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Travel Guide of Nelson in New Zealand by Influencers and Travelers


Nelson is a city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay. Nelson is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand – it was established in 1841 and was proclaimed a city by royal charter in 1858.


The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nelson


TRAVELERS TOP 10 :



1 - Tahunanui

Tāhunanui is one of the suburbs of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies between Port Nelson and Nelson Airport and is the site of the main beach for Nelson with a shoreline on the Tasman Bay.

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Tahunanui things to do in Nelson Tahunanui things to do in Nelson



2 - Haulashore Island

Haulashore Island is a small island in Tasman Bay, near Nelson, New Zealand. Formed in 1901, it was at one time a part of Boulder Bank. There is a narrow channel between the island and Arrow Rock.

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Haulashore Island things to do in Nelson Haulashore Island things to do in Nelson



3 - Mountain biking | Nelson, New Zealand

Enjoy a guided or self-guided bike ride from Nelson to Mapua on the Great Taste Trail. Cycle beside coastal wetland, visit wineries, breweries, cafes, take the cycle ferry from Rabbit Island to Mapua.

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Mountain biking | Nelson, New Zealand things to do in Nelson



4 - Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank is a very unusual naturally formed landform in Nelson, New Zealand. It is a 13 kilometre long stretch of rocky substrate which begins at the Mackay Bluff and ends at the Cut of the Nelson Harbour.

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Boulder Bank things to do in Nelson



5 - Tahunanui Beach

Tāhunanui Beach is the main beach in the city of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay on the northern edge of a peninsula which stretches west from the suburb of Tāhunanui.

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Tahunanui Beach things to do in Nelson Tahunanui Beach things to do in Nelson



6 - Glenduan

   11 km away

Glenduan is a small township lying to the north of Nelson, New Zealand. It lies on the shore of Tasman Bay between the northern end of Boulder Bank and Pepin Island. The population was 477 in the 2013 census. This was an increase of 27 people since the 2006 Census.

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Glenduan things to do in Nelson Glenduan things to do in Nelson



7 - Rabbit Island

   12 km away

Moturoa / Rabbit Island is a small island that lies across the southernmost part of Tasman Bay, on the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island. The long narrow island runs east–west for 8 kilometres, and covers 15 km². It lies opposite the mouth of the Waimea River, 7 kilometres to the west of Richmond.

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Rabbit Island things to do in Nelson Rabbit Island things to do in Nelson



8 - Cable Bay

   16 km away

Rotokura / Cable Bay is a bay and small settlement 18 kilometres north-east of Nelson in New Zealand. The settlement at the head of the bay is at the southern end of a thin strip of land or causeway connecting Pepin Island with the South Island.

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Cable Bay things to do in Nelson Cable Bay things to do in Nelson



9 - Riwaka

   32 km away

Riwaka is a small settlement in the Tasman District of New Zealand's South Island. It lies beside Tasman Bay, five kilometres north of Motueka, and close to the mouth of the Riuwaka River. As of 2006 it had a population of 549 people.

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Riwaka things to do in Nelson Riwaka things to do in Nelson



10 - Havelock

   40 km away

Havelock is a small town in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand, at the head of Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere, one of the Marlborough Sounds, and at the mouth of the Pelorus and Kaituna Rivers State Highway 6 from Nelson to Blenheim passes through the town.

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Havelock things to do in Nelson



11 - Wairau River

   41 km away

The Wairau River is one of the longest rivers in New Zealand's South Island. It flows for 170 kilometres from the Spenser Mountains, firstly in a northwards direction and then northeast down a long, straight valley in inland Marlborough.

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Wairau River things to do in Nelson



12 - Abel Tasman National Park

   46 km away

Abel Tasman National Park is a New Zealand national park located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of the South Island.

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Abel Tasman National Park things to do in Nelson Abel Tasman National Park things to do in Nelson




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Pictures and Stories of Nelson from Influencers

14 pictures of Nelson from Stas Kulesh, Mark de Jong, Rich Hay and other travelers


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Why should you visit Nelson ?


Travel to Nelson if you like:

  🌲 Plain     🏞️ Reservoir     ⛰️ Cliff     🐾 Wildlife     🏖️ Beach  





Learn More about Nelson

Nelson is a town on the eastern side of Tasman Bay in the South Island. It is the capital of the Nelson region, the smallest but New Zealand's sunniest region.

Its diversity brings long golden beaches, unspoilt forests and rugged mountains.
Nelson's thriving music and arts scene contributes to its reputation as a destination for art lovers and open-minded people it's a very special place, thanks to over 350 artists, you can visit many creative native workshops,bring back some memories, you will appreciate it. Fans of the Lord of the Rings film saga are sure to flock to Jens Hansen's workshop in Trafalgar Square, as he is the goldsmith who designed the 'precious' ring held by Frodo in the Lord of the Rings films.

Walk along the beaches, sip a drink under the sun and enjoy the famous Nelson Bay scallops for dinner discovering this little Australian paradise.
To see more wonderful landscapes, go hiking, kayaking to see manchos and seals.

Nelson, New Zealand is a mix of surprising places and is rich in cultural diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Nelson

Why is Nelson called Nelson ?

Etymology. Nelson was named in honour of the Admiral Horatio Nelson who defeated both the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805

Nelson Tasman is known for its beautiful reserves and national parks which offer excellent walking and tramping.













   Where to Stay in Nelson


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   More Travel spots to explore around Nelson

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Nelson

  ⛰️ Hill spots     🏞️ Reservoir spots     🏖️ Beach spots     🚢 Pier spots     🌲 Plain spots     🏞️ River spots     🏘️ Town spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots  



  Travel map of Nelson

Explore popular touristic places around Nelson





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