Discover the best of Nelson

Alfresco dining spills onto city streets, waterfront restaurants make the most of the setting, and markets, breweries and tucked-away eateries give Nelson plenty of flavour. Add a lively calendar of events and live music, and there’s always something happening. Seek out local brews on Collingwood Street, wander the stalls and eateries of Kirby Lane, or settle in somewhere sunny and watch the city go by.

Creativity runs deep here too. Nelson has a long-standing artistic legacy and a thriving community of artists, makers, galleries and performers. Three of the city’s cultural treasures — The Suter Art Gallery, Theatre Royal Nelson and the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts — put art, theatre and music right at the heart of the city, alongside independent galleries, studios and creative spaces that are well worth seeking out.

Few city views rival the sweep across Nelson and Tasman Bay from the top of the Centre of New Zealand, or snow-dusted hills rising behind Tāhunanui Beach on a crisp winter morning. Here, getting outdoors doesn’t require leaving the city far behind — walking trails, beaches, rivers and hills are all remarkably close.

Mountain bikers have some of New Zealand’s best riding on the doorstep, from the classic Coppermine Trail to the purpose-built trails of Koata Park and Cable Bay Adventure Park. With riding year round and trails for different abilities and appetites for adventure, it’s easy to spend the morning on two wheels and be back in town for a riverside coffee, local beer or long lunch.