Nelson With Kids: Family Activities

October 30, 2026

Nelson suits families because many of the main attractions are close to the city, children are priced separately, and the beach and sanctuary are easy to reach. Prices below are in NZD. For hikes and drives with children, check DOC alerts and NZTA Journeys the week you go.

Animals and wildlife

Natureland is in Tahunanui Beach Reserve on Hounsell Circle and is open daily from 9:30 to 16:30. Adults pay 21, children aged 2 to 14 pay 11, under-2s are free, and a group pass for two adults and two children is 56. Animals include tuatara, kea, geckos and meerkats, and children can feed goats.

Brook Waimarama Sanctuary (651 Brook Street) is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00, though hours change through the year. A 14.3 km pest-proof fence encloses 690 hectares. Visitors pay 25 for adults and 10 for children aged 5 to 15, under-5s are free, and a family ticket is 50. Nelson Tasman residents pay less. Kiwi, tuatara, kakariki karaka, South Island robin and rifleman live there, and guided night tours can be booked.

Beach and play

Tahunanui Beach is shallow and has a playground. The Waimea Estuary drains fast around low tide and the Blind Channel is a rip, so swim inside the black buoys and keep children close. Summer weekend patrols have been run by Nelson Surf Life Saving Club, so look for the flags and ask the patrol about the day’s conditions.

Pro Karts is on Hounsell Circle, Tahunanui, with a 300 m outdoor track. Drivers must be 12 or older, and a 10-minute race is about 29. Nelson Fun Park shares the area and has a hydroslide and mini-golf.

Food and museums

Pic’s Peanut Butter World (49 Saxton Road, Stoke) runs a one-hour tour with tastings, Monday to Friday only, by booking. Children 18 and under are free. Because it centres on peanuts, it is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.

Founders Heritage Park (87 Atawhai Drive) is open daily from 10:00 to 16:30, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. It has village buildings and a windmill. The train and railcar are out of service for maintenance, so do not plan a ride. Adults pay about 12.10, children aged 5 to 16 about 5.20, and a family about 30. Locals are free.

Nelson Classic Car Museum (1 Cadillac Way) charges 8 for children aged 5 to 15, and family tickets are 30 or 50. It is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00.

Planning tips

Combine Natureland and the beach for a half day, since both are at Tahunanui.
Book the sanctuary and Pic’s tour ahead during school holidays.
Pupu Springs and other Golden Bay stops involve a long drive over Takaka Hill, about 2 hours each way.