If you’re planning a trip to Nelson, New Zealand, you may be wondering what the best activities are. Nelson is an arts and crafts city that faces Tasman Bay. It is also a popular base for visiting nearby caving sites, wineries, and the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Founded by English settlers in 1841, Nelson is full of attractions and history. For example, you can see the Founders Heritage Park, which features a vintage railway and a living museum.
Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park
There are several things to do in Nelson’s Founders’ Heritage Park, including exploring the park’s historic buildings and museums. The park is also home to a short heritage railway operated by the Nelson Railway Society. It also features several shops with local artisan foods and arts & crafts.
The park is comprised of character buildings and beautiful gardens. Many of the buildings have been renovated and feature fascinating displays of Nelson’s past. There’s even a replica grain-cutting windmill. The museum also offers a variety of meeting and event space for hire.
Founders Heritage Park is a wonderful destination for the whole family. Its beautiful gardens surround the many historic buildings that are present in the park. There are also exhibits of vintage vehicles and aircraft. Visitors can ride a vintage bicycle, ride a coach bus, get a bird’s eye view of the city, or even see a fully grown Bristol Freighter plane. If you are visiting Nelson, be sure to make time to visit the park!
The Founders Heritage Park is also home to the Atkins Gallery, which features original art from local artists. You can also browse the museum’s collections of ceramics and jewellery. The park is filled with Nelson’s history and heritage. For example, the Rutherford Cottage was turned into a fascinating interactive exhibit.
Cable Bay Walkway
You can walk along the Cable Bay Walkway in Nelson. The walk offers great views of the city and the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s easy to see why the walk has a reputation as a great family activity. There are many other reasons to visit Nelson and the surrounding area.
The Cable Bay Walkway is 7.9 km long and begins at the end of Airlie Street in Glenduan. It takes about 3 and a half hours to complete. Parking is available and toilets are located along the way. The walk is moderate in difficulty. If you are driving to Nelson, make sure to plan for transport.
Starting in Glenduan, the Cable Bay Walkway passes through native forest and pine forest. Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Tasman Bay. The walk can be walked in either direction. It is best to have someone with you to pick you up at the end. The walk is a good exercise and a great way to spend a day.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in upper Trafalgar Street in Nelson. It has a seating capacity of 350 people and is 58 metres long and 27 metres wide, with a 35-metre-high cathedral tower. The interior is a beautiful mix of old and new. Visitors can enjoy worship services, visit exhibitions, and hear live concerts.
The interior of the cathedral is full of beautiful, intricately carved altarpieces and murals, as well as perpendicular stained-glass windows. In the past, these pieces have been donated by many people, including the Bishop of Nelson, and are now on display in the cathedral. The cathedral is also home to several war memorial plaques, which honor the fallen.
Christ Church Cathedral is the main church for the Anglican Diocese of Nelson. It covers the northern part of the South Island of New Zealand and Polynesia, and has been in existence since 1858. The cathedral is home to the Bishop, Stephen Maina Mwangi, who was installed as the Bishop on 31 August 2019. The Nelson diocese is noted for being an Evangelical diocese, and draws comparisons with the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
In 1842, Queen Victoria granted the Diocese of Nelson to an Anglican bishop. This was a major development, because Nelson’s population had only five thousand people. Even with the relatively small population, the Maori people quickly took to Christianity. The number of Christians also increased. The Bishop visited Nelson and set up an Anglican church. In 1842, Bishop Selwyn traveled to England to gather support for the proposal.
Natureland
Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, Natureland in Nelson is a great place to go. It’s a compact wildlife sanctuary that features both native and exotic animals. The setting is scenic and surrounded by natural scenery. Visitors will be amazed by the diverse species that live here.
Natureland is also home to two lemurs, Kaylee and Namako. These sisters were raised as pups in Christchurch and are now 12 and 14. They are slowly adjusting to life in Nelson. Director Meg Rutledge says the lemurs are doing well in their new environment and exploring everything.
Visitors can enjoy a day of fun and learning at the nature conservation centre and zoo at Natureland in Nelson. This family-friendly zoo features New Zealand natives, exotic creatures, and interesting domestic animals. The zoo is managed by a community-focused charitable trust that aims to act as a hub for conservation.
The location of Natureland in Nelson is convenient for visitors. It is near many famous landmarks and is open all year round.
Maitai River
One of the things to do in Nelson is to explore the beautiful Maitai River. This 11-kilometer river is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a great spot for swimming and hiking. There are several walkways along the river that allow you to enjoy the scenery while keeping your feet dry.
While visiting Nelson, you may want to take advantage of the city’s proximity to the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman National Park, and Nelson Lakes. These areas are all worth visiting, and are within easy access of Nelson. The town has an excellent reputation for its wineries, which provide visitors with a variety of wines and other spirits.
The city has many water-related projects underway, including those that improve the health of the Maitai River. In addition, the Nelson City Council is working with the Friends of the Maitai to promote collaborative responsibility for the river’s ecosystem. Projects like these are a great opportunity for local residents to learn about issues and work together.
One of the things to do in Nelson is to go kayaking along the river. You can hire a kayak or paddle board and paddle along the river. This is a popular spot among tourists, but it gets crowded during the summer. You can also rent a kayak or paddle board and go on a scenic walk.
Pulpit Rock
If you’re looking for a short, picturesque hike in Nelson, you’ll love Pulpit Rock. You can access the trailhead from the city’s Johnson Street, just across the big orange bridge. The trailhead may fill up quickly, depending on the time of day. Fortunately, there is additional parking available along the way.
You can also walk to the top of Pulpit Rock from the city. The trail has a few steep bits, but is relatively easy. There are benches and nooks to sit and enjoy the views. The trail is about two kilometers long and is well-maintained by volunteers. It is a popular destination for day-trippers and locals alike, and you can explore the area in several ways.
The Pulpit Rock trail is a non-motorized public recreational trail that offers easy access from the city. It winds its way up through the forest, providing glimpses of Nelson below. During the hike, you can forget about the noises of the city and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. A new hiker might take up to an hour to reach the peak, while seasoned locals can power-hike it in less than 30 minutes. There are even trail runners who choose to jog up the trail instead of walk.
