Nelson Must-Do's

Upper Trafalgar Street. Fully pedestrianised and blossoming with alfresco eateries and European vibes, this is Nelson City’s main street and has all the joviality you’d expect from the city’s premier hangout.

Trafalgar St, Nelson © Barry Peck

Markets

Every Saturday, head for the wonderful Nelson Market (8am-1pm). Come Wednesday, shop at Nelson's Farmers’ Market (8.30am-1.30pm).

The Suter Art Gallery

Mixing works of famous Kiwi masters with the relatively unknown, admire a diverse range of art here. The food in the garden café is as exquisite, too.

Suter Gallery, Nelson © www.nelsontasman.nz

Pic’s Peanut Butter

You’ve spread it on your toast, now tour the factory. With ample samples and a chance to make your own,the 40-minute tour is free, fun and features the world’s largest jar of peanut butter.

Nelson Classic Car Museum

A standout attraction with more than 150 mint condition vehicles.Afterward, grab a bite at there vamped café, the Little Engine eatery.

Nelson Provincial Museum

Three distinct areas cover a myriad of subjects, from Māori history to international topics of interest and the evolution of Nelson itself. Interactive exhibits ensure the kids are just as enthralled as the adults.

The Centre of New Zealand

A central survey point is marked at Botanical Hill. A series of footpaths wind through the reserve to its summit. Just five minutes from Nelson town centre, the shortest route to the top is 2km return.

Broadgreen Historic House

Nelson’s oldest residence features well displayed rooms that bring the late 1800s and early 1900s to life.

Founders Heritage Park

Visit a replica colonial village, complete with windmills and red telephone boxes. Climb inside vintage fire engines,pop into traditional shops selling artisan products and jump aboard the heritage train for a ride.

Tāhunanui Beach

Tāhunanui is Nelson’s jostling beach suburb just five minutes from the centre. With soft white sand, playgrounds, skating rink, pétanque, mini-golf and more,it’s all-day fun.

Paddleboard Yoga

Head to Tāhunanui Beach Sunday mornings for an hour of yoga on the water. All stand-up paddleboards are provided.

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

This is the largest fenced reserve for endangered wildlife in the South Island. An extensive network of walking tracks venture into a world governed by vibrant birdlife.

Queen’s Gardens

With its giant horseshoe-shaped pond, beautiful roses, sculptures and heritage trees,this is a tranquil spot inspired by a traditional Victorian garden.

Natureland

Global conservation starts right here in Nelson. Say hello to all sorts of characters, from meerkats and porcupines to lemur and iguana, as well as birds native to the region.

Boulder Bank

Over tens of thousands of years, debris from the Mackay Bluffs settled to forma natural, 13km spit of boulders.Embark on an 8km walk, negotiating the rock-strewn bank to an iconic lighthouse, where you’re greeted by 360-degree views of Nelson city and beyond.

Nelson City Centre Art

Walk Better described as an outdoor art gallery, more than 20 artworks freckle Nelson's streets. Visit makeshiftspaces.nz/artwalk-map/for a detailed map.

Historic South Street

This is New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street. Meander along the cobblestone paths admiring handsome Victorian buildings.

The Coppermine Trail

Experience one of Aotearoa’s most accessible alpine mountain bike trails, looping from just behind the city’s borders and covering 43km of uphill climbs, alpine forest and stellar views. Allow a full-day or at least four hours.

Christ Church Cathedral

One of the country’s most visited cathedrals, admire the stained-glass windows and impressive organ pipes.

TOP TIP: At the foot of Botanical Hill is Botanical Reserve, which in 1870 was the site of the country’s first rugby game.

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