Must-Do's in Richmond & Surrounds

TOP TIP: To make the most of the local wineries, hire a bike or join a guided tour.

RABBIT/MOTUROA ISLAND

The largest in a squad of sandy isles, with an 8km-long swimming beach, Conifer Park Mountain Bike Tracks and the Great Taste Trail passing through. Access is by bridge(closes at sunset) or ferry from Māpua, a small town 20 minutes north west of Nelson.

Rabbit Island © George Guille

SEIFRIED ESTATE CELLAR DOOR

Believe the hype, the South Island’s oldest commercial winery is just eight minutes down the road from Richmond and truly marvellous. An enormous estate with wine tasting, Harvest Kitchen restaurant and an outdoor playground. Dogs are welcome,too.

MORE WINE

It doesn’t stop at Seifried, the Waimea Plainsare crawling with wineries.Try Winelord, Greenhough Vineyard, Te Mania, Brightwater Vineyards and Richmond Plainst o name a few.

SHOPPING

Craftsmanship stores flood the streets, with one-of-a-kind wares sought at potters, glass blowers, woodturners and metalsmiths.

QUEEN STREET

Richmond’s main street hosts the largest mall in the top of the South Island and is bordered by topnotch dining venues. Grab some goodies from Swiss Bakery and eat them at Sundial Square.

IDYLLIC SWIMS

Twenty minutes south of Richmond is Lee Valley, with quiet river swimming spots. A further 20 minutes east, Aniseed Valley boasts large lagoons and the one-hour walk to Whispering Falls features river crossings and natural pools.

GARDENS OF THE WORLD

See the world without ever leaving Richmond. Each garden represents a continent, with plants native to the Outback all the way to Asia. At $5pp, pack a picnic and enjoy a full day of tranquility for next-to-nothing.

WILLOWBANK HERITAGE VILLAGE

A living museum, step inside and explore 20+ heritage shops; poking your head inside the old-fashioned dentist and bakery is seriously fascinating. Have a 1900s school experience,get dressed up and dine at The Victorian Café. Open on the first Sunday of every month.

OLD FACTORY CORNER

If you’re driven by great food and all things craft-tastic, this delightful hub is a sprawling accumulation of local food purveyors, speciality foods and local produce, as well as a charming collection of ‘she sheds’, beautiful arts and craftsellers.

WHISPERING FALLS AND HACKETT TRACK

Head to Mount Richmond Forest Park,where a series of wooden swing bridges lead to a collection of waterfalls. Best after rainfall but potentially unreachable if the river level gets too high.Allow two hours return.

WASHBOURN GARDENS

You can’t go far wrong in packing a picnic and taking it to this park in the heart of Richmond.Afterward, explore the Fuchsia House, fernery, and historic Richmond Gaol, or feed the ducks with your leftovers.

Performers in Richmond © Richmond Unlimited

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