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1-Day Nelson Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Nelson in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Nelson, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Nelson is the New Zealand’s “Kiwi Capital”, a vibrant city with a youthful, friendly atmosphere and plenty of cool cafes, bars, restaurants, and clubs. Nelson is the best place to start your South Island adventure. Kick back, relax and enjoy fantastic scenery, beaches, and outdoor activities.
With favorites like Burger Culture, The Nelson Provincial Museum, and Queen's Gardens, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like The Suter Cafe and Hopgoods Restaurant so you can get the best taste of Nelson while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Nelson?
  • 2-Day Nelson Itinerary
  • 3-Day Nelson Itinerary
  • 4-Day Nelson Itinerary
  • 5-Day Nelson Itinerary
Visiting Nelson? See our Nelson Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
  • Nelson in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, The Nelson Market and The Nelson Provincial Museum with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Nelson without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1

The Nelson Market

4.5
(2244)
•
4.5
(366)
Market
Shopping
Clothing supplier
Fashion accessories store
The Nelson Market is a beloved institution that takes place every Saturday in Montgomery Square, offering a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors. With over 30 years of history, the market features enthusiastic vendors showcasing fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. It's a great opportunity to engage with passionate stall holders and immerse yourself in a creative and uplifting atmosphere. Additionally, the market has received royal recognition with a visit from Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The Nelson Saturday Market is a bustling hub of creativity, offering a wide array of artworks and locally produced goods. From handcrafted jewelry to fresh produce, the market caters to diverse tastes and interests. However, finding parking can be a challenge, as the popularity of the market leads to limited spaces and crowded streets. Despite the hustle and bustle, navigating through the throngs of people adds to the lively atmosphere. Overall, while the market may test your patience with parking and crowds, the abundance of choices and vibrant energy make it a worthwhile destination for a weekend outing.
S S — Google review
I had an absolute blast at the market this Saturday just passed. I bought a lot and would have bought more if I wasn’t flying home. Amazing apple selection at really cheap prices. Great artisan cheeses. Yummy breakfast options at reasonable prices. I even went home with some handcrafted items
Sandra B — Google review
Great options for food produce and handmade gifts/foods. Really good vibes. My husband got the hangi for $20 and I got the whitebait fritter for $16. Then we got some pastries for $6.50 each. A few other stalls had pastries for a bit more money. Not enough seating for eating.
Amy A — Google review
The Sarurday Nelson Market is a must go to if you are in the area. A great place to meet local entrepreneurs with their amazing hand made drawings, carvings cups, swords, spices and all sorts of things. This is a great place to have a coffee, authentic street food, buy gifts, duck eggs, greeneries and so many so many things. Do not miss on the Nelson market thinking that its like all other weekend markets around NZ; it is absolutely not.
Abdullah A — Google review
Great market…. Lots of shops, variety, food options. Very clean and tidy with parking around and toilets too! Must visit while in Nelson. Highlights were the Mixed Roots spices and What’Gchocchi
Pushkar K — Google review
Nice market to eat and browse in Nelson, plenty of food and snack options to eat on the spot. Tried the Bacon station burger which was great with the soft brioche bun.
Georgin L — Google review
My flat white from the coffee stand was delicious! The rest of the market compromised of small collectables/garage sale type set ups on a very cold Sunday morning in July.
Tara M — Google review
I was impressed with this market, even in the winter it has quite a few vendors out! (About 3-4 rows) Some food trucks, produce, soaps, pottery, jewellery, art, There’s a vendor who sells pebble jewellery ( Earth and Sea Jewellery) which was so unique and beautiful! Locally sourced pebbles as well! Also
Jordan B — Google review
1 Montgomery Square, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://www.nelsonmarket.co.nz/•+64 27 547 9833•Tips and more reviews for The Nelson Market
2 min · 500 ft
2

The Nelson Provincial Museum

4.4
(745)
•
4.2
(225)
Museum
History museum
Specialty Museums
When visiting historic Nelson, a trip to the Nelson Provincial Museum is a must. This museum, which is the country's oldest, offers an extensive collection of exhibits showcasing the area's social and natural history. In addition to its indoor displays, visitors can also explore a rooftop garden for a unique perspective. The museum holds over 1.4 million items collected over 160 years and is divided into two sections: the lower gallery featuring permanent regional history exhibitions and the upper gallery hosting short-term displays.
normally I don't like to go into museums, only because it makes me feel bored , getting sweaty , almost going faint and with a migraine to top it off. but when i've came to see around this museum , all of those feelings are now gone as I really enjoy this one , but also the one that's in wellington as well. I even love getting inspired by what the artists display , their art to help me to almost do the same art as them , but by my own unique style way.
Rosie C — Google review
This was to be a highlight on our trip here. Especially with the photo of a dinosaurs on the website. No dinosaurs and took less than 20 mins to look at everything, not worth the entry fee. However, staff member at desk was extremely helpful and informative.
Joanna P — Google review
Well we didn't go through the museum itself as we were only there to get some historical information regarding some ancestors of ours, so I do need to mention the young man at the counter, he was so welcoming and so helpful and so knowledgeable and gave us so much information we were blown away. Not many go above and beyond these days but this young man certainly did and I'm sorry I didn't get his name, but what a delightful young man, thankyou for all the information you gave us, it really helped our search
Lee W — Google review
It's not a huge museum, but what it is, is informative and well laid out with interesting exhibits. Definitely worth a visit.
Brendon — Google review
The Nelson Provincial Museum offers a glimpse into local history and culture, with a nice selection of toys and captivating decor adding to its appeal. While the museum's size may be on the smaller side, it is worth a visit for its reasonably priced souvenirs and locally crafted art pieces that make for great mementos. The exhibits may not be expansive, but they are thoughtfully curated, providing insight into the region's heritage.
S S — Google review
Some sections ( 1st floor ) were under renovation 14 $ for two tickets is bit steep for what’s on offer . However , keeping cost aside , it’s still got some interesting stuff to see . Attached cafe with inside and outside seating. A small curio shopping section .
Sandeep S — Google review
Free for locals and worth a donation . Very helpful staff. The layout has 3 distinct areas and it is important to up the stairs and lifts. The Cawthorn institute is celebrated up stairs. Us the National Geographic Photography exhibition. Amazing photos. The history of Nelson is down stairs. From geology to Maori and more recent history such as pottery. There is a gift shop and parking areas are close. Not far from the Suter art gallery so make a double visit.
Josephine T — Google review
Nice museum. Not huge, but the exhibits are well presented, and looked after. When we visited there was an animatronic dinosaur exhibition upstairs, which was excellent, but this isn't a permanent fixture. Possibly a bit pricey at $16 per person.
Chris S — Google review
Cnr Trafalgar St and Hardy Street, Nelson 7040, New Zealand•http://www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/•+64 3 548 9588•Tips and more reviews for The Nelson Provincial Museum
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Travelers
2
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Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.11 mi
3

Jens Hansen The Ringmaker

4.9
(492)
Jeweler
Goldsmith
Jewelry appraiser
Jewelry buyer
Jens Hansen The Ringmaker is a must-visit for fans of The Lord of the Rings. Located in Nelson, New Zealand, this iconic store offers original One Rings made for the movies. Visitors can learn about the making of the rings from knowledgeable staff. Customers rave about their experiences with Jens Hansen, praising the quality of custom engraved wedding rings and sterling silver replica rings.
As a wedding photographer, details like wedding rings are one of the things I look forward to in each session. Jens Hansen provided the wedding rings for one of my eloping couples, and I love how classic and timeless they look! It’s also amazing to know that my clients' love for The Lord of the Rings inspired them to have their rings designed after the One Ring. Jens Hansen's memorable and delicate craftsmanship for jewellery and accessories that are fantasy-themed is simply phenomenal! Their wide range of styles and designs makes them stand out from the rest. So, if you are looking for rings that can make special days like weddings and elopements even more unforgettable, I can’t recommend them enough!
James H — Google review
We had our wedding rings custom-made by Jens Hansen – and we’re absolutely in love with the result. From start to finish, the process felt personal, professional, and full of care. We worked with Lee, who guided us through the design process in a very thoughtful and responsive way. We even received 3D-printed plastic prototypes in advance to confirm the sizing and design – a fantastic service for international customers! The final rings turned out absolutely beautiful – unique, meaningful, and crafted with great attention to detail. The packaging and shipping were flawless, and the rings arrived safely (just be aware that customs/import duties can add around 20% to the total cost). One important note for future customers: even though we had confirmed the correct ring size and width, one of our rings arrived in the wrong width (3 mm instead of 4.5 mm). We had to send it back for a remake, which took some time – the corrected ring only arrived a few days before our wedding. So: make sure to plan enough time, especially if you're ordering from overseas. Despite this hiccup, we are beyond happy with the rings and would absolutely recommend Jens Hansen to anyone looking for something truly special and beautifully made.
D. S — Google review
As always, you guys have outdone yourself! The ring is stunning, fits perfectly and feels heavy and strong when I wear it. I was concerned that it might have been too big to feel comfortable but I've been wearing it a few hours with no issues. The 'cracks' and lines give it the illusion of being aged but still being brand new and the topaz is eye catching and I can't wait to wear it in the sun, to really see it shine. It feels like a perfect companion piece to my custom Ring of Viggo It's been a pleasure working with you all!
Harry B — Google review
Amazing service. My engagement Movie Ring arrived in the UK in record time, beautifully packed and presented. We're so pleased. It's Precious to me...
Gavin D — Google review
The service from the time I walked in the door at Jens Hansen Jewellers was outstanding! Valeriya greeted me as I walked in the door and was wonderful. Attentive and so helpful with advice as to a lost ring replacement, the options she gave were beneficial in helping to decide my next step. Her attitude is A+ and so refreshing. She took her time to be sure I received what we were looking for. Great service! Thank you Jens Hansen Jewellers
Joy C — Google review
Very nice people who have made a name for themselves by being featured as making the one ring. I enjoyed seeing their workspace, as one does not take classes to become a jeweler, but it is a learned craft and they often take on apprenticeships trying to learn the trade. Beautiful pieces, but you are not only buying the jewelry. You are buying the name embossed on it.
Mica J — Google review
Valeriya was so kind and informative. She spent all the time we needed in person and met with us online to make sure we had what we dreamed. They made us custom rings that were beautiful and still fit our budget. We will wear them forever and will be back in the future for more. Wonderful people, great perfectly fitted rings. They take their legacy serious and fulfill it.
Matthew S — Google review
To celebrate a banner year birthday, I treated myself to the Ring of Hugo… a silver replica of the Elven ring of power worn by Weaving in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy (which Jansen also created for the films… yes, another ring was made!). It arrived EXACTLY as was pictured on their website. Such high quality craftsmanship! It fit true to size, and the company provided clear updates on where the ring was in the process from creation to shipment. And it arrived within their window of expected delivery. Worth the cost as this ring is built to last all the Ages. I’m absolutely enthralled by it. Love this company.
Stephanie A — Google review
320 Trafalgar Square, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•https://www.jenshansen.com/•+64 3 548 0640•Tips and more reviews for Jens Hansen The Ringmaker
3 min · 0.14 mi
4

Christ Church Cathedral

4.6
(503)
•
4.3
(370)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Cathedral
Churches & Cathedrals
Christ Church Cathedral, located in Nelson, is a hilltop cathedral with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The cathedral's unique blend of art nouveau and Gothic architecture makes it an iconic symbol of the city. Situated on the site of two earlier wooden churches, its marble-clad nave and towering concrete structure are truly impressive. Visitors can also enjoy exploring nearby attractions such as Trafalgar Square and the Clock Tower before checking out quirky stores in the area.
Christ Church Cathedral is a striking Anglican church that stands as a key landmark in Nelson, perched at the top of Trafalgar Street. Completed in 1964, the cathedral is uniquely built from marble, giving it a grand and timeless appearance. The wide steps leading up to the entrance add to its impressive presence, making it a focal point of the city. Inside, the cathedral offers a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Its high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and beautiful stained-glass windows create a sense of awe and serenity. The windows, in particular, cast colorful light across the space, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. Whether you visit for worship, quiet reflection, or to admire the architecture, the cathedral provides a tranquil retreat in the heart of Nelson. The surrounding gardens and pathways are also worth exploring, offering a pleasant place to sit and enjoy the peaceful environment. As an active place of worship, the cathedral hosts regular services as well as community events and concerts, making it a vibrant part of Nelson’s cultural and spiritual life. Overall, Christ Church Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply a quiet moment of reflection. Its unique marble construction and Anglican heritage make it a fascinating and beautiful landmark in the city.
Rhonda S — Google review
Nelson Cathedral Church is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit in Nelson. Located at the top of the hill in the city centre, it offers a lovely view and a calm atmosphere. The architecture is stunning, with its classic stone design and tall spire, making it a true landmark of the city. Inside, the church feels very serene, filled with natural light and a sense of history. The garden area and surroundings are well maintained and perfect for a quiet walk or to sit and reflect. Whether you are religious or just appreciate beautiful buildings, the Nelson Cathedral Church is definitely worth a visit.
Arjun B — Google review
Stunning cathedral with beautiful gardens and surrounds. Great video history on screen in the cathedral. Loved the organ pipes, be awesome to hear them!!! Lovely stained glass windows 🪟
Paula S — Google review
Lovely cathedral and place. Please bear in mind it was near destroyed in infamous 2012 earthquake and is slowly being rebuilt
Bruce — Google review
We dropped by on the way to Christchurch. One of the female staff kindly explained how the cathedral was built using concrete partially and changing the height of side walls based on experiences of earthquake. Great! (Apr. 2025)
TED — Google review
Signature sightseeing building in Nelson, a must-visit place. I enjoyed reading the short introductions inside the church. Although the weather wasn't good for photos during our visit, we still spent time here.
Rikki F — Google review
A lovely place to visit. Very Welcoming! The organist was stunning accompanied by a talented Choir! There was an amazing morning tea served with Great tea and percolated coffee.
Joel S — Google review
Not to be confused with Christchurch cathedral in Christchurch, The Christ church cathedral in Nelson holds its own history. Nelson being a city is because of a single chair. The principa chair means that it has a seat for the bishop. Which meant that this building can be a cathedral, which means that a town can be a city! Fun fact a? The architecture and stained glass windows are breathtaking, and the peaceful gardens outside make for a lovely place to relax.
Allen C — Google review
1 Trafalgar Square, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•https://nelsoncathedral.nz/•+64 3 548 1008•Tips and more reviews for Nelson Cathedral
11 min · 0.57 mi
5

The Suter Art Gallery

4.4
(801)
•
4.3
(208)
Art gallery
Sights & Landmarks
Art center
Art museum
The Suter Art Gallery, also known as Suter Te Aratoi o Whakat, is a regional art gallery in Nelson that offers diverse art exhibitions and features a shop and an airy cafe with views of a pond and garden. The gallery houses a collection of local, national, and international art, including New Zealand's largest collection of watercolors by 19th-century landscape artist John Gully.
What a lovely gallery! I found the exhibits really interesting. And if nothing else, it has free entry, walking distance to the centre of Nelson, has a lovely cafe and shop. Definitely worth popping in for 45 mins.
Terry L — Google review
Victoria has greeted us with a warm welcome, explaining about the history of the Super Art Gallery, she showed us the user friendly website and happily she answered all our questions. The Gallery was bright, vibrant with creativity.
Anca — Google review
Really enjoyed the visit to this gallery. Nice big space promoting local artists and exhibitions. Beautiful outdoor cafe area also.
M A — Google review
There was a wide variety of exhibits in a modern environment. The staff were very friendly and the cafe served good food and coffee. An added bonus is that the gallery is next door to the Queen's Gardens which has plenty of shelter when the sun is out.
Steve F — Google review
Small and cozy gallery with small exhibitions, that you can visit on rainy days or if you like arts and don’t want to spend hours. Going through takes about 40-60 minutes and entering the gallery is free! You can also buy some of the art or any souvenirs in the shop. Thank you! 😊
Jakub P — Google review
Great place to visit , sit back and relax looking at the art or even the Suter shop that has many gifts. The Suter cafe has awesome food to boot and lovely coffee. Helena Fox and Mike Peckham's recent art display in the Mckee Gallery.
Mike — Google review
Gallery is great with challenging and thought provoking exhibitions. Unfortunately had a pretty disappointing breakfast at the cafe. Coffee was tepid when delivered to the table after 10 minutes and the same with the food delivered a further 10 minutes after that. Given the cafe wasn't that busy this was pretty disappointing, especially considering the premium prices. Serving staff were very professional and attentive but the coffee/food made it a pretty disappointing experience overall.
M C — Google review
I'm concerned about the consequences of the morale of our future generations when this gallery lets artists/activists display works desecrating our New Zealand flag. I'm sure others share this concern with me. Results from a poll alongside an article on the controversial exhibition in the NZ herald that says 82% think this is inappropriate. Until they start vetting the potential of this kind of negative influence in the prospective artists submitted work, I wouldn't recommend this Gallery.
Renee X — Google review
208 Bridge Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://www.thesuter.org.nz/•+64 3 548 4699•Tips and more reviews for The Suter Art Gallery
2 min · 0.1 mi
6

Queen's Gardens

4.6
(1617)
•
4.5
(329)
Park
Nature & Parks
Gardens
The Queen's Gardens, established in 1892 to honor Queen Victoria's rule, is a picturesque botanical park featuring diverse trees and flowers. The Victorian-style layout includes a horseshoe-shaped lake, fountains, sculptures, and war memorials. Visitors can also explore the Suter Art Gallery and Huangshi Chinese Gardens within the park. The gardens' extensive plant display and remarkable tree collection offer a tranquil retreat in the heart of Nelson.
This is a fantastic city garden with exceptionally diverse plantings that are extremely well maintained. It’s always a joy to step under the tall trees and look out at the beautiful gardens.
Karl G — Google review
Small but perfectly maintained little garden near the centre of Nelson. Ideal for a leisurely stroll. The garden also includes a Chinese themed section ; the Huangshi Garden.
Bernard S — Google review
Lovely garden only few minutes walk from town center, has many entrances. Cool and serene.
Shim B — Google review
Beautiful. A little swampy. No guard rails or fence around the water. But really lovely, with a good variety of flora and fauna. I love it here. There's also a cat that I see nearly every time I'm there. Ducklings.
Liberty P — Google review
Very nice garden, well maintained, ducks and nature beauty is a perfect place for a short walk or a meditation escape.
Pasha L — Google review
Very well organised Gardens in Nelson town centre on Bridge street. Small but very beautiful. Many native plants, flowers etc in town centre, on the walking and cycling trail path to the river stream. Cafe on site is great too.
Malay N — Google review
The queens Botanical Gardens are wonderful. As soon as you walk in off the street, the temperature drops 10c, which was perfect on the January summer's day I visited. With a great variety of beautiful old trees and flowers, this place is special. There's a number of large ponds, these Gardens are so peaceful, you could easily forget where you are. The tiles or pebbles in the Chinese garden are very interesting. This place is free and a must visit if you're in Nelson.
Timinmelbourne — Google review
Best gardens in Nelson! The gardeners take such pride in their beautiful work! It's a true pleasure to enjoy nature there! Lots of bridges and little Japanese area. The water wheel is beautiful when flowing and lots of gorgeous areas to relax and be at one in the now 😍
Keely H — Google review
Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://nelson.govt.nz/recreation/recreation/parks-and-reserves/q…•+64 3 546 0200•Tips and more reviews for Queen's Gardens
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Where to eat

Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to The Suter Art Gallery, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.

The Suter Cafe

4.1
(400)
•
4.0
(211)
$$$$affordable
Art cafe
The Suter Cafe, nestled within The Suter Art Gallery, offers a delightful outdoor dining experience. Visitors can indulge in gourmet food and Havana Coffee while taking in the stunning art collection. The cafe provides a range of vegetarian and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. With its picturesque views overlooking Queens Gardens, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a sunny afternoon glass of wine and cake. The cafe's inviting atmosphere and exceptional service further enhance the overall dining experience.
Lovely cafè near the art gallery. Been here twice and both times food was great and people very welcoming. The wide glass windows over the garden contribute to a cosy and calming atmosphere. Looking forward to going again!
Lucia D — Google review
Good coffee and nice food but service slow with staff not very coordinated. Almost $20 for a lamb pie with a tiny dot of relish seems a bit steep. It was a good pie however. Nice decor and views.
Steve C — Google review
Great to see several vegan options in the cabinet and on the menu. I had the soup of the day (vegan, mixed-vegetable potage), served with bread (non-dairy spread is available), and I tried the vegan carrot dog. Both were good. The salads looked very good. There are pastries and sweet slices. Plant milks cost $1 extra for the hot drinks. One staff member may need some guidance on serving vegans.
Laura C — Google review
For many cafes, if the view is gorgeous, the food is meh. As you can see from the photo, the view from the Suter Cafe is absolutely beautiful. Thankfully, so is the food and the service. We had one of the best eggs Benedict with salmon we’ve ever had, as well as a build-your-own brekkie that included super fresh and flavorsome eggs, sourdough and green salad. The coffee and lemon-ginger tonic (house made) were also as good as it gets. Topped off with attentive staff, and a serene view- this cafe is a winner!
Ken C — Google review
Overfalated, complicated and needlessly difficult to order from front cashier. Plain salty small cheese scone. No wifi, server says - f/off to the gallery and get a password (like attitude) . Pompous attitude from staff. Mocha was good, Latte not good. Good to see an older woman circulating the cafe being hospitable - and a shame your staff ruined it.
K.J.P — Google review
Had a wonderful experience today at the Suter Café and gallery! Kind and welcoming staff, good coffee and lovely atmosphere with the big windows!
Beni — Google review
This would have to be the finest customer service I’ve experienced in all my travels around these parts. The selection of sweets is as high quality as you will find. Do try!
Callum G — Google review
We went to this cafe twice during our 3 days Nelson trip. food quality is slightly better than average. service is even better the best part of cafe is the dinning environment. you can enjoy the small lake view of Queen's garden. very comfortable to enjoy cafe or meal outside of this cafe.
Fergus M — Google review
208 Bridge Street, Nelson 7910, New Zealand•http://thesuter.org.nz/cafe•+64 3 928 0698•Tips and more reviews for The Suter Cafe

Hopgoods Restaurant

4.8
(535)
•
5.0
(1484)
$$$$expensive
Restaurant
Hopgoods Restaurant is a sophisticated dining spot in Nelson, offering seasonal New Zealand dishes and a selection of wines. The historic interior and brick patio create a cozy atmosphere for diners. Located at the base of the Trafalgar Park steps, this well-established restaurant provides an unfailingly high-quality dining experience. The attentive staff ensures that guests can enjoy their meals at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Beautiful venue with a lovely understated menu and clean execution. Everything was delicious (special shout out to the paua and zucchini flower dishes) however the undisputed star of the show was the service, from entrance to exit attentive and charming without being overbearing. Nina who looked after us was world class! Highly recommend.
Joe D — Google review
Fabulous food and exceptional service. Sometimes I go to Nelson just so I can eat Aaron Ballantine’s food. It’s that good. And without question the best service I’ve had in NZ: warm, inviting, cheerful, fast, unobtrusive and knowledgeable. Last night I had scampi, bigeye tuna, sourdough bread, and a fig salad. The visit before this I had whitebait- a technical marvel because each one was tempura fried separately. The chef must be using magic. Tastes like it.
Robert C — Google review
I chose Hopgoods for my birthday dinner after a friend’s recommendation and was not disappointed. We had the tasting menu and the food was to die for, especially the tuna tataki - delicious! I have a number of food intolerances and this wasn’t a problem at all. Best gluten free bread I have ever eaten. The staff were lovely and the level of service was spot on. The building itself and atmosphere were lovely too, the rabbit art is a great touch. We will be returning for our anniversary dinner and we both can’t wait.
Paula C — Google review
Great dining experience in Nelson. We finished our foodie trip to Nelson with an more than worthy dinner experience at Hopgoods. From the point we stepped in until we left, we only experienced warm hospitality you could only wish for. Dawa and her team was looking after us so incredibly well, we felt like being at home. Food was incredible and offered a a great variety - big kudos to the Chef and team. We will hopefully be back soon.
Wieland M — Google review
Best fine dining experience we had in NZ, especially the main course and dessert
Sam — Google review
Food was simply fabulous. We had the bread and truffle oil butter to start, and the venison loin as our main. All was divine. Service was superb - prompt, helpful but not suffocating. Enough space between the tables so that you could talk without other people's conversations intruding; background music was at the right level too. As it was our anniversary, they produced a plate with 2 chocolate truffles on and Happy Anniversary written in chocolate as a surprise. Couldn't recommend highly enough!
Fiona H — Google review
After eating at restaurants around the globe, I can honestly say I would be thrilled to eat a meal this delicious in any location you can name. It’s world-class dining in little ole Nelson. We had the smoked salmon cakes, gnocchi, and snapper, with iceberg side salad. The first three dishes were a-maz-ing. The iceberg was good, but not necessarily my favourite salad of all time. Wrapping it all up, the desert was the butternut custard, a unique dish that I never wanted to end. The service was 5-star: attentive and very friendly without being obtrusive. The vibe of the joint is my favourite style, which is cosmopolitan and not even a tiny drop of pretentiousness. I may move to Nelson just to become a regular here.
Ken C — Google review
Fantastic meal and service. It is always a treat to visit Hopgoods' and it is consistently excellent. From the amazing bread and butter to start, melt in your mouth venison, tasty duck and to die for cocktails, it is so so good from start to finish. The experience never disappoints and I can't wait to go back again!!
Jill K — Google review
284 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://www.hopgoods.co.nz/•+64 3 545 7191•Tips and more reviews for Hopgoods Restaurant
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Culture Burger Joint

4.4
(1405)
•
4.2
(334)
$$$$affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Nestled at the top of Trafalgar Street, Burger Culture stands out as a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts seeking a casual yet delightful dining experience. This independent burger joint takes pride in crafting its menu from scratch daily, including fresh burger buns and house-made sodas. The playful, pun-filled menu features an array of options that cater to various tastes, including vegan delights like the Beyond Burger.
I came here after reading all the glowing Google reviews, and wow — it absolutely lived up to the hype! It was a rainy night, and we sat by the window watching the rain fall — the whole vibe was super cozy and chilled. Our server recommended the Hop Federation Pilsner and I was blown away! I’ve officially found a new favourite beer profile that I’ll be keeping an eye out for from now on. Now, the burger… incredible. The red orange marmalade was such a standout — it added this perfect sweet tang that balanced beautifully with the savoury beef. We also had curly fries with black garlic aioli on the side (so good), and finished it all off with Mars balls for dessert. Every bite was a treat. Loved the atmosphere, the service, the food, and that beer! Can’t wait to come back.
Marice S — Google review
While on a short work trip to Nelson, I went into the CBD to find a nice place to have dinner. I popped in to check out the place. I received a pleasant greeting and handed a menu. I ordered the Johnny Smash with Fries. The fries arrived first and were perfectly cooked and salted. The burger arrived a couple of minutes later and tasted amazing. There was a generous amount of bacon and burger patty and I thought that I got good value for money. The staff were great as well.
Murray H — Google review
Some of the yummiest burgers I've ever tasted. Unique flavors. You can tell they have some amazing chefs. Fries are banging too and so much choice of tasty toppings. Staff are warm and friendly and the music is always 10/10. Perfect place to go for a cozy winter dinner with friends or fam. Great portion sizes, you'll be rolling out the door with a huge smile on your face !
Eleanor J — Google review
Burgers felt a fair bit overpriced, and underwhelming, not particularly hot, a little under seasoned, just missing the X factor that the price promised. Didn't meet my moderately high expectations (based on price). Beef burger texture was not amazing, perhaps needed more % of a fatty cut? I don't know, I don't own a burger shop, but I've definitely had better. Staff were attentive.
John B — Google review
This place is cool! The burgers are so delicious and they have such a great selection to choose from to. I tried the Diana Soss and hubby had the Chicolas Cage and both were delicious. Loved the pork sausage patty and the mushrooms along with the cream peppercorn sauce and wholegrain mustard was an amazing combination. The curly fries were yum. We also tried their passionfruit soda which was nice and refreshing. The place was packed so there was a little wait on being served but nothing to complain about because the food came out reasonably fast considering there were a few large tables ordered before us. The service was friendly! An awesome range of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Was tempted to try the donuts but we were absolutely stuffed full. The music was a vibe!!!!
CC B — Google review
It’s a modern place where you can grab burgers and beers. The menu is quite large, they offer several types of beers and different burgers. I had the tandoori chicken burger. I was told it’s spicy but it’s not spicy. It has a lightly spicy taste but that’s fine. I rate the burger 4/5 because the chicken was a little dry. The beers are very good and the staff is hilarious. They’re very friendly, funny and make it an even better experience to be here. 5 stars and a go to!
Aaron — Google review
Really yummy burgers ! We had the Lorena fried chicken and the spice up my life. Both were tasty. The vibe is cool at the venue as well. Burgers are well priced but their sides like the curly fries are ridiculous, $10 seems to much for that.
Adida R — Google review
Beer House has opened up at Culture and it’s a great - funky vibe, same great burgers…now with Hop Federation Beer choices (and cider). Taste a few beers (a flight of 4) or have a pint of your favourite. Wide selection of yummy burgers: Love the enamel plates! There’s no leftovers because always delicious food.
Alison C — Google review
279 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://www.burgerculture.co.nz/•+64 3 546 9020•Tips and more reviews for Burger Culture

East St.

4.7
(662)
•
4.6
(407)
$$$$affordable
Vegetarian restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Nelson, East St. Cafe and Bar is a vibrant haven for food lovers, especially those seeking delicious vegan options. With its funky decor and inviting courtyard garden, it’s the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a diverse menu that includes mouthwatering burgers, fresh salads, and even fish and chips. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming—ideal for anyone who might feel anxious about dining out.
I totally loved my first experience with the east street eatery! It was cosy, delicious and I just loved it! The interior design is really amazing and I loved that they use old vinyl covers for their menus. Also the amount of plants and the little fire place are amazing. The service was really nice and even took a photo of me and my friends after the food arrived pretty fast. I loved that everything was vegan and you didn’t had to think about something being not vegan. That’s why I was actually overwhelmed because it was nearly the first time you actually had to choose from soooo many options! And the food was great. I had the daily special which was Cannelloni : Pasta Tunnels with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and tofu ricotta baked in a Napoli sauce and cheese with a side salad. And for dessert their crème brûlée which had also passion fruit in it Overall great food for great value and it comes out fast so go and try out East street eatery!!! I loved it :)
Jo — Google review
We came here for yesterday afternoon and it was simply at best, okay. The decor was funky, with lots of plants and the menu had some interesting options. We ordered some hot drinks and a bowl of chips for the table. We waited about 45 minutes for our chips and nearly an hour for two coffees and a pot of tea. Apparently their POS system was down which we did understand, however the waitstaff’s response left much to be desired. Having heard great things about East St it was a shame to have this experience. Probably won’t be back. Our food and drinks were decent once they finally arrived.
Naomi H — Google review
Lovely little vegetarian restaurant in the heart of town. If you’re looking for something a little different East St. fits the bill. The food was great, atmosphere super casual and a bit funky, and the wait staff friendly and attentive.
Bruce P — Google review
Awesome! We ate there twice and everything was delicious. Great for vegans. Healthy and fresh. We loved it.
Sarah G — Google review
Such a fabulous vegetarian restaurant! Lots of delicious options and very helpful and friendly staff. Reasonable prices. We loved the decor, and the wood fire, which is great on a cold winters night. We will definitely be back next time we are in Nelson.
Charlotte J — Google review
Excellent experience at East Street, lovely interior/ decor and courtyard, staff super friendly, attentive and efficient. I’m not vegan or vegetarian but really enjoyed my meal (see photo). Others’ meals looked delicious too. I don’t personally like alt milk coffee so didn’t try it here and they don’t open till 12 anyway. Would definitely come back for food - must be pretty with the lights in the evening. Dogs welcome!😉
Steph K — Google review
When you walk in it’s an instant wow, the decor is amazing! I’ve been here twice now and both times the food has been on point with some of the best vegan food I’ve had. The first time I got the nachos which were amazing. My friend got one of the salads with falafel and it looked good so I came back a couple of days later and ordered it. It was really tasty, it had so many different flavours which had the sourness from the pickled cabbage and the nuttiness of the tahini and the seeds which made it really well balanced. My dad got the sandwich and fries which he said he really enjoyed, we also got the immunity tea which was really yummy. I’m here on holiday and I intend to come back at least once again before I leave.
Konni S — Google review
Excellent spot for GF and vegan food. Not a vegan myself but definitely still enjoyed the meal. Super quiet when we went but still had a good atmosphere. Friendly staff and good sized portions of food. Definitely recommend it.
Hugh H — Google review
8 Church Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand•http://eastst.co.nz/•+64 3 970 0575•Tips and more reviews for East St.
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What's the weather like in Nelson?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Nelson for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Nelson in January
  • Weather in Nelson in February
  • Weather in Nelson in March
  • Weather in Nelson in April
  • Weather in Nelson in May
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  • Weather in Nelson in July
  • Weather in Nelson in August
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All road trips from Nelson

  • Nelson to Wellington drive
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  • Nelson to Blenheim drive
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  • Nelson to New Plymouth drive
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  • Nelson to Oamaru drive
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  • Nelson to Palmerston North drive
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Explore nearby places

  • Nelson
  • Kaiteriteri
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  • Havelock
  • Renwick
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  • Takaka
  • Blenheim
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  • Hanmer Springs
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  • Masterton
  • Hawera
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  • Greymouth
  • Palmerston North
  • Egmont National Park
  • Arthur's Pass National Park
  • Stratford
  • Hokitika
  • New Plymouth
  • Christchurch
  • Akaroa

All related maps of Nelson

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Nelson throughout the year

  • Nelson in January
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Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

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Day itineraries for nearby cities

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  • 1-Day Marahau Itinerary
  • 1-Day Abel Tasman National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Kaiteriteri Itinerary
  • 1-Day Collingwood Itinerary
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