Find the Free Things to Do in Nelson
New Zealand is expensive. We’re cheap. Enough said. So when you have made your way to the sunny city of Nelson, how can you save on the cents while fueling the travel bug? Luckily, Nelson is full of free and cheap things to do, from landscape-encapsulating hikes to culturing yourself at local art galleries. Just take a look at these free things to do in Nelson and start adding them to your itinerary!
Whether you prefer the cultural side of a city through experiencing art and culture or more natural experiences, there is are free things to do in Nelson for every type of budgeting traveller. What’s more, we bear in mind that you may be staying at one of the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nelson or the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Nelson so we tell you how to get to all these free activities in Nelson from these accommodations. So cut down the costs by taking advantage of these free and cheap things to do in Nelson!
1. Walk to the Centre of New Zealand – FREE
While “The Centre of New Zealand” might not sound like an exciting place to start on these free things to do in Nelson, there is actually more to The Centre of New Zealand than what it sounds like. A short uphill climb through the forest will bring you to a hilltop with the view of the Tasman Mountains on one side and Nelson city and the Tasman Bay on the other. Walking to the Centre of New Zealand is a quick and free thing to do in Nelson.
Location: Start from the Botanical Reserve, Hardy Street, Nelson. The walk takes about 15 minutes to complete one way.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Have a Cheap Foodie Experience – CHEAP
Nelson is renowned for its craft beers, nearby wineries and affordable eateries. To try some of the local cuisines without spending too much, check out what we have in our guide to the Cheap Eats in Nelson. You can also try a craft beer or local wine and keep it cheap by just ordering a glass. Check out 10 Craft Breweries in Nelson You Have to Try and 23 Nelson Wineries on the Nelson Wine Trail.
Location: All over Nelson.
© Pexels3. Do Some Garden Hopping – FREE
There is no shortage of gardens in Nelson! Check out the water fountains, quaint footbridges, flower displays and more at the Queen’s Gardens. Additionally, the Miyazu Japanese Gardens are free to visit and is definitely a locals’ favourite. What’s more, these family-friendly spaces have something for all ages. See more activities like this in the 10 Things to Do in Nelson with Kids.
Location: Queen’s Gardens, off Bridge Street, Nelson. Miyazu Japanese Gardens are on Atawhai Drive.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Go for a Hike in Cable Bay – FREE
Not too far from Nelson city is Cable Bay. The gas money won’t break the bank too much, warranting a place on this list of free and cheap things to do in Nelson. The Cable Bay Walkway is a 3h30min one-way walk encapsulating the breathtaking countryside and coastal scenery. You can start the walk from either Glenduan or Cable Bay.
Location: Cable Bay is 21km (13 miles) out of Nelson on State Highway 6 or Glenduan Bay is 12km (7 miles) out of Nelson on State Highway 6.
© Pseudopanax5. Check Out The Suter Art Gallery (or Another Free Art Gallery) – FREE
Suter Te Aratoi o Whakat, or “The Suter”, is Nelson’s regional art gallery showcasing local and international artists. With free admission, you can afford to pop in for a quick look at the ever-changing exhibitions and be inspired! In fact, Nelson’s suburbs are so packed with free art galleries and studios that we put together this guide on the 11 Nelson Art Galleries That Will Inspire You.
Location: The Suter, 208 Bridge Street, Nelson.
© Pexels6. See the One Ring – FREE
If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, not only should you be looking at 23 Lord of the Rings Locations You Can’t Miss in New Zealand, you should get down to Jens Hansen – The Ringmaker to see some of the real One Rings used in the movies. Just ask at the counter and the staff are usually happy to tell you more.
Location: Corner of Church Street and Selwyn Place
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Take a Photo of Christ Church Cathedral – FREE
The iconic image of Nelson city has to be that of Christ Church Cathedral that stands tall in the middle of Trafalgar Square. Go have a look, snap up a photo and get on with the other free things to do in Nelson.
Location: Trafalgar Square, Nelson
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Go to Tahunanui Beach – FREE
Who doesn’t love spending time at the beach?! Tahunanui Beach is a popular one with the locals and is just a 10-minute drive from Nelson city centre. To save money on gas, walking from the city centre to the beach takes about an hour along the beautiful Rock Road which follows the coast. What’s more, it’s another excellent option for families.
Location: Tahunanui Beach, just off State Highway 6 when heading south from Nelson
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Visit the Nelson Provincial Museum – CHEAP
You can always rely on a museum for a cheap or free thing to do in New Zealand. The Nelson Provincial Museum is definitely cheap at only around NZ$5 for entry for visitors (free for locals). Learn about the Nelson region’s history from the early Maori explorers to the early European settlers and beyond.
Location: Corner of Trafalgar and Hardy Street, Nelson
© Nelson Museum10. Step Back in Time at the Founders Heritage Park – CHEAP
At only NZ$10 admission, who’s complaining? The Founders Heritage Park is a life-size mock-up of an early pioneer village with working businesses! Go to the bakery, step inside an early plane that would make you rethink air travel, put your friends/family in the gallows, and so much more! Keep in mind that the businesses in the park tend to have different opening hours so do some research if there is a specific business you’d like to visit.
Location: 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Walk Along the Matai River – FREE
Follow the pretty Matai River on this easy walking and cycling trail. Start from Collingwood Street and follow the river where you’ll see ducks and street art along the way. You can join this walk up with the Centre of New Zealand (see above) from Matai Road.
Location: Between Collingwood Street and Matai Road.
© Ewan Munro12. Hike or Cycle the Dun Mountain Trail – FREE
For a more adventurous walk around Nelson, try the Dun Mountain Trail. This shared biking/walking trail is well-graded taking you through the hills and native and pine forest. You’ll capture amazing mountain scenery along the way. The 9.5km (6 miles) walk usually takes three hours both ways. Walking the trail is obviously part of the free things to do in Nelson, but if you want to hire a bike and learn more about the trail, check out Mountain Biking in Nelson Tasman.
Location: Start the trail from Brook Street, Nelson.
© Schwede6613. Hike in the Grampians Reserve – FREE
Because hiking and walking is always a reliable free activity, we’ll give you one more hike for your free and cheap things to do in Nelson itinerary. The Grampians Reserve forms the hills that are the backdrop of Nelson. There are a number of walks there taking from one to three hours to complete. Expect steep hill walks through native and exotic forest.
Location: Walks start from the south end of Collingwood Street, Allan Street, and Market Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com[CLOSED] Visit the Bead Gallery – FREE
A fun place to visit, whether you have a particular passion for beads or not, is The Bead Gallery. The vibrant array of beads covering the walls, baskets, various displays and even the ceilings can’t help but put a smile on the face of anyone who walks into the store.
Location: 153 Hardy Street, Nelson
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Nelson
That’s it for our list of cheap and free things to do in Nelson. For more free stuff, check out the 50 Best Free Things to Do in New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
