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Nelson travel guide, cafes, markets, art galleries & sunshine

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Close proximity to Abel Tasman National Park makes Nelson a visitor rockstar

Nelson Travel Guide: Things to Do in New Zealand's Sunny Arts City

Writer: Sarah-Jane Lee
Sarah-Jane Lee
Oct 8
5 min read

Updated: Oct 11


  • Historic chain link fence overlooks Tasman Bay at sunset, Nelson
  • Extraordinary boulder walk Nelson, very uneven with lighthouse at the end to reward walkers
  • Tāhunanui beach, lifeguards, playgrounds and cafes nearby, perfect for families, Nelson
  • Nelson is well known for its cafe and restaurant scene
  • Queens Gardens, Nelson with great photo locations of Nelson's main street
  • Nelson's main street is pretty
  • Office works relaxing in ANZAC Park, Nelson

Meet one of New Zealand's rock stars of travel. Nelson is a year-round destination with landscape diversity, adventures for the intrepid, leisurely courtyard wineries and a stimulating art scene.

It's also a seasoned host, with markets, cafés and award-winning restaurants where the bounty of land and sea comes together. No wonder it's a perennial favourite for a holiday.

At a glance

  • Known for: Sunshine, art, markets, heritage streets, beaches and the Great Taste Trail

  • Gateway to: Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi

  • Getting there: Fly into Nelson Airport, or drive about 2 hours from the Picton ferry terminal

  • Best time: Year round. Summer for beaches and festivals, winter for galleries, cafés and crisp sunny days

Nelson (Whakatū) sits on Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere. Founded in 1841, it's the oldest city in the South Island and named after Admiral Lord Nelson.

Weather

Nelson is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. Sun-drenched summers draw visitors to the beaches and cycle trails. Winter is the time for galleries, spas and the art and craft trail, and the small Rainbow Ski Area in Nelson Lakes runs a limited season when the snow allows.



  • Craft markets in Nelson popular with locals and visitors alike, NZ
  • Church Street, Nelson, view from Cathedral steps, NZ
  • Theatre Royal heritage building Nelson NZ
  • Nelson Mail newspaper 19th century building, NZ
  • Nelson Wakapuaka Cemetery, New Zealand, great city views

Heritage Nelson

Heritage buffs are in for a surprise: Nelson has a remarkable collection of historic buildings still lived in and used today.

South Street

These charming 1860s and 1870s workers' cottages, built right up to the footpath, form one of the oldest preserved streets in New Zealand that people still live in. It's an Instagram favourite, so please respect the residents' privacy.

Botanics Reserve and the Centre of New Zealand

New Zealand's first game of rugby was played here on 14 May 1870, between the Nelson club and Nelson College. A rugby-ball-shaped panel tells the story. Then climb the hill behind to the Centre of New Zealand marker for views over the city.

Wakefield Quay and the Rocks Road chain fence

The ornate Victorian cast-iron chain fence along Rocks Road is a rare survivor of Victorian street furniture and a Category 1 heritage item. Walk it at sunset, when the light across Tasman Bay is at its best.

Isel House and Park

Built by the Marsden family in the 19th century, Isel House sits in about 4 hectares of mature gardens. Entry to the gardens is free. Check opening times for the house.

Broadgreen Historic House and Samuels Rose Garden

This 1855 cob house, built for the Buxton family, is furnished as a Victorian and Edwardian family home, with rare wallpaper and a significant textile collection. Outside, the Samuels Rose Garden has more than 3,000 roses, including Slater's Crimson China, the first rose variety grown in New Zealand.

Albion Square

Once the seat of Nelson's provincial government, Albion Square keeps a fire engine house (1866), a hexagonal trout hatchery (1867) and a rare survey chain test marker, all Category 1 historic places.

Founders Heritage Park

Wander a recreated Victorian main street of relocated historic buildings, workshops and galleries. It also hosts markets and festival days.

Art and culture

Nelson supports more artists and galleries than most places its size. Start with the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, then the Nelson Provincial Museum, the historic Theatre Royal and the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. Follow the city's art trail of murals, sculptures and public installations between them.

Markets and shopping

  • Nelson Market (Saturday morning): going strong for over 40 years, with artisan goods, gifts and cheap eats

  • Nelson Farmers' Market (Wednesday): where locals buy their fruit and vegetables

  • Isel Twilight Market (summer Thursday evenings): food and craft stalls in the Victorian gardens

  • Trafalgar Street and Morrison Square: the main shopping street and boutique stores

For gifts and souvenirs, you can't go past the galleries, museum shops and markets.

Festivals

Nelson's toasty climate and laid-back atmosphere suit festivals. Highlights include the Nelson Arts Festival in spring, summer concerts at Tāhunanui, outdoor summer movies around the region and MarchFest at Founders Park. Check festival websites for current dates.

Gardens and parks

  • Queens Gardens: a Victorian ornamental garden opened in 1892 around the Eel Pond, once a Māori food-gathering place

  • Huangshi Chinese Garden: a small, peaceful feng shui garden next to Queens Gardens, free to visit

  • Miyazu Japanese Garden: water features and spring cherry blossom, next to Founders Park

  • Christ Church Cathedral and Piki Mai: climb the steps at the top of Trafalgar Street for the classic view down the main street

  • Melrose House: mature woodland gardens and a café in a historic home

  • Washbourn Gardens, Richmond: a rose garden and Begonia House, an easy break from the shops

Beaches

You can barely leave the airport before you find Tāhunanui, one of New Zealand's top family beaches. Expect shallow water, lifeguards in summer, big grassy areas, playgrounds, barbecues and cafés across the road. Book accommodation early for the summer holidays.

Walks

  • Centre of New Zealand walk: a short, steep climb from the Botanics with city views

  • Wakapuaka Cemetery: a fascinating heritage walk among Nelson's early settlers

  • The Boulder Bank: a remarkable natural boulder bank protecting Nelson Haven

  • Cable Bay Walkway: coastal views between Rotokura / Cable Bay and The Glen

The Great Taste Trail

Tasman's Great Taste Trail is a cycle loop of around 175 km, past estuaries, wetlands, vineyards, orchards, cafés and galleries. Ride it in sections, with bike hire and shuttles from Nelson. Check the trail map for the hillier sections if you're riding with children.

Richmond and Stoke

  • Richmond: a short drive south, with shops, wineries and orchards. Nearby Appleby is known for fresh fruit ice cream and pick-your-own berries.

  • Stoke: visit Pic's Peanut Butter World, the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum, and McCashin's Brewery.

Getting there and getting around

Nelson Airport is in Stoke, about 10 minutes from the city. From the North Island, take the ferry to Picton, then drive about 2 hours over the hills. The city centre is compact and walkable. To explore the region, you'll want a car or bike, though buses and shuttles run to Motueka, Kaiteriteri, Mārahau and Golden Bay in summer.

Keep exploring the Top of the South

Where to stay

Browse places to stay in Nelson on Booking.com.

This post includes affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Bits Travel may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Plan your trip

FAQs

Yes. Nelson is one of New Zealand's sunniest cities, with heritage streets, galleries, markets and beaches, and it's the gateway to Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and Nelson Lakes.

One or two days for the city, markets and Tāhunanui Beach. Add three or four more for Abel Tasman, Motueka and Golden Bay.

The Nelson Market runs on Saturday mornings in the city centre. There's also a farmers' market on Wednesdays and, in summer, the Isel Twilight Market on Thursday evenings.

Tāhunanui is the city's family beach, with shallow water, lifeguards in summer, playgrounds and cafés. For golden-sand bays, head to Kaiteriteri and Abel Tasman.


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