See & Do

You could stay a month in Nelson and there'd still be plenty left to do. Many visitors come for a week and never leave. Seriously the number of overseas people now living in Nelson is growing by the day - it's the laid back lifestyle, the great weather, the fresh produce, the rivers, the beaches, the National Parks...

Here´s the lowdown

• Great things to do in Nelson
• Festivals in Nelson
• Winter in Nelson
• Free Stuff

Links to Activities in the Region

Tourism sites

www.BackpackNelson.com An awesome site for Backpackers. It has everything a Backpacker would want to know about Nelson Tasman and it's updated w eekly. Check it out for activities, transport, entertainment, shops, seasonal work options, frequently asked questions, accommodation and loads more...

New Zealand Tourism Board The official website for destination New Zealand

Nelson Tasman Tourism The official tourism organisation for the Nelson/Tasman region.

Nelson sites – ADVENTURE

Aquataxis Water taxi service in Abel Tasman.

Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles Water taxi service in Abel Tasman.

Happy Valley Four-Wheel drive motorbiking ten minutes drive from Nelson through native forests with sea views.

Horseriding: Western Ranges Horse riding up in the ranges for more experienced riders. Stonehurst Horseriding for the novice or experienced riders.

Cumulus Paragliding 25 years experience. Awesome views over Tasman Bay & National Parks.

Skydive Abel Tasman  Amazing views. Jumps normally at around 12,000ft. 

Ultimate Descents New Zealand Watewater rafting in the Upper Buller Gorge.

Tour Companies: Bay Tours and JJ's Scenic and Wine Tours. Offers half and full day tours in the Nelson region and over to Golden Bay.

Trek Express Trampers Transport in the Nelson Tasman Region.

Nelson sites – HEALTH & WELL BEING

The Yoga Space, Bridge St, Nelson. Ashtanga-style yoga with wonderful teachers and friendly people. $10 for Backpackers.

Hot Yoga, Nile St East, Nelson. A large timetable and variety of classes. Also very friendly and $5 first class.

Nelson sites – KAYAKING COMPANIES

The coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park is calm and scenic with many stunning beaches making it perfect for sea kayaking. There are a number of companies you can choose from to do guided kayaking trips or to rent kayaks from. Below are the companies with websites. When you arrive we'd be happy to recommend and book trips for you depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.

Kaiteriteri Kayaks

Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences

Abel Tasman Kayaks

Sea Kayak Company

Marahau Sea Kayaks

Cable Bay Kayaks - Kayaking in the beautiful Cabel Bay Area - only 15 mins drive from Nelson.

Nelson sites – WINE & BEER

Nelson Wine Site

Founders Brewery Organic brewery just down the road from the hostel.

Nelson sites – ARTS & CRAFTS

Bone Carving Create your own unique piece. Highly recommended and very reasonably priced.

Creative Tourism Experience Nelson's culture. Choose from a large range of creative courses.

World of WearableArts A fantastic Wearable Art Show that has unfortunately now moved to Wgtn but there is the World of WearableArt complex in Nelson where you can see costumes up close and there is also quite a cool classic car section.

Art In It's Own Place A framework for exploring art in the Nelson region.

Nelson sites – HIRE CARS

Hardy Cars

Other sites

Sequoia Lodge Backpackers - Our Partner hostel in Picton also owned/run by us. Has share rooms and lots of doubles/twins with ensuites.

Bumbles Backpackers (Queenstown) Good friends of ours run this popular hostel in Queenstown.

Tapawera Settle (camping ground) Accommodation near start of Wangapeka Track and other Kahurangi National Park walks.

The Stables Backpackers (Napier)

KiwiPaka (Rotorua)

Rangitata Rafts and Backpackers Accommodation (South Canterbury) For a great day out and a thrilling and scenic raft trip you should save your pennies and go with Rangitata Rafts (my sister & her husband run this company). They do pickups from Christchurch and you can even stay at their base on a high country farm at Waikari Hills in South Canterbury.

AA Accommodation Guides - A comprehensive Guide to Accommodation around New Zealand.

Pick-a-picker Seasonal work advertisements.

Hostelbookers Book hostels around the world.

Great New Zealand Travel & Tourism Directory A NZ holiday planning resource. Accommodation, activities, tourist attractions, tours, transport, travel agents, tourism guides, maps etc.