What to do in Nelson

Activities, attractions and tours

Panorama of Nelson City, reflected in the Maitai River, New Zealand.
Panorama of Nelson City, reflected in the Maitai River, New Zealand.
Nelson Lakes National Park New Zealand
Rock Formations on Wharariki Beach, New Zealand
Majestic view from Centre of New Zealand Walk at sunset in Nelson, New Zealand, Shutterstock ID 534913273, Purchase Order: SP-1822 ANZ-18120 Wotif Search Engine - Destination Imagery, Order Number: ,
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What to do in Nelson

Popular places to visit

Trafalgar Park

4/5(3 reviews)

Catch an event at Trafalgar Park during your trip to Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Trafalgar Park

Founders Heritage Park

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Enjoy the thrill rides with your children at Founders Heritage Park during your trip to Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Founders Heritage Park

Christ Church Cathedral

4.5/5(9 reviews)

After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Christ Church Cathedral

Nelson Hospital

4/5(1 review)

If Nelson Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Nelson.

Nelson Hospital

Queens Gardens

5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Queens Gardens, a lovely green space in Nelson. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Queens Gardens

Nelson College

Explore the campus of Nelson College as part of your travels around Nelson. Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Nelson College

Centre of New Zealand Monument

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Nelson with a visit to Centre of New Zealand Monument. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Centre of New Zealand Monument

Nelson Market

4.5/5(5 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Nelson Market during your stay in Nelson. Wander around the parks or enjoy the area's cafes.

Nelson Market

Codgers Mountain Bike Park

Explore the great outdoors at Codgers Mountain Bike Park, a lovely green space in Nelson. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

Codgers Mountain Bike Park

Explore areas of Nelson

Panoramic Photo of Nelson Town Centre, the Harbour and the Coast, South Island, New Zealand

Nelson City Centre

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nelson Market and Queens Gardens.

Nelson City Centre
Houses on the side of the cliffs in Nelson, along the shoreline of Tasman Bay near Tahunanui Beach; Nelson Province, South Island, New Zealand

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
Tonga Island, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand.

Stoke

4/5(2 area reviews)

Stoke is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like McCashin's Brewery and Marsden Recreation Ground.

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

Maitai

If you're spending some time in Maitai, Centre of New Zealand Monument and Waahi Taakaro Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Maitai
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Nelson South

4.5/5(5 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
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Toi Toi

Though Toi Toi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nelson Market and Tahunanui Beach Reserve.

Toi Toi

Frequently asked questions

Is Nelson worth visiting?
Offering a blend of distilleries and craft breweries and coastal beaches, there's no shortage of things to do in Nelson. When you're here, visit Christ Church Cathedral, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nelson?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Nelson Provincial Museum and Natureland Zoo. Then, tour other parts of Nelson for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nelson?
Christ Church Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Nelson and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nelson?
Three days in Nelson is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson Provincial Museum and Natureland Zoo are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Motueka.
Is Nelson a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Nelson. Several top sights, such as Christ Church Cathedral and Nelson Provincial Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Nelson's best neighbourhoods, The Wood is 0.97 kilometers away from downtown, while Nelson City Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nelson with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all ages, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Nelson with kids.

What to do in Nelson for adults?
South Pacific Distillery and McCashin's Brewery are just a few of the things to do in Nelson. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Nelson?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Nelson. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Christ Church Cathedral is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.