Some of our favourite Nelson places
Sightseeing
Walk along the Maitai river from the start of the walkway near Riverside Cafe or start at the bridge on the corner of Nile St & Domett St. There is also parking at the swimming holes along Maitai Valley Road. The swimming holes are great during summer. The walk is beautiful all year round with many deciduous trees. Walk back to Botanic Sports Field over the Botanical Hill tracks (Centre of NZ tracks).
16 locals recommend
Maitai River
Walk along the Maitai river from the start of the walkway near Riverside Cafe or start at the bridge on the corner of Nile St & Domett St. There is also parking at the swimming holes along Maitai Valley Road. The swimming holes are great during summer. The walk is beautiful all year round with many deciduous trees. Walk back to Botanic Sports Field over the Botanical Hill tracks (Centre of NZ tracks).
Great dog friendly beach. When entering the beach car park drive further down beach past Nature Land, the water park and Beach Cafe. park in the car park next to the skate rink. Lovely long stretch of tidal beach. Great for swimming in summer too, gets less crowded than the main beach.
107 locals recommend
Tāhunanui Beach
Great dog friendly beach. When entering the beach car park drive further down beach past Nature Land, the water park and Beach Cafe. park in the car park next to the skate rink. Lovely long stretch of tidal beach. Great for swimming in summer too, gets less crowded than the main beach.
Heaps of great walking tracks. Many options to stay on the Nelson side of the reserve or walk over into The Brook.
11 locals recommend
Grampians Reserve
Heaps of great walking tracks. Many options to stay on the Nelson side of the reserve or walk over into The Brook.
Beautiful art for sale by NZ artists. Also really lovely gifts and homewares. Good coffee and bagels in the cafe.
15 locals recommend
Red Art Gallery & Café
1 Bridge StBeautiful art for sale by NZ artists. Also really lovely gifts and homewares. Good coffee and bagels in the cafe.
Lovely setting with views of the vines and hops. Yummy cheese platters and wine tasting from local vineyards that bottle their products here. Lovely little art gallery next door.
Gravity Winery, Cellar Door & Art Gallery
243 Old Coach RoadLovely setting with views of the vines and hops. Yummy cheese platters and wine tasting from local vineyards that bottle their products here. Lovely little art gallery next door.
Food scene
On of our favourite Nelson restaurants. Great food, wine and cocktails, lovely outdoor courtyard. Dog friendly.
11 locals recommend
Arden Bar & Kitchen
216 Hardy StOn of our favourite Nelson restaurants. Great food, wine and cocktails, lovely outdoor courtyard. Dog friendly.
Connings Food Market
151 McShane RdGreat local produce, cheeses and wines.
Great craft beer pub, reminds me of living back in Wellington. Dog friendly outdoor (heated and covered) seating. You can order a curry from the Indian Cafe next door and eat it here.
43 locals recommend
The Free House Pub
95 Collingwood StGreat craft beer pub, reminds me of living back in Wellington. Dog friendly outdoor (heated and covered) seating. You can order a curry from the Indian Cafe next door and eat it here.
Yummy food and a great view of the harbour, outdoor seating during warmer weather.
34 locals recommend
Nahm
322 Wakefield QuayYummy food and a great view of the harbour, outdoor seating during warmer weather.
LITTLE DOVE CAFE
Great restaurant. Delicious food and oysters. Sharing style plates. Some outdoor seating. Great cocktails
44 locals recommend
Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery
278 Hardy StGreat restaurant. Delicious food and oysters. Sharing style plates. Some outdoor seating. Great cocktails
City/town information
Quaint village home to NZ’s oldest pub (the Moutere Inn) as well as many artisan producers of food, wine and crafts.
12 locals recommend
Upper Moutere
Quaint village home to NZ’s oldest pub (the Moutere Inn) as well as many artisan producers of food, wine and crafts.
Start of the Abel Tasman National Park. About 1 hours drive from Nelson. A lovely place in its own right, tidal beaches, nice places to eat. We really like staying at the cabins at The Barn campground (dog friendly).
14 locals recommend
Marahau
Start of the Abel Tasman National Park. About 1 hours drive from Nelson. A lovely place in its own right, tidal beaches, nice places to eat. We really like staying at the cabins at The Barn campground (dog friendly).
City advice
Don't miss
The Saturday farmers market
Montgomery Square car park becomes full of local producers stalls selling food, drinks, art, plants, fruit and veggies, coffee, gifts. Starts on Saturday morning and usually stalls start shutting down at 1pm.
Don't miss
Op shopping in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, & Takaka
There are great op shops not to be missed in Nelson Tasman. If this is your thing, make sure you have a good look around them all while you are here. The local Nelson Tasman Hospice has shops in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka!