Places to Visit in Nelson

Also known as Moturua, Rabbit Island is among the biggest group of islands located near Nelson. You can head to these islands and enjoy spending leisure time with your friends and family. Get a chance to admire the gorgeous sandy beaches, picnic areas, and BBQ joints. You can also head out for a cycling tour and enjoy spotting various birds in the area like ibis, herons, and egrets.

Queen's Garden, tops the list of the most scenic places to visit in Nelson. Built in 1892 to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee, the gardens are home to amazing sculptures such as the Cupid Fountain, Boer War Memorial, and Water Wheel. You can escape the noise of the city and spend some relaxing time in the garden. 

If you love diving deep into regional history, then the Centre of New Zealand Monument is the best spot. You can take a walk along the Nelson Visitor Information Centre or the Botanical Reserve and admire the scenic views. Learn more about Nelson's development through time, via the informative panels. You can also enjoy swimming at Black Hole and get back through the Maitai Track.

If you're looking for the most relaxing places to visit in Nelson, Tahunanui Beach is the perfect spot. You can enjoy a variety of activities available for age groups at the beach. Spend time swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing. You can also check out the playgrounds which offer a hydro slide, go-karting experience, mini golf course, and BMX track. Don’t miss out on the seaside views with a cup of coffee at one of the cafes located near the beach.

Suter Art Gallery features historic artwork from the 19th century and is among the best places to visit in Nelson, NZ. You can check out many dynamic exhibitions at the gallery like 'Don Binney', 'Let's Face It', and more. The gallery also has a theater which has 150 seats as well as a meeting room.

The Nelson Lakes National Park is considered among the best places to visit in Nelson. According to the locals, the great leader Rakaihaitu once dug holes with his stick and created two water bodies - Lake Rotoroa and Lake Rotoiti. You can admire the magical landscapes that include forests, glacial lakes, and mountain peaks. Get a chance to enjoy lakeside walks and thrilling hikes like Mount Robert Circuit, and Lakehead Loop Track.

You can also visit the Natureland Zoo and get a chance to spot many animals like porcupines, meerkats, and primates. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, the zoo is a must-visit on your trip to Nelson. Get a chance to learn more about wildlife conservation at the zoo. You will also get to see the Tuatara, an ancient reptile species which is only found in New Zealand.

Nelson Sunday Market is one of the most loved tourist places to visit in Nelson. You can enjoy shopping for a huge variety of items including fresh fruits, handicraft items, jewelry, artwork, and more. Enjoy the live music performances by street artists who add to the vibrant ambiance of the market. Moreover, you can also try some of the local snacks available at street side shops.