Subscribe

Getty Images/iStockphoto

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.

Top attractions

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

  • See

    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 among the clearest in the world. The colourful little lake is reached via a 45-minute forest loop from the car park, where there are Māori carvings and illuminating information panels. Māori consider this a wāhi tapu (sacred place), and hence the waters are off limits to all but the local tribe who use them for healing and other ceremonies. Tradition has it that a taniwha (a kind of dinosaur-like spiritual guardian) regularly visits here. From Takaka, head 4km northwest on SH60 and follow the signs inland for 3km from Waitapu Bridge.

  • See

    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 of migratory waders, notably the godwit, Caspian tern and Australasian gannet. Walkers can explore the first 4km of the spit via a network of tracks (see DOC's Farewell Spit & Puponga Farm Park brochure; $2 or download from www.doc.govt.nz). Beyond that point access is limited to trips with the brilliant Farewell Spit Tours, scheduled according to tides. The spit's 35km beach features colossal, crescent-shaped dunes, from where panoramic views extend across Golden Bay and a vast low-tide salt marsh. At the foot of the spit is a hilltop visitor-centre-cum-cafe – a convenient spot to write a postcard over a coffee, especially on an inclement day.

  • See

    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 formations scattered about including, just offshore, the extraordinary Archway Islands. As inviting as the water may seem, don't even think about swimming: strong undertows make it incredibly dangerous. From the turn-off at Puponga it's 6km along an unsealed road, then a 1km walk from the car park over farmland (part of the DOC-administered Puponga Farm Park).

  • See

    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, turning right into Glenview Rd, then left into Packard Rd and following the signs; the last 800m passes through farmland). The rugged two-hour-return walk is steep in places and can be dangerous in the wet.

  • See

    World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum

    Nelson is the birthplace of NZ's most eccentric fashion show, the annual World of WearableArt Awards (now staged in Wellington). You can see a selection of past entries in this museum's sensory-overloading galleries; look out for the 'Bizarre Bra’ room. More car than bra? Under the same roof are more than 100 mint-condition classic cars.

  • See

    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 Island–esque stone statue, beautiful greenstone hei-tiki (stylised human figures) pendants, patu (warriors' clubs) and even the gown worn by Nobel Prize–winning scientist and Nelson College alumni Ernest Lord Rutherford at his christening. The top floor is given over to regular touring exhibitions (for which admission fees vary), and also features a roof garden.

  • See

    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 pretty well catch themselves anyway. Other attractions beyond fishing include hand-feeding tame eels, a petting zoo for the kids and minigolf. There's no entrance fee, but expect to pay around $40 to $55 for your salmon. Salmon snacks and platters (from $21) are available at the Salmon Cafe.

  • See

    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 church, pub, windmill and model railway (rides adult/child $6/4). Quaint shops now stock artisan products, while larger sheds display stagecoaches and vintage buses. Wet your whistle with a visit to McCashin's Hop Garden.

  • See

    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 collection that includes Kiwi big hitters such as Gordon Walters, Ralph Hotere and Don Binney. The complex incorporates an art-house cinema, an excellent gift shop and a riverside cafe.

Featured videos

New Zealand's best beaches

1:22