Top Things to do in Nelson
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10 Things to do in Nelson That You Shouldn't Miss
Nelson’s thriving arts and music scene has helped to establish it as a destination for free spirits and art-lovers. Festivals, studios, galleries, craft markets… Every cranny of this South Island city seems to buzz with artistic energy. Lord of the Rings fans will flip for the Jens Hansen workshop in Trafalgar Square—Hansen is the goldsmith who designed the “precious” guarded by Frodo in the LOTR films.
Restaurants in Nelson
1. Nelson Classic Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,517 reviews
150+ immaculate cars from more than 100 years of motoring Nelson Classic Car Museum is one of the finest private collections in New Zealand. From the little 1908 Renault AX, to classics of the 1950s including Vauxhalls, Triumphs and Cadillacs, through to the exquisite mastery of Jaguar and Ferrari, the Museum is the place to marvel and admire an incredible collection of iconic cars. The Museum also includes a Cafe renowned for its tasty healthy treats and the Museum store is full of NZ art and jewellery designs. Open every day 10am - 4pm (except Christmas Day). Due to a company restructure during the Covid19 lock down The World of Wearable Art exhibition is no longer on display at this Museum. Please use the website worldofwearableart.com for further information and contact.
Reviewed By FADance - Nelson, New Zealand
Highly recommended, great to see the detail of Wow outfits up close, classic cars are always great too Great Cafe which is always very popular
2. Nelson Saturday Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
The Nelson Market is famous for its longevity and high quality of its stalls. For almost 40 years, market owner Nita Knight has worked hard to create a showcase of the best that the Nelson region has to offer in arts, crafts and produce. The market is enhanced these days with a wide variety of food carts, making it a wonderful place to meet friends and share brunch or lunch while checking out the array of goods on offer at this truly iconic market.
Reviewed By KiwiMilly - Christchurch, New Zealand
Really cool! Great diverse range of stalls. Lots of local food and crafts. Good way to spend a Saturday morning. Heads up to some great strawberries from Blenheim we bought there, delicious!!
3. Founders Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By SueF_NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand
Lots of interesting things to uncover at Founders Park. Buildings are set in beautifully maintained gardens, and easy to get around on foot. An easy 15 min walk from town, and good coffee from the cafe on site. Nice way to spend a few hours.
4. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By Ezra710 - Christchurch, New Zealand
We must have organised our visit just right as the lovely organ was being played. Lots of opportunities to stop and mediate /pray during this visit. Various memorials, including to Robert Snodgrass, Thomas Brunner and Robert Baden-Powell. A beautiful building featured on the hill at the top of Trafalgar Street.
5. Nelson i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Located on the corner of Trafalgar & Halifax Streets. Friendly, Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic i-SITE Travel Consultants. We can book your NZ Travel, Accommodation and Activities at no extra cost. Incredible i-SITE space incorporating the Nelson DOC Visitor Centre. Lots of incredible picture boards with display brochures and information on our region and beyond. Let us take the hassle out of booking your holiday in our beautiful region and across the country. Quick, easy, secure, cost effective. We also sell tickets to a range of local and national events.
Reviewed By Sharon52NZ
The 2 ladies that work here were brilliant. We were unsure about doing the Split Apple rock, as the weather had turned, through them we found out we could drive out and do a short walk, we ended up with photos just as good as those taken if you did a cruise or kayak out. Both ladies went out of their way making phone calls and googling times to see if the cruises were still running. Even found out there was a coffee cruise for those not wanting a whole day outing
6. Natureland Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Natureland is Nelson's zoo and wildlife conservation centre where you can get up close and personal to some unique New Zealand natives like Tuatara and Kea. Hang with the monkeys and get hands on with a range of interesting domestic animals. We are proud to be a community focused charitable trust so come on in and lets have a conservation conversation.
Reviewed By 652stuartb - Auckland, New Zealand
Natureland Zoo is awesome place to visit while your in Nelson, its very reasonably priced and you can buy food to give the animals as you walk around. It’s very kid friendly as they love feeding the animals and there is a playground. Kids and adults will love this alike. A must do.
7. Centre of New Zealand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 864 reviews
Reviewed By themilkybarkid - Wellington, New Zealand
Great walk along the river and then up to the top of the hill for great 360 degree views and then carry on the walk to the Japanese Garden and the cafe in the Founder Heritage Park then catch the bus on the hour back to Nelson. Great walk! Great views!
8. Queen's Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By patterklan
Art Gallery - Beautiful bridge & Mature trees , lots of shade & ponds Easy flat paths for walking , would be pram & wheel chair friendly.
9. Tahunanui Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Reviewed By Moana033 - Auckland, New Zealand
Beautiful stretch of beach easily accessible from the main road. Kid friendly waters. There's a hive of activities happening such as kite surfing and paddle boarding. There's so much space that there could be hundreds of people yet you're not in each other's spaces.
10. Rabbit island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By kinx81 - Hamilton, New Zealand
White sandy beach with some driftwood. Cycle trails and lots of parking. Don’t have to take a ferry, you can drive across on the bridge. Closes at 8:30 pm. Toilets, outdoor showers and picnic tables and bbq sites around. Safe swimming beach and good for paddle boarding.
