10 Best Family Accommodations in Nelson 👶 [2023]

Where to Find Family-Friendly Accommodation in Nelson

With amazing outdoor adventures for the kids, like at Tahunanui Beach, the Queen’s Gardens, Rabbit Island and Founders Park, and a mix of fine restaurants and long sunny days for mum and dad, Nelson is an ideal destination for a family getaway. During that time, you’re going to want to find kid-friendly accommodation in Nelson. In this list, we go through the budget accommodations, luxury apartments and convenient self-catering motels – whatever suits your travel style. Check out our top recommendations in the list of family accommodations in Nelson below!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Nelson for Families, as well as the 10 Things to Do in Nelson with Kids.

1. The Wheelhouse Inn

Fantastic sea views, ultimate privacy and enough space for everyone: what’s not to love about The Wheelhouse Inn holiday homes? The Wheelhouse Inn consists of five individual holiday homes elevated on a bush-clad hillside. Each home has all the essentials for an easy and convenient stay, including a full kitchen, TV, laundry machines, free WiFi and a deck/balcony. There are one and two-bedroom houses available, even the one-bedrooms sleeping up to five people. Needless to say, it’s best to have your own transport for a stay at this retreat between Tahunanui Beach and Nelson City, yet you’re only a five-minute walk from the waterfront.

Check The Wheelhouse Inn out:

2. Delorenzo Studio Apartments

It’s all too easy at the Delorenzo Studio Apartments, providing great value in the centre of Nelson. This apartment-motel has chic and stylish decor across its 30 rooms, with most apartments featuring a full kitchen, ensuite, spa baths and some even a balcony. Families have a couple of luxurious rooms to choose from: the “Superior Double-Spa Studio Apartment” and the “Executive One-Bedroom Suite”, both with a separate bedroom for mum and dad and ample space in the living area and on your private balcony with a barbecue. Communal facilities at the motel include a heated swimming pool in summer and a laundry service. See more recommendations like this in 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Delorenzo Studio Apartments out:

3. The Glass House – Kaiteriteri Holiday Home

For families looking to stay a little closer to the Abel Tasman National Park, don’t miss The Glass House. Perched on the hillside overlooking Kaiteriteri and its sweeping beach, this four-bedroom holiday home is the ultimate Abel Tasman stay for up to 12 people – ideal for a large group or two families travelling together. Everything you need is here between its modern kitchen (with a dishwasher!) and the children’s games and toys. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few luxury additions like an expansive deck and floor-to-ceiling windows soaking in some of the best views in town.

Check The Glass House out:

The Glass House on Bachcare – And see more listings in Nelson on Bachcare, the NZ version of Airbnb.

10 Best Family Accommodation in Nelson 👶 [2023]

4. Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

The Grand Arden Monaco Nelson is an attraction in itself. Set in its own village with brickwork laneways and cobbled streets, the setting of the Grand Arden is sure to get the imaginations of the little ones running. Stay in one of the Victorian-styled two-bedroom terraced houses evoking charm with their timber beams, gas fires and tiled bathrooms. The houses have a full kitchen, while there’s also the option of an on-site restaurant. Kids will also love the on-site pool, while mum and dad might appreciate the convenience of the courtesy coach into the city centre. See more of our favourite hotels in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

Check the Grand Arden Monaco Nelson out:

5. The Sands Nelson Apartments

The Sands, overlooking Tahunanui Beach, can’t help but transition you into holiday mode. Lapping up the sun throughout the day, The Sands Nelson Apartments is a range of luxuriously-appointed apartments with private balconies/patios. No tribe is too big for this accommodation, with one, two and three-bedroom apartments available. While you’ll have the conveniences of your own kitchen (with a dishwasher!), Italian-style bathroom, laundry machines, a TV and heat-pump/air-conditioning, there’s also the option to make use of the cafes, bars and takeaways either on-site or within a short walking distance. For more stays with your own kitchen, take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nelson.

Check The Sands out:

6. Palms Motel

A modern resort-style motel in the heart of Nelson, Palms Motel is well worth considering as family accommodation in Nelson. Set on landscaped grounds and featuring an outdoor pool and barbecue area, the motel makes a pleasant place to enjoy some family time in summer. Not only that, but the motel boasts excellent features, such as Sky TV, full kitchens, electric blankets, double-glazed windows, Satin-jet showers, free WiFi, USB charging ports and more. You’ll find plenty of space in the two-bedroom family units. See how the Palms Motel compares to the 10 Best Motels in Nelson.

Check Palms Motel out:

7. Saxton Lodge Motel

Although a little out of town, Saxton Lodge Motel is an excellent choice for families thanks to its proximity to the Saxton Field sporting complex with a children’s playground and Aquatic Centre. What’s more, you can enjoy family barbecues in the barbecue facility, as well as easy on-site parking. As for rooms, you can keep things cheap and simple in the “Studio Room” or enjoy more space in the “Two-Bedroom Apartment”. The latter has a kitchenette, while all rooms have Sky TV, double-glazed windows and air-conditioning.

Check Saxton Lodge Motel out:

8. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel

Ultra-affordable cabins, motel units and camping sites can be found at this out-of-town holiday park at the idyllic Tahunanui Beach. While ultra-cheap cabins are available, where you’ll need your own bedding or hire them, the best option for families are the motel accommodation with full bedding and kitchen facilities provided. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park is an excellent option for budgeting families thanks to the children’s playground, large open spaces, mini golf and outdoor gigs in summer.

Check Tahuna Beach Holiday Park out:

9. Quest Nelson

You can hardly do more central, or more contemporary for that matter, than Quest Nelson. The serviced apartment complex provides a luxurious stay for families in their “Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment” with a fully-equipped and sleek-looking kitchen, dining table and a private balcony. Keep the little ones entertained with the in-house movies available and the DVD collection, while mum and dad can get some help with the laundry facilities and easy express check-out. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson.

Check Quest Nelson out:

10. The Beachcomber Inn Hotel & Conference Centre

Located just a short stroll from Tahunanui Beach, The Beachcomber Hotel offers family accommodation in Nelson at an affordable rate. Stay in one of their “Family Units” with a kitchen and a separate bedroom. You and the kids will have access to an outdoor heated pool. What’s more, the natural playground of Tahunanui Beach is just a short walk away!

Check The Beachcomber Hotel out:

The Beachcomber Hotel & Conference Centre

More About Family Accommodations in Nelson

That’s it for our list of the top family accommodations in Nelson but by no means the end of our family travel tips! Check out these following guides for more experiences and stays in Nelson.

Finally, plan more of your trip around the South Island using the South Island Family Itinerary: Two Weeks or New Zealand Family Itinerary: Three Weeks.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page