Nelson Overview

Home to the country’s first game of rugby, the world’s first eight-hour work day, and the New Zealand’s oldest railway, “Sunny Nelson” (pop. 45,000) is an oasis of modernity in a region dedicated to ecological conservation. The geographic center of New Zealand, Nelson has a wide range of art galleries, dining, shopping, and nightlife options guaranteed to keep tourists in town for a few extra days.

Flights: The airport is located past the Tahunanui Beach area. Air New Zealand Link (☎0800 737 000; www.airnz.co.nz) flies daily to: Auckland (1hr., 9 per day, from $99); Christchurch (50min., 9 per weekday, from $94); Wellington (35min., 14 per day, from $79). Vincent Aviation (☎0800 846 236; www.vincentaviation.co.nz) flies daily to Wellington ($55-75).
Buses: Local buses to Tahunanui, Stoke, and Richmond ($2-5) leave from the Nelson i-Site. InterCity (☎548 1539; www.intercitycoach.co.nz) leaves from the 27 Bridge St. depot and heads daily to Fox Glacier (10hr., 1 per day, $73-107) via Westport (4hr., $38), and Picton (2hr., 2 per day, $10-29) via Blenheim (1hr., $10-27). You can also take the bus to Blenheim and transfer to a Christchurch bus (4hr., $52-69). Lazerline (☎0800 220 001) and Southern Link (☎0508 458 835) also go daily to Christchurch (7hr., 1-2 per day, $40) via Springs Junction (3hr., $20-26). Cains Road Services runs to St. Arnauld/Nelson Lakes National Park (M, W, F, 1 per day, $14). Atomic Shuttles (☎322 8883) also goes to Westport (5hr., $40). To get to Abel Tasman National Park or the Kahurangi National Park, call Abel Tasman Coachlines (☎548 0285) or K Bus (☎0508 458 835; www.kbus.co.nz). Prices and times vary (1-4hr., 3 per day, from $14).
Taxis: Nelson City Taxis (☎548 8225 or 0800 108 855) and Sun City Taxis (☎0800 422 666) run 24hr.
Car Rental: Ascot Cars Limited, 35 Bolt Rd., Tahunanui (☎546 5440 or 0800 500 544). From $29 per day. Pegasus Rental Cars, 83 Haven Rd. (☎548 0884 or 0800 354 501; www.rentalcars.co.nz). From $35 per day.
Bike Rental: Stewarts Cycle City, 114 Hardy St. (☎548 1666). Half-day $20, full-day $40. Open M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 9am-1pm.

Orientation And Practical Information

Christ Church Cathedral, on Trafalgar St., dominates central Nelson, towering above its surrounding gardens. Trafalgar, Bridge, and Hardy Streets comprise the main shopping district and enclose a plethora of shops, accommodations, and restaurants. From the bus depot, take a left onto Bridge St. to hit Trafalgar St.

Visitors Center: The high-tech Nelson i-Site (☎548 2304; www.nelsonnz.com or www.i-sitenelsonnz.com), at Trafalgar and Halifax St. Open M-F 8:30am-5pm, Sa-Su 9am-4pm.
Department of Conservation (DOC): (☎546 9335). The DOC provides information at the desk in the Nelson i-Site. Open M-F 8:30am-5pm, Sa-Su 9am-4pm.
Banks: Major banks with ATMs line Trafalgar St. Most open M-F 9am-4:30pm.
Tramping Gear: Rollo’s Outdoor Centre, 12 Bridge St. (☎548 1975). Tents $10 per night. Deposits necessary. Open M-F 9am-5:30pm, Sa 9am-3pm.
Police: (☎546 3840), on St. John St. in central Nelson.
Medical Services: Prices Pharmacy, 296 Hardy St. (☎548 3897), at Collingwood St. Open M-F 8:30am-8pm, Sa 9am-8pm, Su 10am-6pm. Nelson Hospital (☎546 1800), on Waimea St. City Care, 202 Rutherford St. (☎546 8881), has a doctor at night.
Internet Access: Boots Off, 53 Bridge St. (☎546 8789). 60+ terminals. $5 per hr. Specials from $2.50 per hr. Open daily 9am-10pm. Reduced hours in winter.
Post Office: 108 Trafalgar St., kittycorner from the Nelson i-Site. Open M-F 7:45am-5pm, Sa 9:30am-12:30pm.

Accommodations

As a general rule, the smaller hostels are homier, while larger backpackers compensate for their lack of intimacy with freebies and facilities. Some of Nelson’s hostels close for the winter season but are filled during the summer.

Trampers Rest Backpackers and Wheelpacker (BBH), 31 Alton St. (}/fax 545 7477), on one of Nelson’s historic streets. The owner of this 7-bed oasis specially engineers an atmosphere that fosters relaxed socialization—hence the hammock in the vegetable garden and the TV-free common room.Reserve beds far in advance. Laundry $5. Dorms $23; doubles $56. Cash only.
Accents on the Park (BBH/VIP), 335 Trafalgar Sq. (☎548 4335; www.accentsonthepark.com), across the street from the church gardens. It’s rare that a large hostel feels like a home, but owners Royce and Linda ensure that every guest is looked after in their perfectly located, lovingly restored mansion. Royce bartends and cooks cheap meals in the basement pub. Laundry $5. Internet $6 per hr. Dorms $23-25; singles $39; doubles $50; deluxe queen ensuite rooms $80. ISIC discount. MC/V.
The Green Monkey (BBH), 129 Milton St. (☎545 7421; www.thegreenmonkey.co.nz). 2 gardens beg for barbeques. Dorms $23; doubles $59. $3 BBH discount. Cash only.
Shortbread Cottage (BBH), 33 Trafalgar St. (☎546 6681). Whether you’re a sleep-deprived backpacker or a ruthless cookie monster, you’ll find a bit of happiness in Shortbread. The brightly colored cottage is one of the most inviting nooks in Nelson. Fresh shortbread baked almost daily. Laundry $6.50. Internet $2 per 20min. Dorms $25; doubles with TV $56. $3 BBH discount. Cash only.
Nelson’s Paradiso (BBH/VIP), 42 Weka St. (☎546 6703; www.backpacknelson.co.nz). A social backpacker’s paradiso, this hostel is well equipped for summer parties with a sauna, spa, pool, and volleyball court. Surfers line up for the daily breakfast and evening soup. Linen $1. Laundry $6. Internet $2 per 30min. Key deposit $20. Reception 7:45am-9pm. Dorms $22; twins and doubles $52-56. Cash only.
Tasman Bay Backpackers (BBH), 10 Weka St. (☎548 7950; www.tasmanbaybackpackers.co.nz). Although this well-shaded hostel is not on the bay, the bright colors and social atmosphere still attract a host of hard-charging surfers. In winter, continental breakfast included. Laundry $3.50. Internet $2 per 30min. Key deposit $10. Reception 8am-9pm. Dorms $23; twins and doubles $52. Tent sites $12. MC/V.
The Palace (BBH), 114 Rutherford St. (☎548 4691; www.thepalace.co.nz). Turn off Rutherford St. into the Shell gas station, and look for the driveway behind the gas pumps. The Palace occupies a magnificent hilltop historic home and waylays travelers with its laid-back vibe, city views, and 24hr. spa. Free local calls. Continental breakfast included. Laundry $3. Internet $1 per 15min. Key deposit $10. Reception 8am-9pm. Dorms $23; doubles and twins $55; triples $66. Cash only.
Nelson Central YHA, 59 Rutherford St. (☎545 9988; yha-nelson@yha.org.nz). Spotless rooms, an eco-friendly staff, and a location ideal for hitting Nelson’s nightlife. Free videos and communal guitars barely compensate for the steeper price. Laundry $5. Internet $2 per 15min. Reception 8-10am, 3-9:30pm. Dorms $27; singles $41; twins and doubles $64, with bath $78. Summer rates increase by $2. MC/V.
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, 70 Beach Rd. (☎548 5159 or 0800 500 501; www.tahunabeachholidaypark.co.nz), in Tahunanui, 5km from Nelson. With its own store, mini-golf course, and road system, all this 54-acre facility lacks is its own government. Linen $2. Laundry $4. Internet $2 per 20min. Reception 8am-9pm. Tent sites $14 per adult. Cabins $30-40; tourist flats $60-70; studio units $56-75. MC/V.

Food

Most of Nelson’s attractive restaurants, cafes, and takeaways are located on Trafalgar, Bridge, and Hardy Streets. Seafood restaurants on Wakefield Quay (SH6), along the oceanfront, can be reached by bus or taxi ($3-5). For groceries, head to the centrally located Fresh Choice, 69 Collingwood St. (open daily 7am-9pm; MC/V) or Woolworths, at Paru Rd. and Halifax St. (☎546 6466; open daily 7am-10pm; MC/V).

Victorian Rose, 281 Trafalgar St. (☎548 7631; www.victorianrose.co.nz). Inside this old British pub is one of the best backpacker eateries in Nelson, with daily meals for $11. The Su roast (from 5:30pm; $13) is an all-you-can-eat affair including soup and dessert. Live music Tu-Sa from 9pm. Beer $4. Kitchen open daily 11am-9:30pm. 10% discount with a coupon available at most hostels. MC/V.
Lambretta’s, 204 Hardy St. (☎545 8555; www.lambrettascafe.co.nz). The menu is a mix of lighter meals and mains including innovative pizzas like smoked salmon and apricot ($13-22). Open daily 8:30am-late. MC/V.
Boat Shed Cafe and Restaurant, 350 Wakefield Quay (☎546 9783; www.boatshedcafe.co.nz), on the oceanfront. Boat shed turned upscale eatery offers blue ocean views and a dose of romance. Known for its seafood—especially crayfish and mussels. Lunch mains from $19. Dinner mains from $28. Wine from $9. Open daily 9am-late. MC/V.
Zippy’s, 276 Hardy St. (☎546 6348). Graffiti-painted vegetarian joint with bar-style on-street seating. The muffins are huge ($3-4) and the fresh smoothies are a meal unto themselves ($5). Open M-Sa 10am-7pm. MC/V.
Akbabas Turkish Kebab House, 130 Bridge St. (☎548 8825). A small restaurant and takeaway with low tables and floor pillows. Spicy chicken and doner kebab in flatbread $7-9. Falafels $6-8. Filling lamb kebab $10-12. Open daily 11am-9pm. MC/V.
Yaza (☎528 2849), Montgomery Sq. This hippy-happy cafe hosts open mic acoustic sessions, as well as occasional live music. Focaccia sandwiches $8-9. The savory cheese scones ($3) are a must. Cover around $5. Open M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 7am-4pm, Su 8am-3pm. MC/V.
Spices, 227-229 Hardy St. (☎0508 539 4916; www.spices.co.nz). Savor the spices of Malaysia. The portions of prawn laksa soup ($20) are enormous. Lunch mains $9-10. Dinner mains $14-19. Open M-Sa 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-late. MC/V.

Sights

If you’ve got two sturdy legs, pick up a copy of Walk Nelson ($5), the best guide to Nelson’s natural history. The brochure outlines 30 local walks and is available at the Nelson i-Site. A great way to encounter the many faces of Nelson is to wander through Nelson’s weekly flea market. Held each weekend in the Montgomery Sq. Saturday is the best day to go.(Open Sa-Su 7am-1pm.)If you have a hankering for a picnic, head to ANZAC Memorial Park, off Rutherford St., or to the Miyazu Japanese Garden, on Atawhai Dr., north of town. Otherwise, the Victorian Queens Gardens has plenty of bold birds guarding the entrances on Hardy and Bridge St. Suter Art Gallery, 208 Bridge St., holds a collection of New Zealand and local art, as well as a craft shop, theater, and cafe. (☎548 4699; www.thesuter.org.nz. Open daily 10:30am-4:30pm. $3, students $1. Free on Sa.) A mixture of industrial and Gothic architecture, Christ Church Cathedral (☎548 1008) sits atop Church Hill on Trafalgar St. The fine sands of Tahunanui Beach (“shifting sands”) make it a popular destination accessible by a short bike down SH6, four kilometers west of town. Accessible by car, Rabbit Island’s expansive beaches (20km west of Nelson off SH60) are often less crowded. To find out how metal shards, seagrass, and insect screen can be incorporated into fashion design, head three kilometers west from Tahunanui along SH6 to the World of WearableArt (WOW) and Collectible Cars Museum. It showcases the best designs from the WOW Awards Show (now held in Wellington). (☎547 4573; www.wowcars.co.nz. Open daily 10am-5pm. $18, children $7.)

Nelson’s craftsmen and grape-stompers offer travelers up close and personal insight to local industry just out of town by car or tour bus. Bay Tours covers a range of local highlights, including several wineries and craft centers.(☎0800 229 868; www.baytoursnelson.co.nz. Half-day wine and gourmet tour $85. Half-day art tour $69.) Stop by Mac’s Brewery, 660 Main Rd., in Stoke, about 10min. west of Nelson, for an intoxicating look at the beer-making process. (☎547 0526; www.macsbeer.co.nz. Open Tu-Sa 10am-5pm. Tastings $5, tours $10.) Continuing west on SH6, look for the signposts just before Richmond that mark the way to the Craft Habitat, where artisans weave thick wool or perfect their jewelry. (☎544 7481; www.crafthabitat.co.nz. Open daily 9am-5pm. Free.) From SH6, turn right on Queen St. in Richmond, then left on Lansdowne Rd. to reach the Höglund Art International Glass Centre. It’s free to wander the gallery and store, but you’ll have to pay for a 45min. tour of the facilities, where two galleries display glass creations. (☎546 9850; www.nelsonhoglund.co.nz. Open daily 9am-5pm. Tours $15, students $12.) For a hands-on experience, Creative Workshops offers informal courses such as Maori bone carving (☎0800 408 020; www.creativetourism.co.nz. 6hr., $65).

Outdoor Activities

Most backpackers in Nelson keep their eyes on the prize: Abel Tasman National Park . It’s easy to use the city as a base for a variety of trips within the park including kayaking, tramping, and ziplining. If you came to kayak, Abel Tasman Kayaks (☎0800 732 529; www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz) provides pickup in Nelson for guided trips. Additionally, transport from Nelson to various trailheads along the Coastal Track can be arranged. Happy Valley Adventures offers the exhilarating Skywire, a zipline that sends you and three others hurtling down the longest 1.6km of your life for $85. They also run 4x4 “Adventure Excursions,” such as the Farm Forest and the Bay View Circuits, which visits ancient matai trees that are 40m tall and over 2000 years old. (☎545 0304; www.happyvalleyadventures.co.nz. Farm Forest 1hr., $70. Bay View 2hr., $95.) Stonehurst Farm Horse Treks (☎542 4121 or 0800 487 357; www.stonehurstfarm.co.nz)offers a variety of 1-3hr. adventures, including the Scenic Farm Trail (1hr., $55) and half-day River Ride ($105).

Self-titled “adrenaline dealers,” Natural High, 52 Rutherford St., rents mountain bikes and tramping gear, and offers bike tours and kayak trips. (☎546 6936; www.cyclenewzealand.com and www.seakayaknewzealand.com. Bikes from $35 per day. Guided multi-day kayaking from $270.) Kitescool, a mix of surf and air, offers windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons. The half-day intro course runs for $170. (☎021 354 837; www.kitescool.co.nz.) See the scenery from the sky with either Nelson Paragliding (☎544 1182; www.nelsonparagliding.co.nz; tandem flight $110) or Nelson Hang Gliding Adventures. (☎548 9151 or 025 751 436; www.flynelson.co.nz. 15min. tandem flight $160.) For a more daring option, Skydive Abel Tasman offers a plunge over the Abel Tasman.(☎528 4091 or 0800 422 899; www.skydive.co.nz. 3000m $210; 4000m $260.)

Entertainment And Nightlife

For good, clean fun, Nelson offers a six-screen cinematic experience at the State Cinemas, at Trafalgar and Halifax St., across from the Nelson i-Site. (☎548 8123. Films $11, before 5pm $8. Student discounts.) For a night out, head to Bridge Street, where bars and pubs stay open well into the night. Crowds frequently gather at Victorian Rose, 281 Trafalgar St., to celebrate (or mourn) the outcome of the most recent rugby match. (☎548 7631. Live music Tu-Sa from 9pm. Kitchen open until 9:30pm. Open daily 11am-late.) Nelson’s main venue for dance parties, DJs, and touring bands is The Phat Club, 137 Bridge St. (☎548 3311. Cover usually $5. Open Th-Sa 10pm-3am; in winter F-Sa.) Locals laud The Mean Fiddler, 145 Bridge St., for its lack of gimmicks and abundance of excellent local beer. (Handles $4.50. Open daily 4pm-3am.)