Things to Do in Nelson, New Zealand

October 30, 2026

Nelson (Whakatu) sits on Tasman Bay at the top of the South Island. It is a good base for markets, craft beer, small museums and day trips into three national parks. Prices below are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and cards are taken almost everywhere. Weather, tides, floods and slips can close tracks and roads, so check DOC alerts and NZTA Journeys before driving Takaka Hill or walking any track.

Markets and food

Nelson Market runs on Saturdays from 8:00 to 13:00 in Montgomery Square, rain or shine. A separate Sunday car-boot market uses the same square in some seasons, so ask locally before you plan around it.

Nelson Farmers’ Market is on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 13:00 at 23 Halifax Street, next to Elma Turner Library. It is a different event from the Friday-evening Kirby Fridays gathering, which runs from about 16:30 to 21:00.

Pic’s Peanut Butter World (49 Saxton Road, Stoke) offers a one-hour tour with tastings, Monday to Friday only. Booking is required. Adults pay 25, which includes a 380 g jar, students and seniors pay 20, children 18 and under are free, and Nelson Tasman residents are free with proof of address. Tour hours are 8:30 to 16:00 from October to April and 8:30 to 15:00 from May to September. It is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.

Adventure

Skydive New Zealand runs the Abel Tasman drop zone at 16 College Street, Motueka, about 55 minutes from Nelson. The tandem jump is from 16,500 ft and starts from about 499, with the price moving by date. Phone to ask about pick-ups.

Abel Tasman Canyons guides trips in Torrent River, Waterfall Creek, Blue Creek, Doom Creek and Falls River, all inside Abel Tasman National Park. The minimum age is 12. Torrent River with a water taxi is about 339 through resellers, so check the operator for the current rate.

Cable Bay Adventure Park (194 Cable Bay Road) has the Skywire flying fox, a 1.6 km ride each way at up to 100 km/h with four riders at a time. The minimum age is 6 and it does not run in rain or wind. A 2026 bundle of Skywire plus a 1.5-hour quad tour was priced at about 215, and spectators pay about 14.

Bikes, ferry and beer

The Great Taste Trail is a New Zealand Great Ride that links Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, Mapua, Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Parts have had forestry closures and storm repairs, so read the trail notices before you set out. From Mapua Wharf, the Mapua Ferry takes foot passengers and cyclists across to Rabbit Island (Moturoa) in about 10 minutes. Dogs are not allowed on the Rabbit Island sections of the trail.

Nelson is known for craft beer, and the Tasman region grows over 95 percent of New Zealand’s hops. Three places to start:

McCashin’s, 660 Main Road, Stoke, in the old Rochdale cider factory.
The Free House, a church building with a garden. Hours are listed as afternoons on weekdays, from midday on Saturday and from 14:00 on Sunday.
Hop Federation taproom, 627 Main Road, Riwaka, beside the Riwaka Hotel.

Opening hours change, so check each venue before you go.

Tips

Book Pic’s and any Abel Tasman trip ahead in summer.
Allow a full day for Motueka and Kaiteriteri.
Wear sun protection even on cloudy days.