The best things to do in and around Nelson

Nelson is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque regions of New Zealand. Based at the top of the south island, if you’re looking for golden sand beaches, a microclimate of sunny weather year-round and a small city bustling with incredible restaurants and bars, then visiting Nelson is a must do. With so many options to choose from, we have narrowed down the best things to do in and around Nelson for you…

For many kiwis, Nelson is their go-to summer destination, meaning if you’re planning to visit during the peak months of December and January then be sure to book in your accommodation well in advance!

What we love about Nelson is how many things there are to do around the city, despite its small stature. In contrast to its laid-back coastal backdrop, Nelson is humming with activity, making it the perfect hub to base yourself to explore both Nelson and its even more impressive surroundings.

After a day or two adventuring through the world-renowned Abel Tasman or escaping into the wilderness in the Nelson Lakes National Park, you’ll be welcomed back to urban reality with an array of global cuisines to chose from and an ice cold local brew with your name on it.

All our recommendations are no further than an 1hr45 drive away from Nelson, meaning you can spend less time on the road and more time admiring the views.

Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Tasman, 7197, New Zealand

St Arnaud Range Track, Saint Arnaud, Tasman, 7072, New Zealand

Golden Bay, Tasman, 7073, New Zealand

138, Neudorf Road, Tasman, 7175, New Zealand

296, Trafalgar Street, Nelson East, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand

Kayak a section of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

If you’re visiting Nelson for a few days and you’re not planning to embark on the multi-day version of visiting the Abel Tasman, then we highly recommend kayaking the first section of the park from Motueka to Anchorage Bay.

Although this part of the park is the most popular, you’ll find mostly day hikers and boat trippers rushing up the coastline towards Anchorage. Jumping in a kayak means you will avoid many of the crowds whilst getting to explore your own route around the golden sand inlets.

Kayaking also allows you to get up close and personal with all the marine wildlife that fill the park. We were lucky enough to be joined by a seal playing right under our boat, as well as several seals coming to shore on the islands while we enjoyed bathing in the sun.

TOP TIP: When departing from Marahau, we recommend venturing over to Adele Island (Motuareronui) for pristine, untouched beaches and visits from the inquisitive resident fur seals.

Next paddle over to Te Pukatea Bay prior to arriving at the busy hub of Anchorage. It’s the most beautiful beach in the Abel Tasman, without all the crowds!

Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park isn’t just one the best things to do around Nelson, it’s one of the best things we’ve done in New Zealand!

If one day exploring the Abel Tasman simply isn’t enough, find all you need to know about hiking the Abel Tasman National Park here.

Hike the St. Arnaud track for breathtaking views of Lake Rotoiti

Nelson Lakes National Park is a really beautiful hidden treasure with many great walking trails. To many’s surprise the national park is only about an hours drive south of Nelson itself meaning it does require a car to access, but it is definitely worth a visit!

Of course you could just rest and relax on the lakes pebbly shores, but we would suggest embarking on one of the many trails for panoramic views of the beautiful Lake Rotoiti.

We would highly recommend taking the St Arnaud Track which takes around 5 hours return to complete. It’s not for the faint hearted and the final half an hour climb is a really steep one. But the view is as rewarding as the climb, and makes for an epic 360 degree view of the national park.

On the way down be sure to dive off of the famous jetty into the water to cool down, and of course get the famous picture for the gram!

Admire the quieter beaches of the region in Golden Bay

As I mentioned, Nelson is known for it’s beautiful golden sand beaches – many of which are in the Abel Tasman National Park. However if you go just past the busy and famous tourist spot, you come to a rather less known region called Golden Bay.

Here you will find equally picturesque beaches such as that of Tata Beach, but avoid the crowds and in particular the tourists.

Golden Bay is full of delights, not just the turqoise blue waters at the beach. Visit Kiwi Spirit Distillery – be sure to stop by for a tasting and don’t miss ordering their Boysenberry liquor. Golden Bay is also home to the maori springs with the purest and clearest water in the pacific – Te Waikoropupu Springs. This special water is used to make the spirits at the distillery.

Drink an exquisite chardonnay at Neudorf Winery

Nelson might be neighbour to the famous Marlborough wine region, but boy can it hold it’s own with some great vineyards!

We loved Neudorf wines in particular when we visited and found, as typically not big chardonnay drinkers, that they were ready to challenge our views. Leaving here with a bottle, or two, is inevitable…

Nelson is actually home to over 20 wineries and several breweries, making it a great place to do a tasting trail. If you do, make sure to try our favourite Neudorf Wines.

If wines don’t take your fancy, go and knock back a Hop Federation beer where world class hops are picked right on site. Keep an eye out for Riwaka, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka Hops – staples of a unbeatable brew!

Looking for more drink recommendations around the South Island? Check out our guide to the best food and drink in Queenstown.

Eat till your hearts content at Hawker House

Ok so when I plan our trips, I’ll always hunt for the best things to do in the area and this is normally centred around food! When I did this for Nelson I stumbled across Hawker House & Bar.

We’d highly recommend a seat at the chef’s table, as we watched the kitchen in action, discussed the menu with the chef (Matt), who was even kind enough to rustle us up a few extra tasting bites whilst our food was cooking!

It was New Year’s Day and we foolishly hadn’t made a booking, but nonetheless they managed to squeeze us in – with a chefs table! We were just blown away by the incredible menu and explosion of flavours counjoured up just inches away from our seats.

It’s reasonably priced and serves vibrant Asian cuisine you would expect at the bustling street stalls of Tokyo, combined with contempary New Zealand charm – delicious!