can you see a stunning selection of more than 60 wearable art garments, alongside more than 140 veteran, vintage and classic cars?
Together the wearable art and collectible cars epitomise the very heart of WOW – exploding the boundaries of design so that creativity and invention can thrive in a world of limitless possibilities.
Nelson Provincial Museum
The Nelson Provincial Museum, Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao is a regional museum in the city of Nelson.
The museum showcases the Nelson and Tasman regions' history, from geological origins to the stories of individuals and families.
A great place to spend a few hours, with exhibitions & activities for the whole family.
Eat
The Boat Shed Cafe
The Boatshed offers unhurried dining with a superb range of all that Nelson is famous for.
In season seafood like oysters, scallops, blue-nose or snapper, deliciously prepared meats, tasty vegetarian dishes and desserts that make indulgence irresistable.
Some of Nelson's finest award winning vineyards are located close to Mapua and the Boatshed offers a variety of acclaimed chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.
Fords
Established in 2008, FORD’s has a reputation for quality dining. Janette is a classically trained chef with many years of experience in the industry.
She believes that many chefs over complicate meals and prefers an approach to cooking which allows the individual ingredients to standout.
The goal is to respect the ingredients and let them sing. We combine these flavours with a quality wine and great service to provide a great dining experience
Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery
Owner Matt Bouterey’s, a Michelin-trained chef, with some of the greats including Anthony Demetre, Gary Rhodes and Marco Pierre White.
The food is a combination of casual and fine dining, the produce is sourced from local suppliers and you get the feeling that their standard of quality and presentation is important to them. The menu is designed to be shared, or not, it doesn’t really matter.
The drinks list is comprised of local craft beers, a beautiful wine list and tequila sipping menu. Plus everything else you would expect, they do it well. The staff are also relaxed and accommodating.
