Activities

Nelson is an open, friendly cultural city (or big town!) in New Zealand, what you do depends on how far you are willing to venture!

Within the city

(5 minutes walk from Aurora Backpackers)

The Nelson Market Every Saturday Montgomery Square is transformed into an energetic, colourful array of arts,crafts, cuisine and local fashion. The market has become an icon of Nelson not to be missed. Cafe Culture You are spoilt for choice for the many different cafes that dot the streets of Nelson.
Art Galleries There is local, national and international art on display in several venues within walking distance.
Crafts Enjoy a workshop of bone carving, see everything from pottery to glass being moulded. Nelson is even host to the creator of The One Ring seen in The Lord of the Rings movies!!
Parks and Gardens Be it a stroll in the Queens Gardens with the newly opened Chinese section, a walk around the symbolic cathedral gardens, Anzac park, you will always find somewhere green to stroll or sit and read a book. 
Clubs and Bars Nelson has a significant range of pubs and clubs to have a drink or play some pool or to try one of this amizing events, which just on.

Slightly further

(but you can still walk or bike to!)

Walks There are some easy and medium walks fairly close to town. You can walk as far as you like along the pretty Maitai River, as well as explore some of the other areas of Nelson like around Tahuna or up the Brook Nature Reserve.
Beach Tahuna is a nice cycle or quick drive from our backpackers, and there are all sorts of activities located close to the beach such as go-cart racing, mini-golf, ice skating...!
Miyazu Gardens Not to be missed - Miyazu is Nelson's sister town in Japan. These gardens are beautifully established and are right next door to...
Founders Heritage Park A little town set up like in the old days, (1880s to 1930s!). A windmill marks the entrance and inside is a historic look at Nelson along with an old aeroplane and a tasty brewery, along with lots of little stores containing priceless collectables!
WOW & Car Museum Stunning works of wearable art, alongside a world class collection of rare and classic cars.
Centre of New Zealand is located on a hilltop nearby, visible from our backpackers, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city!

Outside Nelson...

Kaiteriteri - Kaiteriteri is a beautiful beach with orangey golden sand, good place to start your Abel Tasman adventures from sailing or by kayak.
Abel Tasman National Park - World renowned for its beauty, golden bays and tropical views. You can do all sorts, there is something to suit everyone from a proper 3 day hike, easy short walks, kayaking, swimming with seals, camping, cruising... 
Golden Bay - There is plenty to do and go explore in Golden Bay. You can visit the top of the Abel Tasman, go caving on the Takaka hill, visit Pupu Springs, feed tame eels, shop for funky clothes in Takaka... and for a really special drive head up to Farewell Spit and to the west there is Wharariki Beach - a totally astounding setting and well worth the trip.