If You're NearbyCitiesArtBeaches

Nelson

New Zealand's sunniest city, an arty base for Abel Tasman National Park, with craft breweries and wineries in the hills.

Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
Best Time to Go
Nov–Mar
Our full guide to Nelson is being written. It's on the South Island list as If You're Nearby.

Go Next

1–3 of 18
Worth a Detour
Beaches · Paddling

Abel Tasman

About 30 miles away

Golden beaches, by kayak or on foot.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Mountains · UNESCO

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Manawatū-Whanganui
About 182 miles away

New Zealand's best day hike, across volcanic craters.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Nature · Geysers

Rotorua

Bay of Plenty
About 268 miles away

Geysers, mud pools and Māori culture.

1 Sight

The Full Short List

South Island

Milford Sound, Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

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