The Top 10 Things To Do In Nelson New Zealand

Nelson is the ideal destination for those wanting to embrace some of New Zealand’s best features. This includes a stunning coastline setting, close proximity to many cultural gems, and some of the South Island’s finest natural backdrops. If you’re planning on visiting, here are 10 must-dos to add to your itinerary.

1. Visit Natureland

A great option for those travelling with kids. Natureland may not be as big as, say, Wellington’s Zealandia, but it’s got an array of interesting animal life to share with its visitors. This includes native New Zealand birds, various fish species, monkeys, farm animals, cute little piglets, and even a porcupine (in case you didn’t know, these prickly critters are a rarity on Kiwi shores).

Natureland Wildlife Trust, Tahunanui Dr, Tahunanui, Nelson 7011, New Zealand, +64 3-548 6166

Red-Eared Terrapin at Natureland in Nelson | © Sid Mosdell/Flickr

Embrace the tranquility of the Queens Gardens

The Queens Gardens are a heritage treasure right in the heart of the city. They were officially opened in 1892 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Naturally, traditional Victorian gardens were the inspiration for this ornamental park. The gardens were designed around a section of the Maitai River known as the Eel Pond – which was once a key food-gathering place for local Maori. Over the years, they have evolved to feature an array of different plant species, monuments and thematic pavillons.

Chinese Pavillon at the Queen’s Gardens in Nelson

3. Get a glimpse of the past at Founders Heritage Park

Museum, Park

Ever wanted to time travel? Then this family-friendly attraction might be for you. Founders Heritage Park looks just like an old-time village – with artisan shops, cafés and a craft beer museum adding a contemporary flair. If you’ve got little ones in tow, the tram line tour is bound to be a highlight. The gardens and the windmill are a few other places that should be on your must-see list.

Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Dr, The Wood, Nelson 7010, New Zealand,+64 3-548 2649

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVLuU-LlsTq/

4. Discover the historic treasures of Nelson Provincial Museum

Museum

The Nelson Provincial Museum has resided on the same central-city block since opening in 1842. Spend an hour delving into two wonderfully diverse exhibition spaces. The lower gallery is where you’ll find the historic wonders of Nelson and the Tasman Bay – covering all things related to the region’s culture and identity. The upper gallery is where you’ll find an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions, and a remarkable stained-glass window that aptly depicts New Zealand’s unique terrains.

Go on a cycle-based wine tour

Combine two things Nelson excels at: cycling and wine-making. There are more than 25 boutique wineries dotted around its rolling hills, with Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays the top features. Because this wine region is relatively small, you can visit all the vineyards in a day – as a bonus, many of them are complemented by restaurants that offer a taste of the local cuisine (FYI seafood is a local speciality).

Cast a line at the Motueka River

From freshwater to the sea, Nelson has got plenty of fishing opportunities for keen anglers. Among its numerous networks of rivers and streams, you’ll find the picturesque Motueka River. Trout fishing is the area’s forte, and there are various access points for anglers along its banks. Other nearby places to catch some trout include Lake Rotoroa and the Perolus River.

Unwind at Kaiteriteri Beach

Nelson is home to quite a varied coastline and Kaiteriteri Beach is one of the area’s most beautiful. The beach is rich in marine life, with dolphins, seals and penguins all calling it home. Turquoise waters and long stretches of golden sands also make this a perfect spot for chilling out in the hot summer months.

Explore the incredible Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is one of the best renowned natural reserves on Nelson’s doorstep. The park is home to one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, a handful of secret beaches, and lots of admirable greenery. Abel Tasman is actually the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks – but don’t let that deceive you: there’s more than 225 square kilometres (86.9 square miles) of natural land to explore.

See the Farewell Spit from up close

At the tip of the South Island, you’ll find New Zealand’s longest sand spit. Known to Maori as Tuhuroa, the Farewell Spit stretches across 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) and is also an internationally-renowned bird sanctuary. There are tours departing from Nelson that will lead visitors to this remarkable nature reserve. For those who prefer to take the self-guided route, just head over to Takaka and take the highway north.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.