Nelson City Centre Travel Guide
Nelson
Visit Nelson City Centre
Popular places to visit
Christ Church Cathedral
After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Queens Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Queens Gardens, a lovely green space in Nelson. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.
Nelson Provincial Museum
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Nelson Provincial Museum in Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Nelson Market
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Nelson Market during your stay in Nelson. Wander around the parks or enjoy the area's cafes.
Nelson I-site Visitor Information Centre
After visiting Nelson I-site Visitor Information Centre, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nelson. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.
The Suter
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at The Suter during your trip to Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Things to do
Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland
Nelson: Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Experience
Top hotels in Nelson City Centre
Quest Nelson
We had an unexpected late check in and early go and couldn’t have been more helpful with everything!
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Hotel is in a great location for exploring Nelson, we parked on the street outside the hotel which was free and was always able to find a space Rooms are quite dated but were clean and comfortable and a good size. We were really disappointed to find the pool closed for maintenance whilst we stayed ...
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Palazzo Motor Lodge
Lovely, friendly staff. Modern, clean room with everything I needed. Close to town
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Century Park Motor Lodge
Lovely modern, comfortable room! Fabulous owner- went above and beyond to help us. Highly recommended!
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Bridge Backpackers
Good late checkin
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025
Chelsea Park Motor Lodge
Spacious and clean room in the lovely town Nelson. The owner was really helpful for us when we were worrying about the ferry and the weather too - we made it across the strait in one piece lol! He was great to interact with and all of the staff were very helpful with recommendations for the area. ...
Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Nelson City Centre
The Wood
While visiting The Wood, you might make a stop by sights like Founders Heritage Park and Trafalgar Park.
Beachville
Though Beachville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Trafalgar Park and Queens Gardens.
Washington Valley
Though Washington Valley may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Trafalgar Park and Nelson Market.
Nelson South
Unique features of Nelson South include the spas and restaurants. Make a stop by Fairfield Park or Victory Square while you're exploring the area.
Stepneyville
While Stepneyville may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Trafalgar Park and Nelson Provincial Museum.
Port Nelson
While Port Nelson may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Trafalgar Park and Nelson Market.
