Attractions in Nelson include the city’s new interactive museum, several historical sites, handicraft studios and numerous galleries. At several of the studios you can watch artisans at work. Abel Tasman National Park is a major draw for visitors, being home of one of the most scenic bays in New Zealand.
Abel Tasman National Park
World-renowned Abel Tasman National Park attracts thousands of visitors owing to its natural wonders that include beautiful golden sand beaches, lush green coastal land traversed by rivers and estuaries, and leafy seaside paths to explore. You can kayak here and follow the coast, enjoy a long walk through the varied landscape, or swim in one of the park’s lovely bays. Website: www.abeltasman.co.nz/.
Centre of New Zealand
A marker and trigonometric point are found at the top of this hill near Nelson city centre, marking the geographic centre of New Zealand. It’s a short and pleasant walk up the hill, through exotic vegetation, from the city’s botanic gardens, where the country’s first game of rugby was played. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view from the summit.
Miyazu Japanese Garden
This authentic Japanese garden is named after Nelson’s Japanese sister city, and features traditional elements such as a teahouse and ponds set amid gardens that bloom with azaleas, flowering cherry trees, Japanese irises and wisteria. Boulders, stepping-stones and stonework paths in and around the ponds help create a tranquil environment. The best times to visit are September and October when the cherry trees and wisteria in bloom, and in December to January for the Japanese irises. Phone: +64 3 548 6166.
Natureland
This zoo is set up in a way that families can allow younger children to get close to numerous animals in safety. Natureland features many native species and other exotics including alpacas, llamas, kune kune pigs, meerkats, monkeys, otters and peacocks. Additionally, you’ll see tropical fish displays and turtles and there is a walk-through aviary. Website: www.natureland.co.nz/.
The Suter
Located adjacent to the Queens Gardens on Bridge street in Nelson, this popular gallery and museum boasts a substantial collection of works by 19th century artists such as van der Velden, Lindauer and Gully. Exhibits at this leading gallery help visitors understand local culture through art.
WOW: World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars
This museum is dedicated to the fashions that were shown annually at the Trafalgar Centre until 2004. Although the museum is located in Nelson, the annual shows are now held in Wellington. Fashions made from an amazing array of materials are on display here and draw thousands of visitors from around the world. Website: www.wowcars.co.nz/.
Discover art, crafts and garden trails. In addition to trails that feature wine tastings and tours, there are others that focus on local art, handicrafts and gardens. You can follow a sculpture garden trail through stands of blooming shrubbery and native pines where you’ll see the works of contemporary artists and end up at a vineyard and working winery. This is an opportunity to combine interactions with local artists and their work, the spectacular natural beauty of the area and local vintners.
Explore the coastal waters by kayak. The seas off the coast of Nelson are the perfect place to go on a day of exploration by boat. One of the most enjoyable ways of doing this is by kayak - an activity that’s perfect for everyone in the family. Even younger children can learn to safely paddle in their own craft.
Go tramping. Walking and trekking are referred to as ‘tramping’ in New Zealand – an experience that all family members can pursue. A lengthy but highly popular track is the well-known Heaphy Track, which traverses the north-western sector of Kahurangi National Park and continues on to the Nikau coast. This particular trail is approximately 50 miles long, taking four to six days to complete, and is most suitable for adults and teenage children.
Test your nerve white-water rafting. You can try your hand at rafting on everything from Grade II up to the treacherous Grade V waters of the rushing rivers found throughout Nelson province. Adventure for all ages and skill levels are on offer here, along with the chance to see some of the countryside’s natural wonders.
Try your hand at spelunking. Cave explorers will enjoy the Ngarua caves at Takaka Hill in Motueka. The marble caves contain skeletal remains of the moa, New Zealand’s first flightless bird which is now extinct. A 45-minute guided tour is on offer here, giving visitors an introduction to the natural history of the area. Other caves in the area are also well worth a visit.
Visit Waikoropupu springs. Waikoropupu springs, known to the Maori as Pupu springs, are located six miles outside of Takaka town. You can enjoy snorkelling at the springs, or float peacefully as you drift along the waters of Fish creek and the Pupu river – both of which flow from the springs.
