Rainy day fun in Nelson Tasman
Posted on Wednesday 22 July 2020
Nelson Tasman is renowned for its crystal-clear blue skies and long sunshine hours, but if you happen to catch a rare shower in the sunshine capital of New Zealand, never fear, because we’ve put together some things for you to see and do to keep you entertained on those showery winter days.
Boutique city shopping
With pedestrian-friendly streets and a compact city-centre, it couldn’t be easier to indulge in some boutique-style retail therapy in Nelson city on a rainy day. You’ll find fashion boutiques selling designer clothing, shoes and jewellery, as well as trendy art galleries and stylish and quirky homeware stores. Could you think of a better place to hide out for a bit until the weather improves? We couldn’t!
Browse the Richmond Mall
A rainy afternoon calls for a visit to the largest shopping centre in the Top of the South. You’ll find everything you need to while away the day at the Richmond Mall, from a range of clothing and gift shops offering some retail therapy or the selection of hair, beauty and nail salons offering some relaxation and rejuvenation.
Visit Pic’s Peanut Butter World
Pic’s Peanut Butter World is one of the region’s most popular indoor attractions, even when the sun is shining! Kids of all ages (including the big adult ones) can tour the new factory and watch as the peanut butter makers crush, roast, pump and seal the delicious Pic’s Peanut Butter spread we all know and love. Little pic’sters can try their hand at creating their own, whilst the adult pic’sters can grab a coffee at the on-site café, or browse the international collection of peanut butter mementos and products at the gift shop.
Taste the local cuisine
Discover the multitude of cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the region, offering menus that are sure to warm you to the core and make you forget about the rainy weather outdoors. For a fire-side experience be sure to check out The Freehouse, Harry’s Bar, The Milton Street Sprig & Fern, Rimu Wine Bar, or the Mussel Inn. You can discover Nelson Tasman’s range of dining experiences here.
Discover the city’s heritage and culture
If you’re caught in a sudden cloud-burst, a tour of the Nelson Provincial Museum could be in order. Resting on the same town acre block that it resided on back in 1842, the Museum offers two galleries to explore. Discover the fascinating history of Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South Island) in a treasure-filled exhibition focusing on the regions geology, stories, people and culture.
Visit Jens Hansen Jewellers
You’ll be left amazed by the contemporary craftsmanship of the jewellers at Jens Hansen studio, creators of the world’s most famous ring – the One Ring from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Intricate masterpieces adorn the cabinets of Nelson's most established and internationally recognised artisan jewellery workshop, and you’re guaranteed to want to walk away with one of the Hansen families handcrafted pieces.
Catch that film you’ve been meaning to see
Of course, every rainy day is the perfect opportunity to catch the latest film at the cinema. Here in Nelson Tasman, locals and travellers alike flock to State Cinema 6, Nelson’s 9 screen cinema complex to see the latest blockbusters, film festival releases and arthouse films.
Browse the Suter Art Gallery
Idle away time while visiting the Suter Art Gallery in the heart of the city. Despite being one of New Zealand’s oldest cultural establishments, the modern architecture of the gallery is almost as fascinating as it’s exhibitions, with a range of extraordinary collections spanning over 200 years - from watercolour paintings through to ceramic collections. The Suter also offers a variety of exhibition and ‘behind the scenes’ tours with expert insights into the historical and contemporary art that features throughout the gallery. Be sure to grab a coffee and a bite to eat whilst looking out at the dreamy Queens Gardens too.
Have a beer at the Moutere Inn
New Zealand's oldest pub still operating in its original building can be found right in the heart of the Moutere. Amongst the rolling hills and sloping valleys, you’ll find the Moutere Inn, the perfect destination to indulge in some craft beer on a rainy day. Built in 1850, the Moutere Inn is so deeply rooted (both physically and metaphorically) in the local community that they only serve wines produced within 10km of the Inn, use an array of local ingredients on their menu and serve craft beers made from Nelson Tasman hops. Beer in hand, raindrops pattering the roof and traditional pub grub in your tummy, what better time to reminisce on the unique history of the Inn and imagine who was sitting in your spot at the bar almost 170 years ago?
Take the kids Hydro sliding
Feel the rush! You’ll hear giggling and hollering as your kids' race down the dizzying Nelson Fun Park Hydroslide chute! A local favourite for the kids and adults wanting some slippery slide fun, the hydroslide is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and amuse the family on a rainy afternoon.
Roam the Nelson Classic Car Museum
Whether you’re a car fanatic or not, the Nelson Classic Car Museum is an iconic visitor attraction featuring one of Australasia’s largest private collections of classic, vintage and veteran vehicles. Move from room to room, exploring the collection, before finishing off with a bite to eat in the cosy Little Engine Room Eatery.
Rewind at the Uplift Float Centre
A little bit of rest and relaxation is good for the soul, and the floatation tanks at Uplift Float Centre are the perfect place to relieve your body and your mind of any daily stresses you may have on a dreary day. With options for couples, you'll feel complete weightlessness as you float in a pod filled with over 500kg of epsom salts.
Visit Nelson’s Cellar Doors and taste our regions finest
Nelson is home to 21 cellar doors, almost all family-owned. This means that when you visit the cellar door, you’ll often meet the winemaker and experience their passion for the craft firsthand. Spend the day exploring the wine trail, from the picturesque Waimea Plains to the rolling Moutere Hills, savouring the unique flavours at each cellar door. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, the experienced Cellar Door team at Gravity Winery offer guided tours and tasting experiences with their winemaker. Learn the art of making exceptional wine, taste straight from the barrels, then indulge in a tasting platter at the end of the tour as the rain patters the roof.
Get some action at the Action Centre
If you have some energy to burn, Nelson’s Action Centre will be sure to get the blood pumping. This is the best place to be a kid, or feel like one again. With bowling, VR golf, an inflatable playground, a spacewalk playground, arcade games, mini-golf and an all-American diner there’s something to keep absolutely everyone entertained on a rainy Nelson Tasman day!
Take a dip at the Richmond Aquatic Centre
Escape the drizzle and spend the day relaxing in a spa bath or swimming in one of the heated pools at the Richmond Aquatic Centre. The wave pool and lazy river will be sure to keep the kids entertained as you watch from toasty warm comfort.
