Best Things To Do Near Nelson, NZ (From a Local!)
If you’ve found yourself at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, don’t miss out on Nelson! Nelson is one of the sunniest cities in NZ. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches, great hiking trails, and tons of amazing restaurants. I can’t believe I skipped out on Nelson during my first trip to NZ.
Now that I’m actually living in Nelson, I can’t believe more people don’t travel out this way. It’s a friendly town that isn’t overly touristy and has so many amazing things to do! Nelson is especially great for outdoor lovers.
Here are my top 10 best things to do near Nelson. Keep reading to see why #4 is my personal favorite!
Side Note! This post was written by Bree, who is currently living in New Zealand (ahh an actual dreammmm). This way, you can ensure you are reading the true best things to do in Nelson…locals know best! Read more about Bree in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support!
Table of Contents
Best Things in Nelson (Around Town)
These hikes and activities are located right in Nelson’s main township or are a short 20-minute drive away.
1. Nelson Saturday Market
If you find yourself in Nelson on a Saturday, you’ve got to get yourself over to the market! It’s right in downtown Nelson and runs from 8am – 1 pm in Montgomery Square.
The Nelson Market is a large outdoor market held every Saturday. It’s so fun to stroll around and look at all the amazing goods! It’s a great spot to buy local produce and products (like carrots, honey, and the best BBQ sauce!) as well as locally made art and clothing.
You can also find a variety of hot meals from the many food stands at the market.
Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for someone back home, fresh bread, or just to have a look around, this is a top-tier attraction!
2. Great Taste Trail
The Great Taste Trail is a 100+ mile trail that you can hop on and off at any point! It’s perfect for a 10-minute stroll, a long walk, or even a run. The trail starts right in Nelson, and you can walk by the water to your heart’s content. You can even walk a couple of miles over to the next town of Richmond if you’re feeling adventurous.
The real appeal of the Great Taste Trail isn’t that it’s flat or takes you right by the sea, it’s the yummy food and drink stops along the way!
To really cover some distance, you can rent a bike in town and go to local wineries, breweries, and eateries along the way.
3. Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island is actually a part of the Great Taste Trail, but you can also drive here from town. This is my top beach pick in the area!
The most popular beach in town is probably Tahunanui, which is a bit closer to the town center. But I think it’s worth it to drive out to Rabbit Island (about 25 min from Nelson) to explore the beautiful sandy beach there.
Not only can you land on the sand or go for a swim, but you can also walk along the island’s extensive walking trail. The Great Taste Trail will lead you to the small passenger ferry that will shuttle you over to the neighboring town of Mapua.
While you can drive to Mapua, I think the ferry is a fun little bonus adventure! Tickets are $18 NZD round trip and the ferry ride takes less than 5 minutes! Then you can explore the cute town of Mapua before heading back to Rabbit Island..
4. Pics Peanut Butter Tour
This may just be my all-time favorite Nelson activity.
I am a peanut butter LOVER, which may be why I’ve taken the Pic’s Peanut Butter tour 3 times this year!
This fun and interactive 1-hour tour includes an interpretive commentary of the factory as well as a peanut butter tasting. It’s seriously so fun and you’ll learn a surprising amount about peanut butter.
Make sure you book your tour in advance as it fills up quickly! The tour is $25 NZD for adults and includes a jar of peanut butter.
5. Classic Car Museum
Lastly, for the best things to do in town… visit the classic car museum! Even if you aren’t a total gearhead you’ll enjoy this museum.
The cars are divided up into different areas based on category (for example, they have an Americana section as well as a “movie” section) and the sets they have built are super creative.
You can admire over 150 cars from 120 years of history, all at your own pace. Tickets are $19 NZD for adults.
Best Day Trips from Nelson
Next up are my top 5 picks for things to do near Nelson, but require a bit of a drive. However, all are 1000 percent worth the trek!
6. Abel Tasman National Park
One of New Zealand’s smallest national parks is located just 2 hours from Nelson! There are heaps of things to do in the national park like the 4 day backpacking trek, day hikes, kayaking, and boat tours!
This is seriously one of the most stunning and unique spots on the South Island, because it is truly unlike the rest of the area! Enjoy sandy golden beaches, unbelievably turquoise waters, and a gentle hiking track.
Your gateway to Abel Tasman NP starts in the quaint beach town of Marahua, a 2-hour drive from Nelson. From Marahua, you can immediately hop on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and hike as far as you’d like.
For a day hike, I usually hike to Akersten Bay, which is a beautiful sandy beach and is about 7 miles round trip.
If you don’t want to start your journey all the way out in Marahua, you can opt to drive to Kaiteriteri (about 1 hr from Nelson) and take the water taxi out to one of the beaches.
There are also numerous tours to the park (and sometimes transportation from Nelson is included!).
If you’ve just got one day to see the park, I would opt for a hike/kayak combo as it gets you the best of both worlds! I rented my kayak through “Able Tasman Kayaks.”
7. Cable Bay
Cable Bay is another South Island hidden gem. This beach has stunning waters and great hiking trails nearby. Fair warning, though – it is a rocky and uncomfortable beach. If you’re hoping to read a book on a sandy beach, go to Rabbit Island!
Rocky beach aside, it really is a unique spot! There’s a tiny strip of land that separates the sea from an estuary on the other side, which looks especially cool when you hike up the little hill to get a view!
There’s also a handful of adventures to be had here too. Check the conditions before you swim, but it is usually safe for a dip in the sea! Other activities include hiking up to the Cable Bay lookout, kayaking, and the unique “flying fox”!
8. Wharariki Beach in Golden Bay
Admittedly this may be more than a day trip, as the northernmost point (Wharaiki Beach) is nearly a 3-hour drive from downtown Nelson. You could turn a trip to Golden Bay into a multiday trip, which includes Abel Tasman N.P.! Because this area really is worth checking out.
Not only can you check out the cool little hippie town of Takaka (go to Wholemeal Cafe for a bite to eat!), but Wharariki beach is seriously wild!
The dramatic cliffsides and large boulders contrast with the soft sand and dunes. The day I went there, the wind was ripping and the waves were spectacular to watch. The real attraction of Wharaiki Beach is the iconic rock with the archway at the base. You may recognize it as a Microsoft computer background!
9. Te Waikoropuru Springs
Te Waikoropupu Springs or “the blue springs,” is the largest freshwater spring in New Zealand and the largest coldwater spring in the southern hemisphere. I actually haven’t been there yet because I’m saving the trip for when my family visits!
The good news for you is that the springs are located just past the town of Takaka, so you can stop by on your way to Wharariki Beach!
These springs boast some of the clearest water in the world! There’s no swimming, and please be sure to follow leave no trace practices to respect this site, as it is not only beautiful but has spiritual significance to the Maori people.
10. Nelson Lakes National Park
The Nelson area has not 1 but 2 beautiful National Parks in its backyard! The Nelson Lakes N.P. is about a 90-minute drive from Nelson and has, you guessed it, stunning lakes.
From Lake Rotiti, you can take a dip in the lake and walk the easy and well-maintained pathway along the lake. This is truly a picturesque spot. If you’re traveling in a campervan, you can spend the night at the campsite.
If you want a more challenging day hike than the Lake Rotiti trail, check out the Mt. Robert Circuit! This is a 5-mile hike that takes you up into the alpine area of the surrounding mountains. From here you’ll get a stunning view of the lake! Budget about 5 hours for the hike!
Final Thoughts & Map of Top Things to do in and near Nelson
You can easily spend a week or more in Nelson (I’ve lived here nearly a year and have still only scratched the surface) exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, local wineries, breweries and more!
If I were coming to Nelson for just a few days, I would make sure to go to the Saturday farmers market, take the Pics Peanut Butter factory tour, relax at the beach on Rabbit Island, and venture out to Wharariki Beach in Golden Bay!
Regardless of whether you have a few days or a few weeks to spend in the Nelson/Tasman area, you’re sure to have an amazing time! Especially if you are visiting in the summer when the weather is warm and the beaches really sparkle!
I hope you’re able to add Nelson to your New Zealand itinerary and soak up not just the sun but everything it has to offer!
Here’s a map of the top things to do in and near Nelson for easy planning!
More New Zealand Planning Resources
New Zealand is a literal dream, and I’m pretty sure could spend the rest of my life exploring. Check out some of my favorite NZ planning guides and resources.
- South Island Itinerary (From Christchurch to Queenstown)
- South Island Restaurants with a View
- Summer in NZ Packing List
- 21+ Adventurous Things to do on the South Island
About the Author!
Bree is an outdoor adventure travel blogger who is currently living in New Zealand and backpacking there as much as possible! Check out her free adventure guides for nature-filled destinations in New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Central America on her blog: Breeze Around the World.
Be the first to comment