The Luxury Travel Guide to Nelson

© Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures - www.nelsontasman.nz

Luxury Adventure Activities

Nelson has no lack of lavish experiences, especially ones in the air where you can get a unique perspective of the area, the surrounding national parks and get to hard-to-reach places.

Speaking for hard-to-reach places, almost anything is possible with Helicopters Nelson New Zealand who offer a wealth of scenic slights and heli-adventures in the Nelson Tasman region. Their “Abel Tasman Experience” takes you on a private 50-minute flight over the golden sands, bays and turquoise waters of the national park, while “The Ultimate Lord of the Rings Combo Tour” is a journey with heli-landings in Middle-earth locations. One of their heli-adventures is a flight to the “Heaphy Track Great Walk” with a mountain landing and picnic lunch complete with wine and beer included.

Back down on earth, experience Abel Tasman on a catamaran sailing yacht with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. From small-group cruises into the national park to the same offerings but on private charters, there’s a tour to experience a range of tastes and budgets. Alternatively, join them for a three-day Abel Tasman liveaboard holiday with a yacht exclusively for you and your loved ones and friends. The yacht accommodates up to eight guests across four private queen cabins and includes the use of snorkelling gear, SUP boards, kayak, as well as visits to remote bays, waterfalls and sections of the Abel Tasman Great Walk.

More private boat charters in the Abel Tasman National Park are available with Abel Tasman Charters – Day Tours, while fixed-wing flights are an option with Golden Bay Air. Find out more about these tours in the 10 Luxury Activities in Nelson.

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Luxury All-weather Activities

See the Nelson Tasman region under the cover and comfort of a luxury tour vehicle with small-group and private tours available.

You’ll hardly care what the weather is doing as you hopping from winery to winery, art gallery to art gallery and/or brewery to brewery with one of the small-group tours with Wine, Art & Wilderness, Bay Tours and Day Out.

Wine, Art & Wilderness and Day Out both offer private tours of Nelson’s art and food scene, while Wine, Art and Wilderness and Bay Tours also provide small-group options to ensure more affordable luxury.

You’ll get to visit a selection of attractions we highlight in the 25 Nelson Wineries on the Nelson Wine Trail, 10 Craft Breweries in Nelson You Have to Try and 10 Nelson Art Galleries That Will Inspire You. Take your pick to bring along on a bespoke tour or leave it to the experts to curate an itinerary for you.

For more all-weather activities, head to the 10 Things to Do in Nelson on a Rainy Day.

© The Sails Nelson

Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations in Nelson

Nelson is best known for its international and boutique inner-city hotels, especially the Grand Arden Nelson Monaco with its brick architecture and village ambience.

Outside of the city, you’ll find all sorts of luxury lodges and eco-resorts scattered around Tasman Bay.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson, here are some of our top picks for discerning travellers.

The Sails Nelson – Five-Star Motel Luxury with Boutique Design

You’re home away from home never looked so good! The Sails Nelson is one of your rare five-star motels in New Zealand, which really goes the extra mile on design and features.

While your self-contained apartment and studio come complete with a stainless steel kitchen, the full-cooked breakfast and drinks menus are too irresistible.

Other luxurious features of your room include Sleepyhead Elegance beds with feather bedding and feather mattress overlay, 65″ TV with streaming services, Italian tile bathrooms with a double spa and shower-over, espresso machines, and the list goes on.

What’s more, The Sails has a central location, on-site parking and complimentary bicycle hire.

Discover why The Sails Nelson is one of the region’s most refined accommodation choices, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

Tides Hotel – Riverside Comfort with Modern Convenience in Nelson

Situated on the banks of the Maitai River, Tides Hotel (formerly Trailways Hotel) has 47 stylishly-appointed rooms. Choose your room location, from the riverside to the poolside and enjoy luxurious fixings such as a spa shower/bath.

Some of the executive and mezzanine suites also have sleek kitchens complete with a dishwasher and laundry machines for ultimate convenience.

During your stay, indulge in fine cuisine at the on-site restaurant, The Tides Restaurant and Bar, with a sumptuous a la carte menu and a pre-dinner cocktail menu.

What’s more, you’re just a gentle stroll alongside the river to the city centre.

See why Tides Hotel is a great base for exploring Nelson, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

© Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco - www.nelsontasman.nz

Fine Dining in Nelson

In the heart of a wine and fruit-growing region, with locals who have a passion and talent for craft beers, whisky and more, it’s no surprise that Nelson has a couple of fantastic fine dining establishments.

In the city, book a table at Hopgood’s & Co. (284 Trafalgar Street) offering four and five-course degustation menus with wine pairing in this bistro-style eatery.

Speaking of bistros, another worth trying is Harbour Light Bistro (341 Wakefield Quay) boasting spectacular views of the waterfront focussing on fresh local ingredients.

If you’re out and about, don’t miss Forsters at the Moutere Hills Vineyard (42 Eggers Road, Mapua) with indulgent platters, local lamb dishes, fish of the day and more to choose from along with stunning vineyard views.

For more recommendations, see The Foodie Guide to Nelson.