10 Tours in Nelson That You Shouldn't Miss

July 21, 2021 Hector Krause

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. Quad Bike - Bayview Circuit

Cable Bay Adventure Park, 194 Cable Bay Road, Nelson 7071, New Zealand Cable Bay Adventure Park
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery, then down through the farmlands. Light refreshments included.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Light refreshments - Tea/Coffee and cookies, Local guide, PICK UPS AND DROP OFFS - IF REQUIRED, The Cable Bay Adventure Park is located less than 15 minutes from Nelson's City centre giving you more time for Adventure and less time spent travelling. Our friendly staff can arrange for a free pick up and drop off from the Nelson i-site or other central Nelson points for groups of 2 or more., This MUST be booked at time of reservation as this service runs on demand and is not a scheduled service.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By vanessandeanbaird

Great family fun for our 3 children and ourselves! Our 5 year old was just tall enough to go on it, thank god! Beautiful scenery! Very friendly and informative staff! Thanks team! Highly recommend!

2. Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided

Nelson i-SITE, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 1.5-2 hour ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ walking tour will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guide, Dianne, is a ‘born and bred’ Nelsonian, who knows all the hidden gems, and with a unique insight gives you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Lord of the Rings Jeweller – Jens Hansen, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more in between. Prepare to be impressed!

Inclusions: Water bottles are available and there are refilling stations along the walk, Sun Screen available if required, Tour Guide, Tour commentary, Sanitiser, Disposable Face Mask if required

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

3. Ultimate South - Hiking New Zealand - 15 days

77 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand Hiking New Zealand
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Four multi-day hikes » Golden sands of Abel Tasman Coastal Track » Crystal clear rivers and limestone canyons of the West Coast » Cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail » Cruising the magnificent Milford Sound

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Use of bicycle, Waka experience and boat cruise

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Reviewed By Discover820406

I completed a four-day hike in Arthurs Pass with Hiking NZ. Not having a lot of hiking experience I was apprehensive about what to expect. However, the trip exceeded expectations, the scenery was stunning, the days although long were rewarding and our guide let us take our time. Couldn't recommend more

4. Southern Slice - Hiking New Zealand - 8 days

Queenstown, New Zealand Hiking New Zealand
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Embrace the South Island of New Zealand and visit iconic locations along with enjoying your creature comforts at the end of each satisfying day. From postcard perfect Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki’s luscious green rainforests and the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook. Finish your time in this magical country under the immense peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park before arriving in Queenstown - the adventure capital.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner

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Reviewed By Discover820406

I completed a four-day hike in Arthurs Pass with Hiking NZ. Not having a lot of hiking experience I was apprehensive about what to expect. However, the trip exceeded expectations, the scenery was stunning, the days although long were rewarding and our guide let us take our time. Couldn't recommend more

5. Tunnel to Town - Day Adventure Option B Nelson City

Halifax Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand Kiwi Journeys
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Kiwi Journeys are excited to release the new ‘Tunnel to Town’ tour. Construction on a new 5km section of trail into Wakefield is now complete allowing this amazing day of cycling, scenery and tasting. Today you will ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere, extraordinary mountain vistas, amazing scenery through farmland, orchards, hop gardens, vineyards, coastal estuaries as well as being able to sample world class food and beverage

Inclusions: Cycle equipment including trail comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, carrier bag, odometer and trail map, Bottled water, Transport: Nelson to Spooner's Tunnel, Transport: Mapua Wharf to Nelson, Mapua Ferry (Option A)

Exclusions: all meals at own cost

Reviewed By emiliebarker

Really great customer service! Came to kiwi journey Nelson after a not so good experience with another bike hire company and kiwi journey Nelson saved the day for the 6th of us! Friendly, helpful, gave us an excellent deal and the bikes were perfect for what we needed. Really recommend these guys to anyone. Thank you Kiwi journey Nelson!

6. Tunnel to Town - Day Adventure - Option A Via Mapua

Halifax Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand Kiwi Journeys
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Kiwi Journeys are excited to release the new ‘Tunnel to Town’ tour. Construction on a new 5km section of trail into Wakefield is now complete allowing this amazing day of cycling, scenery and tasting. Today you will ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere, extraordinary mountain vistas, amazing scenery through farmland, orchards, hop gardens, vineyards, coastal estuaries as well as being able to sample world class food and beverage. Choose from Option A, ‘Tunnel to Town - via Mapua’, or Option B, ‘Tunnel to Town

Inclusions: Cycle equipment including trail comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, carrier bag, odometer and trail map, Bottled water, Transport: Nelson to Spooner's Tunnel, Transport: Mapua Wharf to Nelson, Mapua Ferry

Exclusions: All meals at own cost

Reviewed By emiliebarker

Really great customer service! Came to kiwi journey Nelson after a not so good experience with another bike hire company and kiwi journey Nelson saved the day for the 6th of us! Friendly, helpful, gave us an excellent deal and the bikes were perfect for what we needed. Really recommend these guys to anyone. Thank you Kiwi journey Nelson!

7. Dragon Hunt Archery Experience in Pristine Native Forest

Archery Park Nelson, 194 Cable Bay Road, Nelson 7071, New Zealand Archery Park Nelson
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5.0 based on 66 reviews

If you like to experience raw New Zealand but want some action with it – this is the tour for you! Learn to shoot the longbow and get to explore a native New Zealand forest that has been left alone by humans since the begin of time - classified as one of the most diverse nature areas on the top of the South Island: Nelson’s cleanest stream, giant towering trees, some of the largest silver ferns in NZ and an active bird life await you. Archery challenges will keep you entertained throughout the tour: Shoot realistic looking Dragons and other targets uphill, downhill over streams, between ferns and under trees. This is archery in a whole new format and unique in New Zealand! Your guide has 18 years of archery experience, is a certified archery coach, holds a NZ silver medal and a national archery record. You will get initial in-depth archery coaching and help to master the challenges in the forest archery course. Free photos and highlights of special nature features are included.

Inclusions: All Archery Gear, Private transportation, Full Archery Training

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Reviewed By rblovell

Markus shared his love of archery and the native Bush of Cable Bay. After a brief introduction to archery we went in search of the elusive dragons. A great way to spend our day. We throughly recommend this experience

8. Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Wine Art and Wilderness
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so that they can spend more time exploring the many features with an expert interpretive guide who will highlight the less obvious features of Maori history, early settler activity and the endless stories that abound here, especially from the rich variety of vegetation, birds and aquatic life.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park fees, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Lunch, All activities, Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By newzhnd

Zane is a consummate guide with an engaging manner that will transform your tour to a lasting memory of an unforgettable experience. We rate Zane as one of the best guides we’ve encountered. Golden Bay is s must-see while in NZ. We’ll never forget walking on the compact sand of Wharariki Beach and seeing the arch. We were ever so fortunate to see seal pups frolicking in a pool while being watched by one of the mothers. And Zane prepared a gourmet lunch of home-smoked salmon and turkey.

9. Golden Bay in a Day

Wine Art and Wilderness
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing  your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay through the vineyards, market gardens and orchards then forest on Marble mountain. This is a full day tour that never fails to impress and becomes a photographers playground with almost scenic overload proportions. Your every comfort is included from water, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and of course a gourmet picnic lunch as well as entrance fees into middle earth caves and the National Parks where your guide is privileged with special unique access. This day is renowned for the diversity of views and landscape formations from mountains, managed and unique native forest types. limestone and granite rock formations, incredibly clear water, estuaries, a waterfall and beautiful golden sand beaches. If time permits a stroll through the Takaka village will top of a fascinating day.

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Lunch, Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 2111marion

Amazing! The park is gorgeous, the tour is really great with a lot of explanations, and the operating team is really caring. I really enjoyed it! Thank you ????????

10. SKYWIRE Experience

Cable Bay Adventure Park, 194 Cable Bay Road, Nelson 7071, New Zealand Cable Bay Adventure Park
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4.6 based on 40 reviews

The Worlds longest Flying Fox - you trip starts with a mini-bus journey up through the park to the launch platform of the Skywire. Your guides will entertain you on the trip up with facts and stories of the park and surround areas. The ride takes up to 4 people at a time and can reach speeds of up to 100km/hr. The ride takes you both forward and backwards, with 800 metres of gravity assisted freewheeling in each direction - combined with 700 metres of scenic journey in each direction, finishing back at the start after nearly 10 minutes of thrilling adventure.

Inclusions: PICK UPS AND DROP OFFS - IF REQUIRED, The Cable Bay Adventure Park is located less than 15 minutes from Nelson's City centre giving you more time for Adventure and less time spent travelling. Our friendly staff can arrange for a free pick up and drop off from the Nelson i-site or other central Nelson points for groups of 2 or more., This MUST be booked at time of reservation as this service runs on demand and is not a scheduled service.

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By davidlP6880HU

Just an all-round great afternoon. Fletch was an awesome guide. We especially enjoyed the paddock ride at the end.

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