Things to do in Nelson
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Indian Café
This open-plan, saffron-coloured Edwardian villa houses an Indian restaurant that keeps the bhaji raised with impressive interpretations of Anglo-Indian standards, such as chicken tandoori, rogan josh and beef madras. Share the mixed platter to start, then mop up your mains with one of 10 different breads.
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Founders Heritage Park
Founders Heritage Park, near the waterfront 1km from the city centre, houses a replica historic village with a bakery, chocolatier, museums, and more importantly Founders Brewery & Café, NZ’s first certified organic brewery. Take a tour, or sip the finished product over a cafe lunch: Tall Blonde, Red Head, Long Black, Generation Ale and Fair Maiden brews. If you’re only visiting the brewery there’s no admission charge to the park. Also on-site is a weekly farmers market.
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Double Decker Experience
The Double Decker Experience is a handy way to get around and see the sights too. The bus departs the Suburban Bus Lines/InterCity depot twice daily and loops in and around Nelson, passing (among other sights) Founders Park, Isel Park, the World of WearableArt Museum, Tahunanui Beach and Nelson's waterfront. Stay onboard for an entire circuit, or get off at an attraction on the morning loop, then jump back on the afternoon service.
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Christ Church Cathedral
The enduring symbol of Nelson is the art-deco Christ Church Cathedral, lording over the city from the top of Trafalgar St. Work began in 1925 but was delayed, and arguments raged in the 1950s over whether the design should adhere to original plans or embrace modern trends. The architectural hybrid was finally completed in 1965 and consecrated in 1972, 47 years after the foundation stone hit the dirt.
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Happy Valley Adventures
Strap yourself onto a ‘skywire’ and soar through the air at Happy Valley Adventures, a 15-minute drive north-east along SH6. The 1.65km-long Skywire (a chairlift/flying-fox hybrid) dangles you up to 150m above the native forest; rides cost $85/55 per adult/child. Quad-bike tours start at $80/20 per driver/passenger for one-hour forest rides, and 2½-hour horse treks cost $95.
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Lambretta’s
Feeding what seems like half of Nelson, Lambretta’s is a continually busy diner-style joint with ample seating inside and out. Family friendly, the big-eatin’ offerings include breakfast, lunch and dinner (pizza, pasta, salad) and hearty counter food along the lines of humongous muffins, pies, filled croissants and sandwiches. Good coffee, too.
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Hopgood’s
Tongue-and-groove-lined Hopgood’s is perfect for a romantic dinner or holiday treat. The food is decadent and skilfully prepared but unfussy, allowing quality local ingredients to shine. The Asian crispy duck followed by pork belly with watercress and apple purée was a knockout. Desirable, predominantly Kiwi wine list.
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Vic
A commendable example of a Mac’s Brewbar, with trademark, quirky Kiwiana fit-out including a striped, knitted stag’s head. Quaff a few handles of ale, maybe grab a bite to eat (mains $13 to $30) and tap a toe to regular live music (Tuesday to Saturday). Good afternoon sun and people-watching from streetside seating.
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Nelson Bonecarving
Artisic types will love Stephan’s bonecarving courses at Nelson Bonecarving. He’ll supply all materials, tools, instruction, encouragement and cups of tea (plus free pick-up/drop-off in town if needed); you supply inspiration and talent and you’ll emerge with your very own bone carving.
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Zippy's
Zippy's décor is a confronting combo of purple, teal and red, and service is zippy indeed. Strictly vegetarian food includes burritos, salads and the ‘locally famous' chocolate afghans. Drinks include ice-cream shakes, chai and heart-startlingly rich, full-flavoured coffee.
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Sprig & Fern
The Sprig & Fern brewery in Richmond supplies an extensive range of beers to S&F pubs springing up around the region. Nearly 20 brews on tap, from lager through to doppelbock and berry cider. No pokies, no TV, just decent beer, food, occasional live music and a pleasant outdoor area.
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Stefano’s
Located upstairs in the State Cinema complex, Stefano’s wouldn’t win any awards for its decor. This Italian-run joint, however, does get top marks for traditional pizza – thin, crispy and delicious. Escape the movie-time madness and smell of popcorn on one of two balcony tables.
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Yaza Cafe
Adjacent to the weekend markets, Yaza is a colourful, kid-friendly café with all-day breakfasts and live music most summer weekends (folk, blues, punk, pop and reggae). Food is free-range and organic (quiches pizzas, frittatas, wraps, soup); patchouli lingers in the air.
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Smugglers Pub & Café
This maritime-themed pub was shipshape when last boarded during research, with friendly staff dishing out hearty meals to hungry landlubbers. A dependable family option serving pub grub favourites such as roast-of-the-day, burgers and fish and chips. Good patio area.
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Stingray Café
From its ecofriendly ethos to sunny courtyard, well-priced meals and smooth tunes, Stingray embodies Nelson's upbeat mood. Drop by any time for relaxed vibes and to snaffle a pizza or salad. Later on, settle in with a cocktail and some live acoustic twanging or DJ.
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Morrison St Café
Part cafe, part gallery, Morrison St is a polished operator, with a menu that sticks out of the cafe crowd. Enjoy raspberry and cinnamon butter pancakes for brekkie, then sneak back for a zingy Burmese chicken salad or an afternoon pick-me-up of coffee and cake.
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Vertical Limits
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When in Rome
With its swanky Roman-chic fit-out, you might expect to pay Euro prices here. Fear not, the food at this new Italian joint is reasonably priced and darn tasty too. Ample portions of proper pasta, interesting salads and thin, crispy pizzas: bellissimo.
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Coast and Canyons Trekking
5 days (Nelson)
A safari jam-packed with memorable hiking from Nelson to Punakaiki. Hike across the tussock alpine ranges of the Kahurangi National Park. Cross crystal clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park. Sleep in the wilderness and spend evenings around the camp fire..
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Nelson Provincial Museum
The Nelson Provincial Museum is one of Nelson’s showpieces. The modern space is filled with cultural heritage and natural history exhibits with a regional bias, and there’s a great rooftop garden. Charges may apply for major exhibits.
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DeVille
Indoor-outdoor DeVille is a cool place, with a pebble-covered courtyard dotted with couches, mirror mosaics and established greenery. Feast on bagels, veggie burgers, nachos and thumpin’ breakfasts away from hustle and bustle.
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Swedish Bakery & Café
Delicious breads, croissants, pastries and cakes from the resident Scandinavian baker. Lovely fresh filled rolls such as meatball and beetroot relish, or smoked-salmon bagels. Take your goodies away or eat in the bijou cafe.
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Shark Club
Hankering to shoot some stick with the fiercest white pointers around? Head to this pubby pool hall with free pool from 17:00 to 19:00, drinks deals for backpackers, pool comps, jukebox and bar snacks (nachos, wedges etc).
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Free House
Come rejoice at this church of ales. Tastefully converted from its original, more reverent purpose, it’s now home to an excellent, oft-changing selection of NZ craft beers. You can imbibe inside or out. Hallelujah.
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Nelson Market
Don’t miss Nelson Market, a frenzy of fresh produce, food stalls, fashion, local arts, crafts and buskers.
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