Things to do in Nelson

Activities, attractions and tours

Kaiteriteri Camp & Beach Panorama, New Zealand
Kaiteriteri Camp & Beach Panorama, New Zealand
Panorama of Nelson City, reflected in the Maitai River, New Zealand.
Nelson Lakes National Park New Zealand
Rock Formations on Wharariki Beach, New Zealand

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular experiences in Nelson

Tours & day trips

See all 24 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities

History & culture

See all 3 activities

What to do in Nelson


Popular places to visit

Areas of Nelson

Panoramic Photo of Nelson Town Centre, the Harbour and the Coast, South Island, New Zealand

Nelson City Centre

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Queens Gardens and Nelson Provincial Museum.

Nelson City Centre
Houses on the side of the cliffs in Nelson, along the shoreline of Tasman Bay near Tahunanui Beach; Nelson Province, South Island, New Zealand

Tahunanui

Tahunanui is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Tahunanui Beach Reserve and Natureland Zoo while you're in town.

Tahunanui
Tonga Island, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand.

Stoke

4/5(2 area reviews)

Stoke is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like McCashin's Brewery and Marsden Recreation Ground.

Stoke
Default Image

Nelson South

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Nelson South include the spas and restaurants. Make a stop by Fairfield Park or Victory Square while you're exploring the area.

Nelson South
Default Image

Toi Toi

Though Toi Toi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tahunanui Beach Reserve and Trafalgar Park.

Toi Toi
Beautiful waterfalls in the green nature, Wainui Falls, Abel Tasman, New Zealand.

The Wood

While visiting The Wood, you might make a stop by sights like Founders Heritage Park and Trafalgar Park.

The Wood

Frequently asked questions

Is Nelson worth visiting?
Offering a blend of distilleries and craft breweries and coastal beaches, there's no shortage of things to do in Nelson. When you're here, visit Christ Church Cathedral, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nelson?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Nelson Provincial Museum and Natureland Zoo. Then, tour other parts of Nelson for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nelson?
Christ Church Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Nelson and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nelson?
Three days in Nelson is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson Provincial Museum and Natureland Zoo are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Motueka.
Is Nelson a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Nelson. Several top sights, such as Christ Church Cathedral and Nelson Provincial Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Nelson's best neighbourhoods, The Wood is 0.97 kilometres away from downtown, while Nelson City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nelson with kids?
What to do in Nelson for adults?
South Pacific Distillery and McCashin's Brewery are just a few of the things to do in Nelson. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Nelson?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Nelson. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Christ Church Cathedral is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia