Guidebook for Nelson
Sightseeing
You'll be standing at the very centre of NZ and there are spectacular views in all directions.
Best done in sneakers as it's quite steep in places but well worth the slog up the hill!
Sunrise and sunset here is gorgeous - just don't forget your torch (provided on request).
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Centre of New Zealand Monument
You'll be standing at the very centre of NZ and there are spectacular views in all directions.
Best done in sneakers as it's quite steep in places but well worth the slog up the hill!
Sunrise and sunset here is gorgeous - just don't forget your torch (provided on request).
Parks & Nature
10 minutes walk from the city centre and you're in another world! There are lots of different trails - don't expect an easy stroll though - there are lots of steep hills. The views from up here are outstanding. It's very popular with the locals - especially dog owners as it's all off lead (but under control). But don't expect any crowds.. Grab a coffee at Melrose Cafe at the historic Melrose House on your way back or explore the beautiful gardens of Fairfield House at the start or end of your walk.
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Grampians Reserve
10 minutes walk from the city centre and you're in another world! There are lots of different trails - don't expect an easy stroll though - there are lots of steep hills. The views from up here are outstanding. It's very popular with the locals - especially dog owners as it's all off lead (but under control). But don't expect any crowds.. Grab a coffee at Melrose Cafe at the historic Melrose House on your way back or explore the beautiful gardens of Fairfield House at the start or end of your walk.
Our favourite beach for hanging out, swimming & walking the dog. This beach is our go to all year! It's perfect for swimming in summer and you can't beat walking on the beach on a sunny crisp winter's day, looking at the snow covered mountains in the distance. Bliss!
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Tāhunanui Beach
Our favourite beach for hanging out, swimming & walking the dog. This beach is our go to all year! It's perfect for swimming in summer and you can't beat walking on the beach on a sunny crisp winter's day, looking at the snow covered mountains in the distance. Bliss!
The beautiful bay is only 20 minutes by car from central Nelson. Excellent swimming and snorkelling. Soak in the views from the top of the hill and if you're feeling adventurous, walk over the hills to Glenduan (around 3.5 hours) but get someone to meet you here unless you want to walk all the way back!
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Cable Bay
The beautiful bay is only 20 minutes by car from central Nelson. Excellent swimming and snorkelling. Soak in the views from the top of the hill and if you're feeling adventurous, walk over the hills to Glenduan (around 3.5 hours) but get someone to meet you here unless you want to walk all the way back!
Beautiful gardens perfect for a relaxing walk when you need some time out from shopping and all the good eating Nelson has to offer. Suter Gallery next door is also worth checking out.
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Queen's Gardens
Beautiful gardens perfect for a relaxing walk when you need some time out from shopping and all the good eating Nelson has to offer. Suter Gallery next door is also worth checking out.
I often find I have the lovely Japanese gardens all to myself when I visit. It's a great spot to take the kids or a nice quiet retreat if you have a spare half hour between activities.
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Miyazu Gardens
I often find I have the lovely Japanese gardens all to myself when I visit. It's a great spot to take the kids or a nice quiet retreat if you have a spare half hour between activities.
Shopping
This wee gem is one of my favourite shops in Nelson. A well run co-op of locally made goods, and they stock other NZ designers too. If you're looking for a handmade gift from NZ - this is your place!
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Little Beehive Co-Op
123 Bridge StThis wee gem is one of my favourite shops in Nelson. A well run co-op of locally made goods, and they stock other NZ designers too. If you're looking for a handmade gift from NZ - this is your place!
If you're lucky enough to be in Nelson on a Saturday don't miss the legendary Saturday morning market! Grab breakfast and a coffee as you're walking around checking out all the locally made, produced & grown goods. Make sure you give yourself a couple of hours to get around the market. Tip - there's a BNZ ATM at the Hardy Street end of the square. Some stall holders have eftpos but many are cash only.
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Nelson Saturday Market
23 Halifax StIf you're lucky enough to be in Nelson on a Saturday don't miss the legendary Saturday morning market! Grab breakfast and a coffee as you're walking around checking out all the locally made, produced & grown goods. Make sure you give yourself a couple of hours to get around the market. Tip - there's a BNZ ATM at the Hardy Street end of the square. Some stall holders have eftpos but many are cash only.
Essentials
Five minutes walk over the hill from Wellington Street is New World. Well stocked with all the staples, local and imported groceries, NZ craft beers & a great wine selection. It has everything you'll need!
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New World Nelson
Gloucester StreetFive minutes walk over the hill from Wellington Street is New World. Well stocked with all the staples, local and imported groceries, NZ craft beers & a great wine selection. It has everything you'll need!
Food Scene
A fabulous casual spot to grab lunch or dinner, tapas style dining. Go here - you won't regret it! The food is AMAZING!
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Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery
278 Hardy StA fabulous casual spot to grab lunch or dinner, tapas style dining. Go here - you won't regret it! The food is AMAZING!
Our favourite 'date night' restaurant. Beautiful food, great service. Enough said!
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Hopgoods Restaurant
284 Trafalgar StOur favourite 'date night' restaurant. Beautiful food, great service. Enough said!
Delicious food, smoothies & coffee - especially if you have food intolerances. Also lots of paleo & vegeterian options. They make their own nut milks for tasty smoothies & coffee. Their mini banana loaf is legendary! Kumara fries & turmeric aioli is also a firm favourite :)
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The Kitchen
111 Bridge StDelicious food, smoothies & coffee - especially if you have food intolerances. Also lots of paleo & vegeterian options. They make their own nut milks for tasty smoothies & coffee. Their mini banana loaf is legendary! Kumara fries & turmeric aioli is also a firm favourite :)
This is our favourite Thai restaurant in Nelson. Friendly service and authentic Thai dishes. Phad see-ew is my go to and check out their specials board for regional delicacies. This is the only place in Nelson I've found Kao Soi (yellow curry dish from Northern Thailand) and it is sooo good!
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Chokdee
83 Hardy StThis is our favourite Thai restaurant in Nelson. Friendly service and authentic Thai dishes. Phad see-ew is my go to and check out their specials board for regional delicacies. This is the only place in Nelson I've found Kao Soi (yellow curry dish from Northern Thailand) and it is sooo good!
DONUTS!! The burgers are ok, but for me it's all about the donuts! The flavours change daily, and to be honest I couldn't pick a favourite, they're all so good!
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Burger Culture
279 Trafalgar StDONUTS!! The burgers are ok, but for me it's all about the donuts! The flavours change daily, and to be honest I couldn't pick a favourite, they're all so good!
Arts & Culture
Beautiful historic house that you can take a walk through and lovely manicured grounds. Unfortunately most of the house is not staged but it's still worth a visit and the cafe on site does outstanding coffee and delicious sweet treats - often with raw/paleo options.
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Melrose House Cafe
26 Brougham StBeautiful historic house that you can take a walk through and lovely manicured grounds. Unfortunately most of the house is not staged but it's still worth a visit and the cafe on site does outstanding coffee and delicious sweet treats - often with raw/paleo options.
Home of the WOW collection, updated annually after each WOW show. We have an annual pass and visit here often! There's something for everyone with the Classic Car museum onsite too.
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World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
1 Cadillac WayHome of the WOW collection, updated annually after each WOW show. We have an annual pass and visit here often! There's something for everyone with the Classic Car museum onsite too.
Getting Around
Great service from Thrifty Nelson - we'd definitely recommend them if you're looking to hire a car and make the most of your time in this beautiful region as many places aren't accessible by public transport.
Thrifty Car Rental Nelson Airport
Trent DriveGreat service from Thrifty Nelson - we'd definitely recommend them if you're looking to hire a car and make the most of your time in this beautiful region as many places aren't accessible by public transport.