The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Nelson

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Free Activities in Nelson

There’s plenty to see and do in Nelson without spending a dime.

The Birth of Rugby in New Zealand

The city’s first claim to fame is that NZ’s most-loved sport was first played here: rugby! The first match took place on 14-March-1870 between Nelson Football Club and Nelson College.

New Zealander, Charles Monro, went to university in England. He brought the sport back to Nelson and introduced the rules to Nelson Football Club. At the first match, where Nelson Football Club won 2-0, the spectators didn’t realise the significance of what they had just witnessed, as rugby became popular much later.

In conclusion, if you are feeling nostalgic, play some rugby in Nelson!

The One Ring in Nelson

Another claim to fame is that Nelson is where all the One Rings were forged! If you really want to get yourself the real One Ring from The Lord of the Rings, you will have to go to Jens Hansen on Trafalgar Square.

Centre of New Zealand

Finally, Nelson is the centre of New Zealand! Geographically, that is. The official centre of NZ passes through the Botanical Hill, which, if climbed, gives great views of the city, out to sea, and over to Abel Tasman National Park. It’s one of the free things to do in Nelson!

A good place to start is with a walk to the Centre of New Zealand. While the hilltop location only marks the geographical centre of New Zealand, the real highlight is the views overlooking Nelson city, the Tasman Sea and beyond. The walk starts from the Botanical Reserve and only takes around 15 minutes to walk one way.

Art Gallery

Get your art fix in and around Nelson city by following our 10 Nelson Art Galleries That Will Inspire You.

The biggest artsy highlight, however, is The Suter Art Gallery which features New Zealand’s larged collection of watercolours by 19th Century artist, John Gully, as well as examples of British Modernism paintings and works from Sir Mountford Tosswill Woollaston who is thought to be the founder of modern art in New Zealand.

Peanut Butter Factory

Nelson might be more known for its vineyards and fruit-growing, there’s a fun and free foodie surprise in the suburbs: Pic’s Peanut Butter World. They offer free peanut butter factory tours with something to amaze all ages between making your own peanut butter to trying different creations.

For more free activities, head to the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nelson.

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Cheap Activities in Nelson

On top of its free attractions, Nelson also has a wide range of affordable museums, theme parks and a wildlife sanctuary. Two affordable museums include the Nelson Classic Car Museum, costing around NZ$24 per adult, and the Nelson Provincial Museum at around NZ$7 per adult. The former has more than 150 beautifully-restored classic cars, while the latter is all about Nelson Tasman’s social and geological history. Both provide a fascinating visit if you have the time.

A museum with a difference, Founders Heritage Park is a make-shift heritage town with working artisans in some buildings and exhibitions in others. It only costs around NZ$12.10 per adult to wander around this theme park with a Bristol Freighter plane to get inside, train rides (at an extra fee), a fire station, bus station, cycle museum, gorgeous gardens, a cafe and more.

Finally, for a bit of nature, head to The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary which is the South Island’s largest sanctuary protected by a predator-proof fence. See and listen to riflemen, brown creeper, grey warbler, wood pigeons, fantails, bellbirds, robins, silvereyes, tomtits and more as you wander the network of walking trails past picturesque streams with waterfalls. The sanctuary is around NZ$25 per adult.

For more cheap stuff, see the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nelson.

© Delorenzo Studio Apartments

Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations in Nelson

Nelson is home to some of the most impressive backpacker hostels in the country, all offering excellent value with many freebies and a welcoming ambience. You’ll also find plenty of affordable motels and a couple of holiday parks in Nelson.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson and 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nelson, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

Delorenzo Studio Apartments – Stylish Value-Driven Stay in Central Nelson

While not the cheapest accommodation in Nelson, Delorenzo Studio Apartments provides excellent value which might make you think twice about booking a drab motel room.

This apartment motel in the heart of Nelson offers chic and stylish decor across its 30 rooms. Most apartments feature a full kitchen, ensuite, spa baths and some even a balcony.

On the other hand, the cheapest studio here is a fantastic option for couples or solo travellers on a budget with the luxury of a private patio but a smaller kitchenette.

Communal facilities here include a heated swimming pool in summer, laundry services and services for business travellers.

Discover why Delorenzo Studio Apartments is a smart value stay in Nelson, and book your visit through Booking.com or Expedia.

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel – Affordable Beachside Stays for Families and Budget Travellers

Cheap cabins, motel units and camping sites can be found at this out-of-town holiday park at the idyllic Tahunanui Beach.

The cheapest rooms are the basic cabins where bedding needs to be hired and they are close to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Meanwhile, kitchen cabins have basic kitchen facilities but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and cooking/utensils or hire them from reception. If you don’t have all that, don’t worry. You can upgrade to one of the motel accommodations with full bedding, ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities provided.

Whatever you choose, the 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.

See why Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel is a top budget choice in Nelson, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

Tasman Bay Backpackers – Social, Homely Stay with Free Perks in Nelson

Free pudding!!! Free bikes!!! Free breakfast!!! This place does get us a little excited. With a garden of various hammocks and picnic benches to relax on, a homely lounge and a friendly atmosphere, Tasman Bay Backpackers is definitely a top contender for the best backpacker hostels in Nelson.

As well as the usual dorm and private rooms, there is also the rare “private single room” available too.

Discover why Tasman Bay Backpackers is a top pick for social travellers in Nelson, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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Cheap Eats in Nelson

Nelson’s food scene is brilliant for travellers on a budget, with everything from authentic Indian curries and Mexican street food to classic fish and chips available for under NZ$20.

Kush Coffee, 5 Church Street, boasts as some of the best coffee in town “ask anyone!” If you are passionate about coffee, then it’s well worth giving Kush a go. You can pick up a cheap (and sweet) eat along with your coffee.

The Indian Cafe, 94 Collingwood Street, at lunchtime with hearty snacks like vegetable samosas and pakoras starting from just NZ$6.98. The tandoor oven delivers authentic flavour with dishes like Kashmiri kebab and chicken tikka, each served with rice and salad for NZ$10.98.

For takeaway food so cheap it hurts, check out Milton Street Gourmet Takeaway, 136 Milton Street. We’re talking fish and chips for under NZ$20, with mix-and-match options like half a scoop of chips for NZ$4.50 paired with fish of the day for NZ$7.30.

Cantina Nicola, 6 Church Street, serves up fresh, house-made Mexican fare with everything from street-style tacos to grilled mains. Grab oysters with aguachile rojo for NZ$6 or share the chips and guac for NZ$16.

The great thing about vegetarian food is that it keeps the prices down. That can certainly be said for East Street Vegetarian Cafe & Bar, 8 Church Street. The affordable lunch menu has most mains around the $20 mark.

The lunch deals at Tongtara Thai Restaurant, 142 Hardy Street, are too good to resist, with starters like golden vegetarian rolls at NZ$11.50 and curry puffs at NZ$13.50. Their lunch menu serves up all the classics, think chicken satay skewers, Thai fish cakes and crispy calamari, plus options like cashew nut stir-fry for NZ$14.90 and basil fried rice for NZ$14.90.

For more details on each restaurant and more recommendations, check out the Cheap Eats in Nelson.

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Culture Yourself in Nelson

There are many gallery and museum options in Nelson. Something to be “wowed” by is the WOW World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum. The creatively crazy fashion designs are a must-see! Plus, the museum has Australasia’s largest private collection of cars from all over the globe. Entry is NZ$24. Give yourself 1h30min for a visit.

There are a number of magnificent art and sculptures found around the city, especially the arch created by Spanish sculptor Juanjo Novella. For more free art, check out Suter Art Gallery on a Saturday.

Get creative yourself by learning to bone carve with a 1-day workshop. The Nelson Bone Carving Studio teaches you about this important Maori heritage. Additionally, the bone-carved necklace makes a unique gift to take home!

If your visit coincides with one of these festivals, it’s definitely worth checking out:

• Nelson Art Festival – 2 weeks in October
• Nelson Busker Festival – early January
• Nelson Winter Festival – 2 weeks in July.

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Away From the City

Take a 20 km (12 mi) bike ride or car journey to Rabbit Island. A bridge goes over to the island of long sandy beaches, soft sand, shallow water and heaps of mountain biking trails.

And, the Cable Bay Walkway gives you views of majestic coastline, Nelson city and Abel Tasman National Park. It is a 6-hour return walk, which can be shortened by simply turning back sooner.

Visit the Founders Heritage Park to see the Japanese Miyazu Gardens. Miyazu is Nelson’s sister town in Japan.

If you are visiting Abel Tasman National Park, which we think you should, you can take a bus that connects with the water taxis in Kaiteriteri your gateway to the national park full of pristine beaches.