Nelson

We're probably going on holiday to Nelson (flying down) in early Jan... so exciting! Especially cos neither DH or I have been there before and we've heard it's really lovely.

Sooooo......
Things to do? Places to stay? Stuff to know?

TIA

It will be really busy in early Jan too, so I would be ringing to book accomodation now as lots of the hotels are fully booked until the 14th and same with the campgrounds.

There is heaps of really yummy winerys around Nelson.

I would suggest hiring a car asmost of the stuff to do in Nelson is quite far out.

Nelson town centre is easy to walk around with heaps of yummy restuarants and cafes.

I went to Nelson for a week a few years ago. I rented a holiday home/bach in Mapua, about 15-20 minutes out of Nelson - was awesome because I could do what I wanted and have privacy. Because it was off season it was really cheap ($250 for a week for a one bedroom standalone bach), I hired a car ($300 I think from memory) for the week - just a standard 4 door Nissan - and cruised. You HAVE to go to the market on the Saturday morning - there's some really amazing stuff there. I'm still kicking myself that I didn't get the painted tiles I fell in love with there. There's a huge amount of wineries and craft stores around, if you're interested in that. I also went on a horse trek. I drove down to Kaiteriteri Beach, and down to Motueka and some other little places along the way. I also spent an hour or two watching the parachutists out at Motueka - they do skydiving there.

I loved it - if I could, I would love to live there.

Man I'm so excited now.

Was talking to my friend, they're gonna be there at the same time as us and they're going camping at Momorangi Bay campground. We might join them! Tenting if we can suss out stuff, otherwise in a cabin. That is, if they're not all booked up (which they could well be). So exciting tho. And they have a bubba who's 3 months older than Harry so they can each have a playmate!

I'd love to go camping actually....... seems so free doesn't it......

Yeah the Sat Nelson market is good. I second Kaiteri beach- that place is gorgeous! Riwaka Source, Split Apple Rock, Centre of NZ, Tahuna beach. I love Nelson, its so gorgeous down there

Most car hire places have carseats that you can put in the car (usually for no charge). It means its one extra thing to take with you, esp if you are taking all the cr@p that goes with camping.

This thread is great. We are flying to Nelson on Saturday to stay with DH's parents for a week. I have been down more times that I can remember (my Mum comes from Motueka) but we never really do the touristy things.

Kaiteriteri Beach is great. They have a camping ground there and cabins which you can hire.
We will be going to Motueka to visit a Great Aunt and the last time I was there I remember it as being a lovely town.
Blenheim and all the wineries are aren't too far away either, trying to talk DH into going over there to visit work's winery!

ETA: Grape Escape was great too when we went last time, and I remember Brighteyes (I think that's what it's called) have some great stuff. There are a couple of good golf courses (Nelson and Greenacres) according to DH and his parents

Edited by Linzy

Oooh I went to 'Touch the Sea', it was just down the road from where I stayed - I loved it, and I was about 21 at the time too!!!

ooh yeah touch the sea is great my kids love it.

grape escape has got a new owner, the food isnt quite the same but still nice- and having a playground is a bonus

mcmillans and the alchamy cafe in bateup road is another good place that is kid friendly and has a gallery too.