Guidebook for Nelson

Agustina & Andrew
Agustina & Andrew
Guidebook for Nelson

Food Scene

$$ Lovely Latte with hazelnut shot, or Home Brew cold coffee with a hint of milk and 50/50 hazelnut and vanilla shots.
Starbucks
219 Trafalgar St
$$ Lovely Latte with hazelnut shot, or Home Brew cold coffee with a hint of milk and 50/50 hazelnut and vanilla shots.
$$-$$$ Splendid food and service. Beautiful view (choose the upstairs seats by the window). A very reasonable price, considering the quality they offer. A hidden gem!
34 locals recommend
Harbour Light Bistro
341 Wakefield Quay
34 locals recommend
$$-$$$ Splendid food and service. Beautiful view (choose the upstairs seats by the window). A very reasonable price, considering the quality they offer. A hidden gem!
$$$$ Fine dining. Recommendation: "Trust The Chef" 5 course degustation. Open from 10am week days & from 9.30am weekends A famous high end restaurant, open for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try their Trust-The-Chef in their menu, for a once in a lifetime experience. Watch the days gone by through the window. Stunning vast water view.
76 locals recommend
The Boat Shed Cafe
350 Wakefield Quay
76 locals recommend
$$$$ Fine dining. Recommendation: "Trust The Chef" 5 course degustation. Open from 10am week days & from 9.30am weekends A famous high end restaurant, open for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try their Trust-The-Chef in their menu, for a once in a lifetime experience. Watch the days gone by through the window. Stunning vast water view.
$$-$$$ A hidden gem, right by the marina. Fresh and generous in portion of fanciful, seafood or comfort food. A cozy relaxing place for a drink or two also.
Anchor Restaurant & Bar
62 Vickerman St
$$-$$$ A hidden gem, right by the marina. Fresh and generous in portion of fanciful, seafood or comfort food. A cozy relaxing place for a drink or two also.
$$-$$$ A cafe with a beautiful surrounding, located in a historic Melrose House. They have rich selections of tea. Have a brunch or lunch... or their FAMOUS HIGH TEA, which starts from 3pm onward (two days prior booking for high-tea is essential! Phone (03) 548 9179). Do not miss trying to place when you are in Nelson!
16 locals recommend
Melrose House Cafe
26 Brougham St
16 locals recommend
$$-$$$ A cafe with a beautiful surrounding, located in a historic Melrose House. They have rich selections of tea. Have a brunch or lunch... or their FAMOUS HIGH TEA, which starts from 3pm onward (two days prior booking for high-tea is essential! Phone (03) 548 9179). Do not miss trying to place when you are in Nelson!
$-$$ Our favourite is a Nürnberger bratwursts with sauerkraut, and Pomeroy's Coffee or tea. I highly recommend you to sample out a package of Pomeroy's EARL GREY PARIS (50gr or 100gr sealed pack). It's heavenly!
92 locals recommend
Nelson Saturday Market
23 Halifax St
92 locals recommend
$-$$ Our favourite is a Nürnberger bratwursts with sauerkraut, and Pomeroy's Coffee or tea. I highly recommend you to sample out a package of Pomeroy's EARL GREY PARIS (50gr or 100gr sealed pack). It's heavenly!
Show houses exhibiting the earlier stage of time when Nelson had just been Founded. It has Maritime museum also. | $$-$$$ A very nice brewery where you can do Nelson Marlborough beers, ciders & wines tasting --- also to enjoy easy meals. | $-$$ Founder's FRIDAY MARKET is open only every 1st Friday of each month.
56 locals recommend
Founders Heritage Park
87 Atawhai Drive
56 locals recommend
Show houses exhibiting the earlier stage of time when Nelson had just been Founded. It has Maritime museum also. | $$-$$$ A very nice brewery where you can do Nelson Marlborough beers, ciders & wines tasting --- also to enjoy easy meals. | $-$$ Founder's FRIDAY MARKET is open only every 1st Friday of each month.
$-$$ Go to Motueka SUNDAY MARKET for a change! | Open hours: early morning until around 1pm | It is located further away pass Mapua and Upper Moutere. Quite a different atmosphere than Nelson Saturday Market. Some food vendors in Saturday Market are also located there (including my favourite Nürnberger bratwursts with sauerkraut seller). If you fancy Asian cuisine, do not miss to try the famous Rendang or Bakmie they offered there! The Churro is also popular.
18 locals recommend
Motueka Sunday Market
18 locals recommend
$-$$ Go to Motueka SUNDAY MARKET for a change! | Open hours: early morning until around 1pm | It is located further away pass Mapua and Upper Moutere. Quite a different atmosphere than Nelson Saturday Market. Some food vendors in Saturday Market are also located there (including my favourite Nürnberger bratwursts with sauerkraut seller). If you fancy Asian cuisine, do not miss to try the famous Rendang or Bakmie they offered there! The Churro is also popular.
$$-$$$ UNTIL LATE NIGHT - For a relaxed dining and a great bar experience in the heart of Nelson. Very close to Nelson’s iconic Church Steps. HARRYS offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere to meet friends for drinks or for a casual evening meal. HARRYS menu is a delicious European take on Asian Cuisine. HARRYS has boutique tap beers and a range of bottled beers, a wine list focused on local wineries and a great cocktail list led by the famous Atmosphere, Asian food and the best of Nelson beer and wine have made HARRYS Restaurant and Bar. A hot favourite with Nelson locals since it opened six years ago.
24 locals recommend
Harrys Nelson Restaurant & Bar
296 Trafalgar St
24 locals recommend
$$-$$$ UNTIL LATE NIGHT - For a relaxed dining and a great bar experience in the heart of Nelson. Very close to Nelson’s iconic Church Steps. HARRYS offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere to meet friends for drinks or for a casual evening meal. HARRYS menu is a delicious European take on Asian Cuisine. HARRYS has boutique tap beers and a range of bottled beers, a wine list focused on local wineries and a great cocktail list led by the famous Atmosphere, Asian food and the best of Nelson beer and wine have made HARRYS Restaurant and Bar. A hot favourite with Nelson locals since it opened six years ago.
$$-$$$ Early morning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open every day | Breakfast: 7am-9.30am (10am weekends), Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm | (03) 548 7049 | 66 Trafalgar St, Nelson 7010 | value meal | Romantic dinner for two, family occasion, a wedding anniversary or for business entertaining, The Tides Restaurant and Bar is a multi-award winning dining experience. Relax in the stylish Tides Bar, select a local wine or beer, while taking in the Maitai river views from the balcony. Pause to anticipate our extensive menu that highlights local seafood, game, beef and lamb all prepared with the freshest local Nelson ingredients and the best from afar. Yes – The Tides also has a delicious children’s menu.
The Tides Restaurant & Bar
66 Trafalgar St
$$-$$$ Early morning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open every day | Breakfast: 7am-9.30am (10am weekends), Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm | (03) 548 7049 | 66 Trafalgar St, Nelson 7010 | value meal | Romantic dinner for two, family occasion, a wedding anniversary or for business entertaining, The Tides Restaurant and Bar is a multi-award winning dining experience. Relax in the stylish Tides Bar, select a local wine or beer, while taking in the Maitai river views from the balcony. Pause to anticipate our extensive menu that highlights local seafood, game, beef and lamb all prepared with the freshest local Nelson ingredients and the best from afar. Yes – The Tides also has a delicious children’s menu.
$-$$ Sushi corner... a small place with a huge taste! | Phone 03-5466665 | Open hours: Monday - Friday 9AM–3PM, Sat-Sun Closed
Sushi House
$-$$ Sushi corner... a small place with a huge taste! | Phone 03-5466665 | Open hours: Monday - Friday 9AM–3PM, Sat-Sun Closed
$$$-$$$$ (at The Rutherford Hotel) Open Tue-Sat 6pm onward. Supreme Winner Best Restaurant Nelson/Tasman Aronui DineOut Awards 2014 Presented by WildTomato. Authentic Japanese, delicious choices, using the freshest local seafood & highest quality local produce, from the sushi & sashimi bar, the teppanyaki or the a la carte menu. Watch your chef prepare your meal at the sushi and sashimi bar, using only the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the entertainment of the teppanyaki grill where you are almost part of the cooking experience, or for a quieter meal choose to dine from the a la carte menu. Traditional flavours & service. Resv 0800 437 227 http://www.rutherfordhotel.nz/dining/miyazu/
Miyazu Japanese Restaurant
27 Nile Street
$$$-$$$$ (at The Rutherford Hotel) Open Tue-Sat 6pm onward. Supreme Winner Best Restaurant Nelson/Tasman Aronui DineOut Awards 2014 Presented by WildTomato. Authentic Japanese, delicious choices, using the freshest local seafood & highest quality local produce, from the sushi & sashimi bar, the teppanyaki or the a la carte menu. Watch your chef prepare your meal at the sushi and sashimi bar, using only the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the entertainment of the teppanyaki grill where you are almost part of the cooking experience, or for a quieter meal choose to dine from the a la carte menu. Traditional flavours & service. Resv 0800 437 227 http://www.rutherfordhotel.nz/dining/miyazu/
$$$ "New-kid-on-the-block" which is a MUST TRY and highly recommended! It's a vibrant place, located right by the Cathedral Church, splendid scrumptious collection of food and highly presented, the best cocktails in town! Very friendly service. This is local's secret spot, very highly seek so you should book in advance to avoid disappointment! Watch their opening and closing hours. Late nights drinks for weekends only.
32 locals recommend
Cod & Lobster Brasserie
300 Trafalgar St
32 locals recommend
$$$ "New-kid-on-the-block" which is a MUST TRY and highly recommended! It's a vibrant place, located right by the Cathedral Church, splendid scrumptious collection of food and highly presented, the best cocktails in town! Very friendly service. This is local's secret spot, very highly seek so you should book in advance to avoid disappointment! Watch their opening and closing hours. Late nights drinks for weekends only.
Excellent pizza! Brilliant choice and authentic Italian secret spot! Located above Nelson's State Cinema. Not to be missed!
16 locals recommend
Stefano's Pizzeria
91 Trafalgar St
16 locals recommend
Excellent pizza! Brilliant choice and authentic Italian secret spot! Located above Nelson's State Cinema. Not to be missed!

Essentials

Very nice, fresh, high quality bakery, deli, fruits/veggies and meat products. They have a vast great collection of other products on shelf too. The store is user friendly with great design, makes your shopping experience a bliss. A vast self-service check out too.
57 locals recommend
New World Nelson
Gloucester Street
57 locals recommend
Very nice, fresh, high quality bakery, deli, fruits/veggies and meat products. They have a vast great collection of other products on shelf too. The store is user friendly with great design, makes your shopping experience a bliss. A vast self-service check out too.

Sightseeing

Go up to find the true Centre of New Zealand. 360 degree view of Nelson and surrounding. Make sure you are wearing a comfortable shoes and clothing, and remember to bring a bottle of water. Not a wheelchair friendly track. Park at the Botanical Park, located at the bottom of the Central of NZ. Many tracks branching out all throughout Nelson area. Look at our Photo for Tracks Map!
131 locals recommend
Centre of New Zealand Monument
131 locals recommend
Go up to find the true Centre of New Zealand. 360 degree view of Nelson and surrounding. Make sure you are wearing a comfortable shoes and clothing, and remember to bring a bottle of water. Not a wheelchair friendly track. Park at the Botanical Park, located at the bottom of the Central of NZ. Many tracks branching out all throughout Nelson area. Look at our Photo for Tracks Map!
It is another historic house surrounded by luscious big park, very peaceful and quiet. Every Thursday night they will have Isel Park Night Market, where you can find variety of scrumptious food and goods, even the famous Nelson natural dog healthy dental treat!
15 locals recommend
Isel Park
16 Hilliard St
15 locals recommend
It is another historic house surrounded by luscious big park, very peaceful and quiet. Every Thursday night they will have Isel Park Night Market, where you can find variety of scrumptious food and goods, even the famous Nelson natural dog healthy dental treat!
Trail Journey Nelson Trail Journeys Nelson – Explore Tasman’s Great Taste Trail c/o MD Outdoors MD Outdoors is the best place to rent Mountain Bike (Scott and Avanti). Phone 03 545 7098 1/37-39 Halifax St E, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand. It is located in the millers Acre Center on the corner of Trafalgar and Halifax Streets Nelson, right alongside the iSite Center. Trail Journey website: http://www.trailjourneysnelson.co.nz/
MD Outdoors
126 Vanguard St
Trail Journey Nelson Trail Journeys Nelson – Explore Tasman’s Great Taste Trail c/o MD Outdoors MD Outdoors is the best place to rent Mountain Bike (Scott and Avanti). Phone 03 545 7098 1/37-39 Halifax St E, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand. It is located in the millers Acre Center on the corner of Trafalgar and Halifax Streets Nelson, right alongside the iSite Center. Trail Journey website: http://www.trailjourneysnelson.co.nz/
Free walk info: https://www.freewalks.nz/nelson-tramping-walks/pupu-springs-walk/track Te Waikoropupū Springs are the largest freshwater springs in NZ, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contain some of the clearest water ever measured. 14,000 L of water per sec. discharged. NIWA found out that the visibility was 63 mtrs under water. This is very close to optically pure water, with clearer water found only beneath Antarctica’s near-frozen Weddell Sea. The water clarity is a result of natural filtering prior to the water’s emergence at Pupu Springs. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/takaka-area/te-waikoropupu-springs/
42 locals recommend
Te Waikoropupu Springs
Pupu Springs Road
42 locals recommend
Free walk info: https://www.freewalks.nz/nelson-tramping-walks/pupu-springs-walk/track Te Waikoropupū Springs are the largest freshwater springs in NZ, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contain some of the clearest water ever measured. 14,000 L of water per sec. discharged. NIWA found out that the visibility was 63 mtrs under water. This is very close to optically pure water, with clearer water found only beneath Antarctica’s near-frozen Weddell Sea. The water clarity is a result of natural filtering prior to the water’s emergence at Pupu Springs. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/takaka-area/te-waikoropupu-springs/
Wonderful beach!
107 locals recommend
Tāhunanui Beach
107 locals recommend
Wonderful beach!
Park your car around Tahunanui Beach, then walk along Rocks Road towards Nelson wharf/Port Nelson. Or the other way around: park your car at the parking lot by restaurant The Stix (at the wharf near Port Nelson), then walk along Rocks Road towards Tahunanui Beach & back. Beautiful view. Take breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinners at the recommended places such as The BOATSHED (Fine Dining, stunning view, some nights they have live music), The HARBOURLIGHT (value for money, delicious food, stunning view), Anchor Restaurant & Bar at the Marina (value for money, delicious food, stunning view), or find THE TIDES at Trailways Hotel (further away at Nelson city).
Rocks Road
Rocks Road
Park your car around Tahunanui Beach, then walk along Rocks Road towards Nelson wharf/Port Nelson. Or the other way around: park your car at the parking lot by restaurant The Stix (at the wharf near Port Nelson), then walk along Rocks Road towards Tahunanui Beach & back. Beautiful view. Take breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinners at the recommended places such as The BOATSHED (Fine Dining, stunning view, some nights they have live music), The HARBOURLIGHT (value for money, delicious food, stunning view), Anchor Restaurant & Bar at the Marina (value for money, delicious food, stunning view), or find THE TIDES at Trailways Hotel (further away at Nelson city).

Arts & Culture

http://www.wowcars.co.nz/ NATIONAL WOW® MUSEUM & NELSON CLASSIC CAR GALLERY Celebrating two incredible design collections, the National WOW® Museum and Nelson Classic Cars Galleries is a ‘must see’ visitor attraction. The complex is home to several galleries showcasing a world-class collection of classic cars alongside incredible award-winning garments and works of art from the internationally renowned World of WearableArt™ Competition.
74 locals recommend
World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
1 Cadillac Way
74 locals recommend
http://www.wowcars.co.nz/ NATIONAL WOW® MUSEUM & NELSON CLASSIC CAR GALLERY Celebrating two incredible design collections, the National WOW® Museum and Nelson Classic Cars Galleries is a ‘must see’ visitor attraction. The complex is home to several galleries showcasing a world-class collection of classic cars alongside incredible award-winning garments and works of art from the internationally renowned World of WearableArt™ Competition.

Shopping

To find anything and everything you can think of for home and necessities.
Kmart Richmond
186 Queen St
To find anything and everything you can think of for home and necessities.
Food, fashion & retail stores in the heart of Nelson City - Open 7 Days a week http://www.morrisonsquare.co.nz/ Wednesday Farmer's Market (Morrison Square) http://www.nelsonfarmersmarket.org.nz/ The place to be midweek in the heart of Nelson City. A vibrant market brimming with a diverse range of local, seasonal and fresh produce; music, demonstrations, tastings and entertainment. OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY, RAIN OR SHINE 10.30 am - 3.30 pm
15 locals recommend
Morri Street
244 Hardy St
15 locals recommend
Food, fashion & retail stores in the heart of Nelson City - Open 7 Days a week http://www.morrisonsquare.co.nz/ Wednesday Farmer's Market (Morrison Square) http://www.nelsonfarmersmarket.org.nz/ The place to be midweek in the heart of Nelson City. A vibrant market brimming with a diverse range of local, seasonal and fresh produce; music, demonstrations, tastings and entertainment. OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY, RAIN OR SHINE 10.30 am - 3.30 pm
Inspired by New Zealand's outdoors and tested in the world's wildest backyard, Macpac's outdoor clothing, backpacks and camping equipment is the first choice.
Macpac Nelson
126 Trafalgar St
Inspired by New Zealand's outdoors and tested in the world's wildest backyard, Macpac's outdoor clothing, backpacks and camping equipment is the first choice.
Global Culture founders create unique, clever, interesting and strange things about the people who inhabit this tiny cluster of islands that are quite a long way from pretty well everywhere. It all came about because they thought too many people in the world had become far too serious and it was time to share the “Kiwi” way. They have been making and printing clothing for long enough to know that it is now worn out all over the world – people in faraway places like Siberia and Slovenia will be proudly wearing GC clobber as a sign that they have visited the best place on earth. A whole bunch of Kiwi wear it to say they are the lucky ones that live in NZ. http://www.globalculture.co.nz/
Global Culture Nelson
58 Bridge Street
Global Culture founders create unique, clever, interesting and strange things about the people who inhabit this tiny cluster of islands that are quite a long way from pretty well everywhere. It all came about because they thought too many people in the world had become far too serious and it was time to share the “Kiwi” way. They have been making and printing clothing for long enough to know that it is now worn out all over the world – people in faraway places like Siberia and Slovenia will be proudly wearing GC clobber as a sign that they have visited the best place on earth. A whole bunch of Kiwi wear it to say they are the lucky ones that live in NZ. http://www.globalculture.co.nz/
Brilliant modern designs, some scandinavian, high quality. Beside furnitures and homeware products, they also sells unique gifts, clocks, games, anything and everything memorable. Give it a try and don't miss this store!
Nood Nelson
28 Halifax St
Brilliant modern designs, some scandinavian, high quality. Beside furnitures and homeware products, they also sells unique gifts, clocks, games, anything and everything memorable. Give it a try and don't miss this store!
Excellent bookstore, brilliant collections of books --- not to be missed!
Page & Blackmore Booksellers
254 Trafalgar St
Excellent bookstore, brilliant collections of books --- not to be missed!

Entertainment & Activities

Do tandem ski-diving, for once in your life time! Located in Motueka, it is 45 minutes drive from Nelson. http://www.skydive.co.nz/ Skydive Abel Tasman Address: Hangar One, 16 College Street Motueka Airport. Motueka, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 528 4091 Free Phone 0800 422 899 Within NZ Email: tandem@skydive.co.nz Business Hours: Mon. – Sun., 7:00am – 6:00pm
12 locals recommend
Skydive Abel Tasman
16 College St
12 locals recommend
Do tandem ski-diving, for once in your life time! Located in Motueka, it is 45 minutes drive from Nelson. http://www.skydive.co.nz/ Skydive Abel Tasman Address: Hangar One, 16 College Street Motueka Airport. Motueka, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 528 4091 Free Phone 0800 422 899 Within NZ Email: tandem@skydive.co.nz Business Hours: Mon. – Sun., 7:00am – 6:00pm