Things to Do in Nelson
You’ve picked the right corner of the country. Here’s how to make the most of it.
You’ve already chosen Nelson, which shows good judgement. The real question is how much of it you can fit in. The answer is more than you’d think, though never quite all of it. There are golden beaches, marble mountains, boutique vineyards, galleries and makers, and some of the best riding in the country. The Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and the Marlborough Sounds are each about an hour away. Golden Bay is two, over Tākaka Hill with more bends than it strictly needs.
At Harbourside you’re on Nelson Marina, at the start of it all. Walk into town along the Maitai River for the market, galleries and cafés. Ride out the gate onto the Great Taste Trail, or up the river to the mountain bike trails at Codgers. Then come back to the boats, and to the Anchor Restaurant next door. Which is about as far as anyone wants to go after a good day on the bike.
Or skip dry land altogether. Sail across the harbour to the Boulder Bank and climb the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country. SUP or paddle out from Tāhunanui to Haulashore Island. Kitesurf or foil in some of the best sea breeze conditions in the country. Take a skippered yacht or a fishing charter into Tasman Bay, and come back with dinner or a story about the one that got away. And the working port you drove through to get here? That’s Australasia’s largest fishing port, which is why the fish at dinner tends to be pretty delicious.
How do you make the most of it? Pick one big day out and give it the best weather in the forecast. Fill the days either side from the door. Keep one easy day in hand for tired legs, or a long lunch that got away from you.
Ask us too, at the desk or over breakfast. We do most of this ourselves, strictly in the name of research. We’ll tell you honestly what’s worth the drive and what can wait for next time. Most people who book two nights wish they’d booked three. We try not to say we told you so.
At Harbourside you’re on Nelson Marina, at the start of it all. Walk into town along the Maitai River for the market, galleries and cafés. Ride out the gate onto the Great Taste Trail, or up the river to the mountain bike trails at Codgers. Then come back to the boats, and to the Anchor Restaurant next door. Which is about as far as anyone wants to go after a good day on the bike.
Or skip dry land altogether. Sail across the harbour to the Boulder Bank and climb the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country. SUP or paddle out from Tāhunanui to Haulashore Island. Kitesurf or foil in some of the best sea breeze conditions in the country. Take a skippered yacht or a fishing charter into Tasman Bay, and come back with dinner or a story about the one that got away. And the working port you drove through to get here? That’s Australasia’s largest fishing port, which is why the fish at dinner tends to be pretty delicious.
How do you make the most of it? Pick one big day out and give it the best weather in the forecast. Fill the days either side from the door. Keep one easy day in hand for tired legs, or a long lunch that got away from you.
Ask us too, at the desk or over breakfast. We do most of this ourselves, strictly in the name of research. We’ll tell you honestly what’s worth the drive and what can wait for next time. Most people who book two nights wish they’d booked three. We try not to say we told you so.