We arrived in Nelson with a hotel booking for three days. We ended up staying for over two weeks because each day we would find yet another incredible thing to do in the area! The city itself is lovely, with so many amazing cafes and restaurants, as well as very friendly locals, which makes a stay here all the more special.
However, it’s the surrounding area that will really blow you away, with breathtaking beaches, secret glow worm colonies, New Zealand’s most incredible cave, epic hiking trails and plenty of great wineries.
We’re sharing all the best things to do in and around Nelson to help you plan the perfect trip.
Things to do in Nelson
1. Explore the incredible Split Apple Rock Beach
Whilst there are beaches closer to Nelson, Split Apple Rock is special and well worth driving a little further to reach.
Not only is the beach utterly fabulous, with a long sweep of golden sand backed by dense forest, it also has a curious rock formation.
Split Apple Rock is cleaved almost in half, and sits just off shore, making it a very popular spot with photographers.
At low tide you’ll also find some picturesque sea caves to explore and can rock hop over to the next beach along, which is tiny, but very picturesque.
We have all the details on visiting Split Apple Rock, including the best time for photography in this guide.
2. Marvel at the secret glow worm colony
If you’re looking for an adventure after dark then look no further than the secret glow worm colony at Ruby Bay.
Glow worms line the creek and cliff walls like strings of glittering Christmas lights, and despite how magical it is, it remains something of a locals secret and you’re very unlikely to share the experience with anyone else.
The downside is that though the walk is very short, it’s not the easiest track and has a few slippery sections with no handrails, so you’ll need to watch your step carefully, particularly on the descent.
Assuming this doesn’t put you off then you’ll want to park on Brabant Drive (you can find the co-ordinates by clicking here) and head down the walking track which leads into the bush.
The glow worms start fairly early on and continue most of the way down to the end of the trail (approximately 400m), at which point you’ll turn around and do it all over again.
Since visiting the Ruby Bay, I read an article here with a couple of other options for glow worms in Nelson which sound easier than Ruby Bay, so it’s worth considering those too.
3. Reach epic views on the Mount Robert Circuit
The views from the top of the Mount Robert Circuit are jaw-dropping. In fact the views are spectacular from around 10 minutes into the trail, looking out over the glorious Lake Rotoiti and the St Arnaud Range.
The ridge line at the top even reminded us a little of our beloved Kepler Track, which remains one of the best walks we’ve ever done!
The circuit is just over 9km and though it does involve a fairy steep climb, the track is very well maintained, which makes it one of the easier walks to reach such fabulous views.
We have more details on the trail in this guide.
4. Admire the spectacular Whisky Falls
Whisky Falls is a beautiful waterfall in a dramatic setting. It’s surrounded by mossy walls, giant boulders and countless cascades.
It’s one of those spots that draws you in and you’d probably never leave if it weren’t for the ever persistent sandflies. Don’t let them put you off though because a visit to the falls is more than worth it.
Depending on how active you’re feeling, you can either hike to the falls along an easy 10.6km walking trail, or catch a scenic boat ride across the lake instead.
We opted to walk, but we have all the details on both options in this post.
5. Enjoy a picnic in the Japanese garden
When you’re ready for a break from constant exploring, head to the peaceful Miyazu Gardens and settle down for a picnic in the pretty surrounds.
There are plenty of spots to lay out a blanket and relax in the sunshine. If you happen to be visiting Nelson in spring, you’ll be in for a treat.
The garden has some gorgeous cherry blossom trees as well as a beautiful wisteria display, and the air is filled with their wonderful fragrance.
The garden is free to visit and located a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
6. Have a beach barbie at Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island (Moturoa) is a long sweeping stretch of golden sand with relatively calm water - perfect for an afternoon dip.
Do as the locals do and bring supplies so you can use the free BBQs, which sit on the grassy area just behind the beach. If you don’t have a blanket to lay out on the sand, there are several picnic benches with lovely views out to sea.
It’s also a great place to go for a long leisurely stroll and soak up the fresh sea air. It might not be as spectacular as some of the Abel Tasman beaches, but it has a lovely vibe and is less than a 20 minute drive from the city.
7. Delight in wine tasting with a view
If you want to mix great local wine with a spectacular view then head to Flaxmore Vineyards.
Not only are the wines fantastic and the welcome warm, but you can enjoy it all looking out over the glorious snow-capped Mount Arthur.
It’s definitely one of the most wonderful winery views we’ve experienced. Tastings are free of charge and it’s a really relaxed friendly atmosphere. We loved all the wines we tried and couldn’t resist leaving with several bottles.
After sampling the wines, you can then head for a short stroll around the vineyard and make the most of those beautiful mountain views.
At time of writing the cellar door is open on weekends and then on weekdays by appointment only.
8. Climb to a sensational viewpoint over Cable Bay
The vista over Cable Bay from the hill top is simply sensational and it’s a relatively short climb at just 1.2km each way. However, it’s short for a reason - it goes straight up!
It’s basically a goat track, which climbs directly up the hill making quick work of the short distance.
The good news is that as the walk doesn’t take long, it’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
We opted for sunset, which sets directly over the sea. It’s a beautiful sight and the colour wrapped right the way around to Cable Bay itself, bathing it in soft pink light.
Sunrise would be over the bay, and possibly even more spectacular if you don’t mind the early start.
9. Catch a sunset at the local beach
Although we prefer to head to the more pristine beaches of Abel Tasman during the day, come evening we love the calm that descends on Tahunanui Beach, right by the city.
It’s incredibly picturesque at sunset and heading down to the western end of the beach feels quite secluded, the perfect place to watch as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.
It would make a nice spot to come with a picnic and you’ll often find locals sharing a glass of wine on the sand, making the most of the last light of the day.
10. Go wild swimming in pristine emerald water
Although there are some lovely swimming spots closer to Nelson, for true wow factor, heading an hour out the city to Pelorus Bridge is the way to go.
The water is sensational, both crystal clear and emerald at the same time - unless you go after heavy rain like we did and the water has lost its clarity - so expect it to be much more beautiful than our photos.
If the scenery look vaguely familiar, it might be because you’ve seen it in a movie! The Pelorus River was used in one of the iconic scenes in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, when the dwarves travel down the river in barrels.
You’ll quickly see why they picked this gorgeous spot, with the phenomenal water colour and dramatic cliffs.
There are various very easy to access swimming spots, as well as several hiking trails, including some great waterfalls. For more details check out our Pelorus Bridge post.
11. Stroll the beautiful Queens Gardens
Once described as ‘something worse than an eyesore’ the Queens Gardens are now the perfect place to head for a leisurely stroll.
On what used to be a swamp you’ll now find a gorgeous garden, with water features, dainty bridges and plenty of birdsong.
The gardens aren’t huge, but they’re incredibly picturesque, with lots of shady spots to stop and relax. I’ve been a few times and the garden is always beautiful, but if you’re lucky enough to visit in spring, it’s extra special, with the emergence of the glorious cherry blossoms.
The gardens are free of charge and open year round. Art lovers can also visit The Suter Art Gallery which is located in the gardens.
12. Take a dip with the locals at the Black Hole
If you want to cool off but prefer wild swimming holes to the beach, then do as the locals do and head to the Black Hole.
It might not sound tempting, but it’s a pretty swimming spot and there’s plenty of room to spread out.
If you’re feeling adventurous there’s a rope swing which was getting good use when we visited. The walk to get to the Black Hole starts at Hanby Park road and takes just five minutes along a well maintained track.
The only downside to this spot is that due to its very central location and ease of access, it can get very busy. If it’s a hot day and you’re hoping for a tranquil dip, I would go early in the morning.
13. Wander amongst the gorgeous pastel coloured houses of South Street
A short stroll down South Street is a must, it’s New Zealand’s oldest fully preserved street and the pastel coloured buildings are a real delight.
It felt like we’d left the city behind and wandered into a charming little village, complete with old fashioned lanterns, gorgeous trellises and blooming planter boxes.
There are a few little plaques to give you some history, but a visit here is more about the aesthetics.
You’ll find South Street a 10 minute walk from the city centre and whilst it doesn’t take long to see the houses, it’s well worth the diversion.
14. Prepare to be awestruck by New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping cave
If Disney were to create a fairytale cave full of mythical creatures, I’m sure it would look something like Rawhiti.
I’ve always loved caves and visited so many around the world, but I have never seen anything like it!
The extraordinary cave is home to thousands of stalactites, which grow outwards towards the sunlight due to a phenomenon known as phytokarst.
Not only are the stalactites unusual in shape, but they’re also unusual in colour, with many being a salmon pink. It’s the sort of place that leaves you slack jawed and staring in wonder.
The walk is 1.7km each way and steep in places - it can also be quite slippery when wet. We have full details on the trail and conditions, as well as more on the cave itself in this post.
15. Go Indiana Jones at The Grove
Walking through the wild jungle and crazy rock formations of The Grove feels like stepping onto the set of Indiana Jones!
You feel like you’re deep in the forest, yet you never need to leave the well maintained path, and the walk is very easy. It’s hard to believe how atmospheric a 650m walk can be!
You’ll be strolling in-between huge boulders covered in twisting vines, past swaying nikau palms and giant gnarled tree roots. In fact, it reminded me of some of the scenery along the Heaphy Track, but requiring far less effort to reach!
It’s located 1.5 hours from Nelson, in the Golden Bay area, where there are several other great attractions very close by which we mention in this post. It’s well worth the day trip.
16. Visit the picturesque Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful trees and plants which will catch your eye before you even set foot through the door.
Once inside you’re treated to several elaborate stained glass windows, most memorable of which is the Rose Window, which I could still visualise from my first trip to Nelson 15 years ago.
You’re free to wander around at your leisure between 8:30am-6pm.
It’s particularly atmospheric if you happen to visit when the organ practice is happening.
Visiting the cathedral is free of charge, but donations are very welcome.
17. Relax at the serene underwater river
Walking through the spectacular mossy forest to the Crystal Pool feels like stepping into an enchanted land. It’s just a short 800m return walk, yet it feels a world away.
The Riwaka Resurgence is a sacred Maori site, so swimming in the water is not an option, but simply sitting beside it is enough. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but there’s a really special feeling to this spot, an aura of calm and serenity.
As you walk through the forest you’ll first come to a small waterfall, just a few steps off the main track. You then head up a couple of stairs to a lookout point over the river before continuing on to the pool.
Heading down the wooden staircase will take you to the water’s edge. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot and somewhere I could sit for hours. The entire walk is less than 10 minutes each way.
The turn off to the Riwaka Resurgence is just before Takaka Hill, don’t miss it or you’ll get stuck with no turn around point for quite some time.
18. Kick back at one of New Zealand’s most fabulous beaches
Kaiteriteri Beach is a 50 minute drive from Nelson, but the second you set eyes on the crescent of golden sand, you’ll know it was worth the drive.
It’s absolutely jaw-dropping, with calm turquoise water which is perfect for swimming.
The beach has a dramatic feel with forested headlands that reminded me of the karsts in Southeast Asia. We’d seen a lot of beautiful New Zealand beaches by this point and it still took my breath away.
It’s a wonderful place to simply sit and relax, but if you’re feeling energetic, you can also hire kayaks and paddle about the bay.
19. Learn some local history at the regional museum
If you’d like to absorb a little local history then head to New Zealand’s oldest museum, the Nelson Provincial Museum. You’ll learn about the region’s history from Maori times to early settlers, and though the museum is small, there’s a good mix of exhibits.
The upstairs is reserved for temporary exhibitions, it was the popular Dinosaur Evolution when I visited which was really good, and popular with adults and children alike.
The museum is $5 for adults unless you’re a resident of the area in which case it’s free.
20. Walk to the Centre of New Zealand
Ok, so science has proved this isn’t quite the Centre of New Zealand, but it’s still a lovely trail that offers a fabulous view over Nelson, as well as the rolling green hills of the Maitai Valley and glittering Tasman Sea.
Not bad for a mere 2km return walk.
The track is very well maintained and though it is predominantly uphill, it’s an easy walk that only takes around 15 minutes.
We headed up for sunset, which was a lovely time to be up there. You can relax and watch the golden glow from the seating area, unless you get unlucky like us and it’s a little too overcast!
Where to stay in Nelson
Delorenzo's Studio Apartments
We loved these apartments so much, we’ve stayed there three times. In terms of quality and value for money they are pretty hard to beat. We stayed in a couple of different rooms, but the Poolside Studio Spa Shower & Bath were by far the best (more modern and better layout). They have a small but excellent kitchenette, spa bath and even a washing machine and dryer. It’s also just a short walk to the city centre.
You can check out the reviews and prices on Booking.com by clicking below:
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