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Activities
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 a few suggestions of just some of the things you could do whilst you are staying in Nelson (for more information on particular activities follow the links on the "Great Links" section of our website).
Pretty much all activity operators will pick up and drop off at the hostel at no extra charge.
This includes Abel Tasman Operators.
If you choose to stay in the National Parks for a night or longer you are welcome to leave your luggage here and/or your car and pick it all up on the way back.
We hire out gear if you choose to go camping or if you don't have the time a day trip is possible.
Walking and Sea Kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park
Relax on golden sand beaches, swim in crystal clear waters, kayak, walk and explore, swim with the seals or go for a boat cruise.
Here's some of the most popular things people choose to do:
One Day Options
Kayak - Pick up at around 7am from The Green Monkey.
You are then taken by bus to Kaiteriteri or Marahau where your Kayak adventure begins. You can either walk half day and Kayak a half day or enjoy a full days Kayaking, the choice is yours. Lunch is usually included and enjoyed on one of the beautiful sunny coves.These trips are usually combined with an exhilerating and informative Water Taxi ride taking in Split Apple Roch and one or other of the seal islands. You are then brought back to the hostel arriving at about 6pm.
Boat/Walk/Boat - Bus from here up to Marahau, boat to Onetahuti (Tonga), then walk down to Torrent Bay where you are picked up by a boat and taken back to Marahau. Bus back here.
Backpacker Special - Bus from here, boat up to either Torrent or Bark Bay and then walk back to Marahau and bus back to here. This is popular as it is cheap but you still get to see a reasonable amount of the park.
Multi-day walks in the Park -
Kayak/Walk - Again get picked up from here. Do a one-day kayak and finish the day in the Park. Stay a night in a hut or camp and then next day do one or two days of walking. Either walk or boat out.
Walk -Start from either Marahau or Wainui (We can arrange low cost transport for you). Choose to stay in a tent (you can hire one from here) or in the DOC huts. The entire park is beautiful but if you have the time we highly recommend that you spend an extra night or two and see the Northern part.
Nelson's Saturday Market
Every Saturday of the year from 8am-1pm there is a farmers market held in Nelson City Centres Montgomery Car park. It specialises in local Arts and Craft and locally grown produce. This is a great place to pick up a souvenir or gift to take home and probably the cheapest place to top up on your provisions.
Bone Carving
This is one of the best and cheapest thing to do in Nelson. With the expert guidance of Stefan you will create your own design which you'll then transform into a wonderful bonecarving. Imagine how cool it'll be when someone asks 'Did you buy that in New Zealand?' and you reply 'No, I made it' ;)
4-Wheel Motorbiking
Rides for the totally inexperienced and more challenging rides for the experienced ride through native bush and stop for a cuppa whilst taking in great sea views. At the end there's a chance to let loose on the rally track.
Horseriding
Those wanting to ride horses are spoilt for choice in Nelson. Choose from rides through native bush, beside rivers, on the beach or away from it all up next to the mountain ranges.
Mountain Biking
There is lots of good mountain bike riding in and around Nelson. You can hire bikes and go by yourself or choose a guided trip.
Sea Kayaking at Cable Bay
An alternative to sea-kayaking in the Abel Tasman with different scenery - if the tides are right you get to go through and into caves and what's more it is only 15 minutes drive from Nelson.
Go on a tour - wine & beer, art & craft
Half or full day tours available. Visit Nelson's boutique-style wineries, breweries and craftspeople.
Rafting
Variety of white water rafting trips from a base in Murchison. Kayaking tuition and trips also available.
Kite Surfin'
Down on the beach you'll see that kite surfing is popular in Nelson. Try a half-day. It's good fun. Wind Surfing is also an option.
Fishing
Nelson is renown for great seafood and so why not go out on a boat and catch your own. Bring back and cook up a huge feed of scallops and oysters or one of a large variety of fish e.g. Snapper, Tarakihi, Cod, Groper, Trevally.
Diving
Lots of options: dive for shellfish, in the clear waters of Pupu Springs or in a shipwreck.
Sailing
Half, full and multiple day options. Also popular is the Wednesday night racing.
Jet boating
Thrilling jet boat ride around the Waimea Estuary. It starts and ends in Mapua. Mapua is a seriously good place to hang out for a few hours. Cool beer & smoked fish at a café on the water, lots of arts & crafts and a great bakery.
Paragliding
Tandem and Solo paragliding options. Great views of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks and stunning Tasman Bays.
Hang Gliding
No experience necessary to do Tandem Hang Gliding. You may even get the opportunity to have a go at flying the glider yourself if you're keen. And for those keen on a bit of adventure aerobatics are an option.
Sky Diving
Jumps normally at around 12,000ft. You can purchase videos and photos of your fall.
Brewery Tours
Nelson is home to one large brewery (Macs) a certified Organic brewery (Founders) and lots of boutique breweries. Tours and tastings are offered at some of the breweries.
Bead Gallery
If you're into beads or making jewellery or just feel like being a bit creative then the Bead Gallery is for you. The Bead Gallery is in a beautifully lit, cute little cottage right in town.
Vertical Limits - The Climbing Wall
Large indoor climbing wall complex with small shop/coffee.
Suter Art Gallery - Nelson City's main Art Gallery
There are always different exhibitions at the gallery. The shop in reception is worth a browse - it has all Nelson locally made things. There is also a café here.
WOW - World of WearableArt & Collectable Cars
Check out the amazing garments and classic cars at the WOW Complex. Great lighting, music and moving models make this more than just looking at creative fashion garments. Garments are made out of things like shell, wire, paper mache, paua, wool etc etc.
Arts & Crafts Tour/Shopping
Nelson is home to hundreds of talented craftspeople, which gives it the reputation as the arts and crafts capital of New Zealand. Visit them in town or in their place of work just outside of the city. There is a huge selection - potters, painters, jewellers, woodturners, glass blowers etc etc.
Nelson has lots of festivals throughout the year. To check out what’s happening when go to http://www.nelsonnz.com/events/
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