Nelson

Travel Guide

Nelson - Tasman
Nelson Region
Top of the South
Top of the South
Top of the South

Browse the local arts and crafts markets, explore the countryside, dine on freshly caught seafood or find a spot overlooking the bay and sip a local wine.

Nelson is a small but charming city on the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is characterised by quaint old colonial buildings and is known for its thriving arts and crafts scene and sunny weather.

Join locals at the Nelson Market, held every Saturday morning, and browse regional produce and crafts at more than 200 stalls.

Visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum and see some of the most inventive outfits from the Wearable Art Awards hosted in the city until 2004. Car lovers should check out the 100 classic automobiles, including vintage Cadillacs, Jaguars and Buicks, housed in the same complex.

Learn about the history of the area at the Nelson Provincial Museum. Here you’ll find artefacts from the area’s pre-history as well as items and accounts from pioneer settlers.

For more colonial history, make your way to Founders Heritage Park. Enjoy an assortment of historic homes and businesses, an old train and a boutique café and brewery. Move on to the Christ Church Cathedral to see one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Art lovers should visit The Suter Art Gallery for a look at a great collection of paintings from both international and New Zealand artists. Take a break and relax in the recreated Japanese landscape at the Miyazu Garden, visit local wineries or even go diving in the Tasman Bay. Travellers with kids will love the Natureland Zoo where you can get up close to wallabies, llamas and several other species.

Many visitors to New Zealand use a rental car to get between destinations, enjoying the spectacular scenery on the way. Nelson is about 6 hours’ drive from Christchurch. You can also fly into the Nelson domestic airport on a connecting flight from other major New Zealand cities.

Nelson is a great little city with some interesting museums and pretty countryside. Admire the work of local artisans, look at heritage buildings or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Where to stay in Nelson

Nelson - Tasman

Nelson City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nelson Provincial Museum and Christ Church Cathedral.

Nelson City Centre
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Tahunanui

Tahunanui is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Tahunanui Beach Reserve and Natureland Zoo while you're in town.

Tahunanui
At the very top of the South Island of New Zealand lies Wharariki Beach, one of the most unspoilt beaches you'll find anywhere in the country and a real highlight on our recent trip up North.

If you make a visit to well known Abel Tasman National Park, be sure to go slightly further north and include a stop at this magnificent part of New Zealand - particularly at sunrise or sunset

#NZMustDo #NewZealand #Travel #Adventure #Beach #GoldenHour

Stoke

4/5(12 area reviews)

Stoke is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Greenmeadows Park and Isel Park.

Stoke
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Nelson South

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Unique features of Nelson South include the spas and restaurants. Make a stop by Fairfield Park or Victory Square while you're exploring the area.

Nelson South
Marker at the geographical centre of New Zealand. Branford Reserve in Nelson.

Maitai

While visiting Maitai, you might make a stop by sights like Centre of New Zealand Monument and Waahi Taakaro Golf Club.

Maitai
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Britannia Heights

Britannia Heights might not have many top sights, but Natureland Zoo and Nelson Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Britannia Heights
The Hotel Nelson
The Hotel Nelson
3 out of 5
40 Waimea Road, Nelson
The price is ¥8,394 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
¥8,394
¥9,825 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We couldnt work out how to use the heater, the buttons were broken and it looked quite old. Also there was no wifi password and reception didnt answer when i rang. The room was clean the bed was very comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Hotel Nelson
Tides Hotel
Tides Hotel
4.5 out of 5
66 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
The price is ¥8,449 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
¥8,449
¥9,716 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"Loved the decor. Restaurant was great -good food and friendly,helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Tides Hotel
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
4 out of 5
Trafalgar Square, Nelson
The price is ¥17,224 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥17,224
¥19,834 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (570 reviews)
Location and ease
"Easy"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Nelson
Quest Nelson
3.5 out of 5
108-110 Collingwood Street, Nelson
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Popular attractions Nelson Provincial ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (434 reviews)
"Clean, spacious and very good house keeping. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Close to city centre."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

Quest Nelson
DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
5 out of 5
43-55 Trafalgar Street, Nelson
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,359 reviews)
"A very good night away here."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
Beaches Nelson
Beaches Nelson
4 out of 5
71 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Nelson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Paddy's Knob Reserve and Burrell Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
"Great stay. Jacque was friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Beaches Nelson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Nelson

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
35
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

cute town, stunning views, wish we could have spent more time there. looks like it has a lot of potential

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful town with a river walk, hiking trails , very walkable. Lots of restaurants. There is a very nice beach close by. We loved visiting cable bay. Wineries nearby also. Abel Tasman is also.close by.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great relaxed vibe and lots of local art scattered throughout the town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city with friendly people. Loved the Lobster and the Crab in town.

5/5 - Excellent

Mariela

Great location to explore wineries and outdoor activities. Dining options were very impressive. Small towns usually don’t have restaurants of high quality, but the options in Nelson were excellent.

5/5 - Excellent

margaret

Nelson is a beautiful town with lovely parks, beaches and a small pedestrian area in the city center with bars and restaurants offering many dining options. We wish we could have stayed longer.

Cities near Nelson