Nelson Local Information

A thriving art and craft community, tantalising fresh food and produce, beautiful beaches and world-renowned national parks make the Nelson region a unique and inspirational location.

Beautiful Beaches
Nelson boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Close to town visit Tahunanui - a shallow swimming beach, especially good for children. 

A little further a field try Kaiteriteri, Golden Bay, or Collingwood - golden, sunny and serene. Simply perfect.

Nelson Arts, Crafts and Cuisine
Focused on fun, Nelson bursts with art galleries, workshops, cafes and boutiques.  The town centre offers a host of fine cuisine, decadent delights and colourful artwork, whilst local craftspeople show their wares at the weekend market, and street performers inject some zest into the mix.

The wonderful World of Wearable Art (WOW) Museum – an outrageous collection of former WOW Award pieces – is a must-see attraction (with an adjoining Collectible Cars exhibit to keep the blokes happy!)

An area rich in natural spectacle, three of New Zealand’s top national parks are also be found in the Nelson region.

Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is the region’s most stunning reserve, and a coastal playground of immense beauty.  Small in size, but big on beauty, many visitors choose to Sea Kayak around the park’s edges – truly magical.

Other popular regional destinations include the wetlands and birdlife of Farewell Spit, bohemian retreat of Takaka, and impossibly beautiful beaches of Golden Bay, Tahunanui and Kaiteriteri.