Nelson Region

The Nelson region is centred upon Tasman Bay. It stretches north to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit, and south to Nelson Lakes. It's not hard to see why it's such a popular travel destination for international and domestic travellers alike: not only does it boast three national parks (Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes and Abel Tasman), it can also satisfy nearly every other whim, from food, wine and beer, art, craft and festivals, to that most precious of pastimes for which the region is well known: lazing about in the sunshine.

Explore Nelson Region

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nelson Region.

  • Island

    Moturoa/Rabbit Island

    With a Māori name that translates as 'Long Island', this low-lying expanse forms an 8km-long barrier to the ocean with a gorgeous sandy beach spread along…

  • Natural Feature

    Farewell Spit

    Bleak, exposed and positively sci-fi, Farewell Spit is a wetland of international importance and a renowned bird sanctuary – the summer home of thousands…

  • Spring

    Te Waikoropupū Springs

    Around 14,000L of water per second bubble up from underground vents here, making it the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere. It's also…

  • Beach

    Wharariki Beach

    This remote, dramatically beautiful beach is a magnificent introduction to the West Coast, with a seal colony at its eastern end and otherworldly rock…

  • Cave

    Rawhiti Cave

    The ultimate in geological eye-candy around these parts are the phytokarst features of Rawhiti Cave, a 15-minute drive from Takaka (reached via Motupipi,…

  • Museum

    Nelson Provincial Museum

    This modern museum is filled with a jumble of cultural heritage and natural history exhibits with a strong regional focus, including an almost Easter…

  • Hatchery

    Anatoki Salmon

    Here's your chance to catch a salmon and have it smoked for lunch or prepared as super-fresh sashimi. Rods and instructions are provided, but the fish…

  • Gallery

    Höglund Art Glass

    The Höglunds have had their art glass exhibited internationally and even featured on a jointly issued Swedish and New Zealand postage stamp. Call into…

  • Winery

    Neudorf Vineyards

    Sitting pretty in Upper Moutere, with views across the grapes to the mountains of Kahurangi National Park, bijou Neudorf produces gorgeous wines including…

  • Museum

    Founders Heritage Park

    A collection of heritage buildings has been relocated to this site, 2km northeast of the city centre, creating a Victorian-era village complete with a…

  • Gallery

    Suter Art Gallery

    Redeveloped in 2016 with a series of contemporary, light-filled exhibition spaces, Nelson’s public art gallery presents changing exhibitions from a…

  • Park

    Botanical Reserve

    Walking tracks through this 12-hectare reserve ascend Botanical Hill, where a spire proclaims the Centre of New Zealand. The actual centre is 55km…

  • Cathedral

    Christ Church Cathedral

    The enduring symbol of Nelson, Christ Church lords it over the city from the top of Pikimai/Church Hill. It's an unusual mix of Gothic and art-deco style,…

  • Gardens

    Queen's Gardens

    Immerse yourself in botanical history in this ornamental garden, founded in 1887 to commemorate the 50th jubilee of Queen Victoria's coronation. It's set…

  • Viewpoint

    Grove Scenic Reserve

    Between Pōhara and Takaka (signposted down Clifton Rd), you will find this crazy limestone maze punctuated by gnarled old rata trees and tall pencil-thin…

  • Beach

    Tahunanui Beach

    Nelson's primo playground takes the form of a long sandy beach (with lifeguards in summer) backed by dunes and a large grassy park with a playground, an…

  • Cave

    Ngarua Caves

    Just below the summit of Takaka Hill are the Ngarua Caves, a rock-solid attraction, where you can see myriad subterranean delights including moa bones…

  • Winery

    Seifried

    Situated at the SH60 Moturoa/Rabbit Island turn-off, Seifried is one of the region’s biggest wineries. Try its chardonnay and delicious Sweet Agnes…

  • Natural Pool

    Cleopatra’s Pool

    A short detour off the Abel Tasman Coast Track between Torrent Bay and Anchorage is Cleopatra's Pool, a beautiful natural rock pool and moss-lined slide.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Nelson Region.

  • Activities

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