The Nelson Market

If you are planning a visit to Nelson, you simply can’t miss taking in the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of stalls at the Nelson Market. Held every Saturday, the Nelson Market is located conveniently at the very heart of Nelson City in Montgomery Square.

The market is open from 8am to 1pm and offers a wide range of fresh seasonal and organic produce; including fruit and vegetables, fish and meat products, cheeses, pickles, jams, honey and bread, as well as great coffee, live entertainment, and an excellent mix of crafts, woodwork, metalwork, toys, jewellery, fashion, handmade soaps, woollen items, possum and merino clothing, flowers, plants, pottery, glassware and so much more. The iconic Nelson Market is the perfect place for tourists and locals to experience the famous creativity of the Nelson region and its people first hand.

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Quality Local Products

The Nelson Market was established over 30 years ago by Nita Knight with a focus on fresh local produce and has grown over the years to incorporate up to two hundred stalls today. The market focuses on fresh regional produce and quality handmade goods from some of Nelson’s most accomplished craftspeople and artisans. This is immediately evident when browsing the stalls, with an abundant variety of locally grown fresh and organic produce and handcrafted specialty items on offer.

Importers or sellers of international products are not allowed but are offered the option of Monty’s Sunday Market, which offers a treasure trove of vintage clothing, tools, books, antiques, collectibles, homeware, imported items, toys, and much more. Monty’s Sunday Market runs Sunday mornings from 8 am until 1 pm in Montgomery Square. See here for further details.

If you have a spare minute before heading out it’s well worth taking a look through the photos on The Nelson Market Facebook page. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, this is definitely the case here, the photo gallery provides you with a sneak preview of some of the amazing items on offer and also some great pictures of the stallholders themselves, providing a very personal, united touch.

What’s New

The Nelson Market also hosts various events throughout the year, with regular updates being posted on their Facebook page. The events range from things like the famous visit from royals, Prince Charles and Camilla, to a Flash Mob dancing the Tango. These events only add to the experience and atmosphere of the market and are worth keeping an eye out for.

Things You Should Know

The Nelson Market declares itself “a politics-free zone” and simply encourages the opportunity for people to socialize and buy and sell goods, providing an “uplifting” experience for all.
The market runs every Saturday year-round (except if it falls on Christmas day).
No dogs are allowed at the market due to health regulations.
Enquiries and stall bookings can be made through the website or by phone.
Parking is at a premium. Arrive as early as you can as parking on the nearby streets fills up quickly. If you don’t mind a short walk, Buxton Carpark is worth considering, but be aware you do have to pay parking fees in Nelson on a Saturday.

Make sure you don’t miss this very special experience, catch up with friends and family over breakfast to sample some of the delicious freshly prepared food and coffee, meet with stallholders and gain insight into their products, chat with local artists about their work, grab a bargain at one of the stalls or just to enjoy the bustling market atmosphere. Find out more about the Nelson Market here.

How To Get There

Other Things To Do In Nelson Central

Finished up at the markets and want to fill in the rest of the day? Here are some ideas on the best fun things to do within central Nelson?

Nelson Fun Park

Hydro slides, bumper boats, and mini-golf – that definitely sounds like a recipe for a fun afternoon with the kids. The Nelson Fun Park is open on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays during the warmer months from October through to April. Why not take along some of the yummy food discovered at the Nelson Markets and have a picnic lunch? The Nelson Fun Park is located at the Tahunanui Beach Reserve.

Queens Gardens

Part of the Nelson designated Historic Places Trust precinct, the Queens Gardens are a “classical Victorian ornamental park” situated in the heart of Nelson City. Opened in 1892 in celebration of the Queen Victoria Jubilee, Queens Gardens are a great way to while away a sunny afternoon while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful garden surrounds. Keep a lookout for Cupids Fountain and the Boer War Memorial or pop into the Suter Art Gallery for a quick afternoon coffee.

Nelson Provincial Museum

Weather packed it in or looking for something a little more sedate? The Nelson Provincial Museum operates from 10 am to 4.30 pm on the weekends and consists of two galleries containing both permanent and short term exhibitions. Check out the website for more information on what’s on at the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Jens Hansen The Ring Maker

Fancy a bit of retail therapy? Jens Hansen is the original designer and maker of the very ring used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Customers are able to purchase their very own replica ring complete with Elvish engraving! The Jens Hansen The Ring Maker studio is on the corner of Trafalgar Square and Selwyn Place in Nelson’s central city.

Centre Of New Zealand

Feel in need of some exercise to walk off the yummy treats consumed at the Nelson Market? The Centre of New Zealand monument on Botanical Hill is a great short walk for all ages. The walk takes approximately 30-60minutes depending on the pace, a well-maintained track makes walking easy and some pretty amazing city-wide views are the reward on offer at the top. Access is from Hardy Street or Milton Street.

For more information on fun things to do in the wider Nelson region take a look through our local Nelson Attractions pages or check out this article on things to do in Nelson.

Boutique Accommodation In Nelson

Nelson is famous for its artistic and cultural influences, both within the art scene and its attractions and accommodation facilities. Visitors seeking a truly immersive Nelson experience often seek out some of the more interesting historic boutique accommodations, here are a few examples.

Bronte Lodge

Located about halfway between Nelson city and the Abel Tasman National Park, Bronte Lodge is one of the many top-quality accommodations available as you tour the Nelson region. Bronte Lodge offers luxury waterfront suites and private villas all set on the shoreline of Nelson’s Bronte Peninsula. Guests are treated to complimentary use of the onsite heated swimming pool, petanque, and tennis court. If traveling during peak season (November through March) be sure to book well in advance.

Warwick House

Providing boutique bed and breakfast accommodation, Warwick House is said to be one of the finest examples of early Victorian Gothic Revivalist style heritage homes remaining in New Zealand. Built in 1854 the property has enjoyed a lively history and features an impressive use of New Zealand native timber interiors fittings. Breakfast is served in the Grand Ballroom, there is a well-stocked library for guests and beautiful private gardens to enjoy.

Sussex House

Experience the tranquil Victorian beauty of Sussex House Bed and Breakfast is its own little piece of paradise just across from the Maitai River. The charm of Sussex House extends beyond the individually themed rooms named after world-famous composers out into the peaceful English garden and beyond. Sussex House is located on the corner of Bridge Street and Avon Terrace.

For more information on where to stay or what to do in the Nelson region and beyond or rental car hire in Nelson check out the NZ Rent A Car website.

Nelson Travel

Need transportation to make the most of the area? View our full range of affordable Nelson rental cars and explore the best of Nelson at your own pace.

Check out our blog for more New Zealand travel and holiday advice.