Travel Guide of Nelson in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers

Nelson is a city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay. Nelson is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand – it was established in 1841 and was proclaimed a city by royal charter in 1858.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nelson

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Tahunanui

Tāhunanui is one of the suburbs of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies between Port Nelson and Nelson Airport and is the site of the main beach for Nelson with a shoreline on the Tasman Bay.

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2 - Tahunanui Beach

Tāhunanui Beach is the main beach in the city of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay on the northern edge of a peninsula which stretches west from the suburb of Tāhunanui.

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3 - Helicopter Tours in Nelson

Included in this adventure • Approximately 90 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 2 x Mountain landings SIGHTS: • 2 x Lord of the Rings film locations! • Unique land forms, habitats, plant communities and wildlife • Native bush • Breathtaking mountain landscapes

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4 - Haulashore Island

Haulashore Island is a small island in Tasman Bay, near Nelson, New Zealand. Formed in 1901, it was at one time a part of Boulder Bank. There is a narrow channel between the island and Arrow Rock.

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5 - Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank is a very unusual naturally formed landform in Nelson, New Zealand. It is a 13 kilometre long stretch of rocky substrate which begins at the Mackay Bluff and ends at the Cut of the Nelson Harbour.

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6 - Mountain Bike Tours in Nelson

This half-day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail taking approximately 4-hours. There are many fun stops along the way with award winning wineries, craft breweries, and the Pics Peanut Butter Factory to name a few. Cycle along the old rail route from Nelson City to Richmond then turn onto the picturesque Coastal Route to Rabbit Island and Mapua. It is all grade one riding (easy) where a moderate fitness level is required. A short ride on the Mapua Ferry has you landing on the Mapua Wharf where the vibe and atmosphere is very relaxing while you enjoy some great food and beverages. This is also a great day out for the whole family.

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7 - Glenduan

   11 km away

Glenduan is a small township lying to the north of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay between the northern end of Boulder Bank and Pepin Island. The population was 477 in the 2013 census. This was an increase of 27 people since the 2006 Census.

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8 - Rabbit Island

   12 km away

Moturoa / Rabbit Island is a small island that lies across the southernmost part of Tasman Bay, on the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island. The long narrow island runs east–west for 8 kilometres, and covers 15 km². It lies opposite the mouth of the Waimea River, 7 kilometres to the west of Richmond.

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9 - Kayaking Tours in Nelson

Inclusive, enjoyable and great for all ages, our haerenga (journey) includes an easy 2-hour return voyage along peaceful coastlines featuring golden sand beaches and vibrant native forest as we paddle together towards the iconic Toka Ngawhā, also known as Split Apple Rock. Along the way we will share with you our knowledge of the beautiful Maori culture as you experience the empowerment that comes through working with a team. Our spoken blessings called karakia will provide spiritual protection for our voyage through this safe and stunning section of New Zealand.

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10 - Cable Bay

   16 km away

Rotokura / Cable Bay is a bay and small settlement 18 kilometres north-east of Nelson in New Zealand. The settlement at the head of the bay is at the southern end of a thin strip of land or causeway connecting Pepin Island with the South Island.

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11 - Riwaka

   32 km away

Riwaka is a small settlement in the Tasman District of New Zealand's South Island. It lies beside Tasman Bay, five kilometres north of Motueka, and close to the mouth of the Riuwaka River. As of 2006 it had a population of 549 people.

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12 - Shore Excursions in Nelson

The Worlds longest Flying Fox - you trip starts with a mini-bus journey up through the park to the launch platform of the Skywire. Your guides will entertain you on the trip up with facts and stories of the park and surround areas. The ride takes up to 4 people at a time and can reach speeds of up to 100km/hr. The ride takes you both forward and backwards, with 800 metres of gravity assisted freewheeling in each direction - combined with 700 metres of scenic journey in each direction, finishing back at the start after nearly 10 minutes of thrilling adventure.

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13 - Havelock

   40 km away

Havelock is a small town in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand, at the head of Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, one of the Marlborough Sounds, and at the mouth of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers State Highway 6 from Nelson to Blenheim passes through the town.

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14 - Wairau River

   41 km away

The Wairau River is one of the longest rivers in New Zealand's South Island. It flows for 170 kilometres from the Spenser Mountains, firstly in a northwards direction and then northeast down a long, straight valley in inland Marlborough.

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15 - Sightseeing Cruises in Nelson

Our small group personalized day-trip is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer in comfort in one day. You get to meet other travelers and receive the personal attention of the skipper as we limit numbers to 5 couples or 11 passengers. Choose how energetic you want to be with plenty of activities on offer. Our cruise itinerary is flexible and our friendly, knowledgeable skippers are excellent at locating local wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, Little Blue penguins and on occasion dolphins.We ensure you are able to learn about the history and ecology of the Abel Tasman while take in the stunning scenery. We cruise past Split Apple Rock as far as the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the heart of the park where New Zealand fur seals bask in the sun. Then we find a sheltered bay with opportunities to kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while we prepare a delicious platter style lunch with fresh local ingredients.

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16 - Abel Tasman National Park

   46 km away

Abel Tasman National Park is a New Zealand national park located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of the South Island.

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Nelson here

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Pictures and Stories of Nelson from Influencers

14 pictures of Nelson from Stas Kulesh, Mark de Jong, Rich Hay and other travelers

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Why should you visit Nelson ?

Travel to Nelson if you like:

  🌲 Plain     🏞️ Reservoir     ⛰️ Cliff     🐾 Wildlife     🏖️ Beach  

Learn More about Nelson

Nelson is a town on the eastern side of Tasman Bay in the South Island. It is the capital of the Nelson region, the smallest but New Zealand's sunniest region.

Its diversity brings long golden beaches, unspoilt forests and rugged mountains.
Nelson's thriving music and arts scene contributes to its reputation as a destination for art lovers and open-minded people it's a very special place, thanks to over 350 artists, you can visit many creative native workshops,bring back some memories, you will appreciate it. Fans of the Lord of the Rings film saga are sure to flock to Jens Hansen's workshop in Trafalgar Square, as he is the goldsmith who designed the 'precious' ring held by Frodo in the Lord of the Rings films.

Walk along the beaches, sip a drink under the sun and enjoy the famous Nelson Bay scallops for dinner discovering this little Australian paradise.
To see more wonderful landscapes, go hiking, kayaking to see manchos and seals.

Nelson, New Zealand is a mix of surprising places and is rich in cultural diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Nelson

Why is Nelson called Nelson ?

Etymology. Nelson was named in honour of the Admiral Horatio Nelson who defeated both the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805

What is Nelson Tasman known for ?

Nelson Tasman is known for its beautiful reserves and national parks which offer excellent walking and tramping.

   Where to Stay in Nelson

   More Travel spots to explore around Nelson

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Nelson

  ⛰️ Hill spots     🏞️ Reservoir spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🚢 Pier spots     🌲 Plain spots     🏞️ River spots     🏘️ Town spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots  

  Travel map of Nelson

Explore popular touristic places around Nelson

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