New Zealand’s second-oldest city is one of our country’s most vibrant hubs for arts and culture. Nelson features festivals of music, dance and comedy, museums galore, golden beaches and more hikes than you’ll care to complete. For you to find some of the best things to do, we’ve put together the 5 must-do activities for your next Nelson trip. Let’s get stuck in…
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Visit a Museum
The Suter Art Gallery is one of Nelson’s top attractions. It features local and foreign works from the last 200 years, including ceramics. For outdoor art, rent a car and explore the Mural City Trail. To learn about the region’s fascinating history, visit Founders Heritage Park or the Nelson Provincial Museum. Or for all you car lovers, there is Nelson’s Classic Car Museum which is a fuel-filled trip down memory lane.
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Natureland Wildlife Trust:
Dedicated to protecting and preserving New Zealand’s native species, Natureland is an excellent home to many animals, including tuatara, kea and kakariki. It is also home to exotic animals from around the world. Perfect for families, it’s the best place to learn about Natureland’s conservation efforts while enjoying all the wonderful animals the trust has to offer.
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Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Discover the golden sand beaches, lush native forest and crystal clear waterways of this famous national park, one of Nelson Tasman’s finest experiences. You can enjoy a short walk, multi-day hike or kayak along the coast. Water taxis and boat tours will take you close to the island’s small shrines and provide transfer and meet-and-greet services for tourists.
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Walk the Centre of New Zealand
An easy walk along the quiet Maitai River, which originates in the city centre, will take you over the bridge with blue railings to the base of the botanical reserve. A twenty-minute uphill climb under the canopy of poplars and kauri trees will take you to the Central New Zealand lookout, adorned with a large white pin marking the middle of an 1870s trigonometer. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy stunning views of the bustling city centre, Tasman Bay and spectacular mountain ranges.
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Spend a day in Golden Bay
Discover the amazing springs of Te Waikoropupu near Takaka. Sacred to the Māori, it is New Zealand’s largest freshwater spring and one of the purest ever measured. It is forbidden to touch or swim in the water, but it is nice to see the local fish and eels living their best lives. In Golden Bay, you can also stroll along Warridge Beach, with its rugged coastline, fine white sand, arches, caves and dunes. You may also encounter a baby seal or two. Or experience the vast openness of the Farewell Spit, home to more than 90 migratory and wetland birds.
Contact us now to find an affordable rental car perfect for exploring.
