Nelson walking tour & city guide

The town

Christ Church Cathedral stands at the top of Trafalgar Street. The Nelson Market on Saturdays is full of crafts and food. Tahunanui Beach is a popular city beach.

Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park, an hour away, has golden beaches, turquoise water and a coastal walking track, best explored by kayak or water taxi.

A day in Nelson

Nelson is a relaxed, sunny town with a strong arts and crafts scene. On Saturday mornings, the Nelson Market fills Montgomery Square with stalls selling local food, pottery, jewelry and art. Christ Church Cathedral stands at the top of a flight of steps at the end of Trafalgar Street, and a short hike up Botanical Hill leads to a marker for the geographical center of New Zealand, with views over the town and Tasman Bay.

The town is known for its galleries and studios, and the World of WearableArt museum displays spectacular costumes from a famous design competition, alongside a collection of classic cars.

Gateway to three national parks

Nelson is the base for exploring the top of the South Island. Abel Tasman National Park, about an hour away, has golden beaches and turquoise bays that can be explored by sea kayak, water taxi or on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park offer mountain hikes and quiet alpine lakes.

The surrounding region is known for apples, hops, craft beer and wine, and the Great Taste Trail, a long cycling route, links vineyards, orchards and small villages.