There are so many things to do in Nelson! The city is a trove of treasures and the wider Nelson Tasman region is smothered with pockets of paradise. With more sunshine than any other place in New Zealand, there is no shortage of things to do in Nelson. This list is based on my own personal experience and recommendations! For a full Nelson Travel Guide be sure to check out what I wrote for Big Bus Tour and Travel.
BE INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF WEARABLE ARTS AND CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM
No 1 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is the World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars Museum. Even if you are not into wearable art or classic cars you can not help but be inspired by these incredible collections. The two collections bring together innovation and design under one roof. The World of Wearable Arts event started in Nelson but became so big that it is now hosted in Wellington. However, each year a selection of more than 60 garments are put on display in the museum. The car collection includes more than 140 vintage, veteran, and classic cars. Truly impressive!
COST: Adult $24, Child (5-14 years) $10, Senior Citizen (65+) & NZ Student $18, Under 5 are FREE
EXPLORE THE WEEKEND MARKETS
No 2 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to explore the Weekend Markets. In the heart of Nelson city, filling Montgomery Square, are two weekend markets. The Nelson Market on Saturdays is where you will find a plethora of local quality food, arts, crafts and produce. The perfect way to start your weekend. Wander the stalls, grab a coffee or meet friends for breakfast. On Sunday is Monty’s Market which hosts a collection of stalls selling everything from pre-loved clothes and antiques to new and imported goods. Both markets start at 8am finishing up around 1pm.
COST: Entry to both Markets is FREE
TAKE A PIC’S PEANUT BUTTER TOUR
No 3 of the Best Things to do in Nelson to take a Pic’s Peanut Butter Tour. You don’t have to love peanut butter to enjoy a Pic’s Tour. The story behind this nutty business is a good one and the tour guides tell this story best. You get taken right into the heart of the factory and can see how the products are made and packaged ready to be sent all over New Zealand and the world. If you want to avoid the crowds book the first tour of the day and then you can relax and enjoy good food and beverages in the Pic’s Cafe.
COST: A Pic’s Tour is FREE but should be booked online to ensure you don’t miss out.
DINE AT EAST ST EATS
No 4 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to dine at East St Eats. The locals will tell you this is one of the best places in town to eat. This vegan restaurant claims they make veges sexy! Even meat lovers enjoy dining here because the food is so hearty good! Beverages include local beers, wines, and ciders and the restaurant hosts regular gigs and live music events.
COST: This restaurant is great value for money and competitively priced.
HANG OUT AT TAHUNANUI BEACH
No 5 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to hang out at Tahunanui Beach. Tahunanui is Nelson’s beach suburb and the local’s favourite place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Park up at the Tahunanui Beach Reserve and enjoy a range of activities and amenities. These include stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, a zoo, skatepark, water park, tennis courts, BMX track, and mini-golf. Also a popular place for dog walkers, runners or strolling the long sandy shoreline. There are plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants if you are feeling peckish.
COST: There is no cost to visit the beach and park in the reserve. There may be a charge for using or entering some of the amenities and hiring equipment such as paddleboards.
WANDER AROUND NATURELAND WILDLIFE TRUST
No 6 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to wander around the Naturland Wildlife Trust. If you plan to spend some time in Tahunanui then make sure you include a visit to this special little zoo. Home to a variety of native and exotic animals this is a treat for all ages. A non-profit and non-governmental organisation the Natureland Wildlife Trust is a conservation community effort driven by very passionate staff and volunteers. You can expect to see some very special native species inluding the cheeky kea, the ancient tuatara, noisy kaka and a number of other birds. Some of the very cool exotic animals include primates, meerkats and porcupines.
COST: Adult $12, Child (2-13yrs) $6, Under 2 FREE.
Group pass (2 adults, 2 children) $30. There is a 20% discount for students with ID and Community Services or Gold Card holders.
WALK TO THE CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND
No 7 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to walk to the Centre of New Zealand. The monument on top of Botanical Hill is the geographical centre of New Zealand. One of Nelson’s most popular short walks for good reason, you will be treated to incredible 360 views at the summit. Starting at the Botanical Reserve the walk should take you 30-50 minutes depending on your level of fitness and speed. You can take one track up and a different track down. Be sure to look out for the lone Kauri tree, a rare sight in the South Island.
COST: Walking to the Centre of New Zealand Monument is FREE
VISIT THE NELSON PROVINCIAL MUSEUM
No 8 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to visit the Nelson Provincial Museum. Located right in the heart of the city, this museum is home to permanent and visiting exhibitions. In the lower gallery, you will find Te Tau Ihu, a permanent exhibition showcasing local history from the top of the South Island. The upper gallery hosts a number of visiting exhibitions each year so it is worth finding out which exhibitions are on when you are in Nelson. There is also an educational room and rooftop garden to be found in the upper gallery.
COST: Local Residents are FREE. Visiting Adults $5, Children $3 and Preschoolers are FREE. Family pass $15 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
FOLLOW THE NELSON CRAFT BEER TRAIL
No 9 of the Best Things to do in Nelson is to follow the Nelson Craft Beer Trail. Nelson is the craft beer capital of New Zealand due to the perfect conditions for growing hops. The Nelson Craft Beer Trail stretches from Nelson all the way out to Kaiteriteri and includes 26 stops along the way. However, you don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a great selection of craft beers with 6 stops found right in central Nelson. A number of stops will do a beer tasting platter and if you are able to get out to Stoke (15 minutes drive from Nelson) then it is highly recommended that you do a McCashins Brewery Tour.
COST: $25 – The 45-minute McCashins Brewery Tour includes a tasting of 4 STOKE Beers and 1 Rochdale Cider.
Find out more about visiting the Nelson Tasman Region with this Nelson Travel Guide I wrote for the Big Bus Tour and Travel Guide. Looking for the best South Island one day road trip? Check out my blog on the Great Alpine Highway, Christchurch to the Wild West Coast.
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