Nelson is the perfect place for outdoor activities with 3 national parks nearby. Sailing, Golf, Vineyards, Hiking and Kayaking are only a few popular activities.
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Nelson Saturday Market
On Saturdays the market at Montgomery Square in the city centre (behind Rebel Sports) offers local produce like veges, fruits, handmade foods, crafts and gifts. Stroll around and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere while having a coffee. The market starts at 8am and ends around 1-2pm.
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Art Galleries & Crafts
Nelson is famous for it's creative community an many artist display their art and crafts in galleries and shops. You'll find sculptors, painters, glassblowers, jewellers and woodworkers all around Nelson. Art Galleries: Art@203, The Suter, Refinery to name a few.
- Golf
Nelson has 2 Golf Courses where you can swing your clubs: The Waahi Taakaro Golf Club in the Maitai Valley and the Nelson Golf Club.
- Vineyards & Breweries
There are many vineyards in the Nelson region offering local wines for tasting and if you like beer make sure to stop by at our local boutique breweries (Lighthouse, Founders and Bays Brewery).
- Mountain Biking
We have great mountain bike tracks in the Nelson area. You'll find short tracks and multi day tracks through rainforest, farmland and coastal regions for all levels of fitness. Try Biking Nelson or Abel Tasman Mountainbiking for guided tours.
- Sailing
Nelson has the most sunshine hours in New Zealand and we are settled in the warm and protected waters of the Tasman Bay which is only a stonethrow away from the Abel Tasman. If you'd like to learn sailing, Sail Nelson offers sailing courses for everyone. If you rather have a ride with chartered tour try the Penelope or Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. If you're an experienced sailor you can also charter a yacht.
- Climbing
Nelson and the Westland Regions are renown to have some of the best rock climbing in the country. One of the most popular rock climbing areas is Paynes Ford in Golden Bay. If you like to train indoors stop by at the Vertical Limits Indoor Climbing Centre in Nelson.
- Hiking / Trekking
The Nelson area is famous for some outstanding walks like the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and the Heaphy Track which are each one of New Zealand's Great Walks. Nelson itself has some really nice day walks where you can discover the city and it's surroundings by foot (including the Centre of New Zealand).
- Sea Kayaking
Explore the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park in a sea kayak on over 50km shoreline. Daytrips and overnight trips are available and can be combined with hiking. Seals, dolphins and penguins can be spotted regularly. (Kaiteriteri Kayaks, Seakayak Company, Golden Bay Kayaks)
Another great kayak tour is available at Cable Bay which is only 15min from Nelson by car. Discover Pepin Island and it's caves. Cable Bay Kayaks has guided Eco tours along Nelson's Marine reserve where seals, dolphins and seabirds appear frequently (season depending).
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