Nelson Travel Guide
New Zealand
Nelson is a city of around 59,200 people in the north of New Zealand’s South Island. It sits on the coast, making it a practical base for exploring nearby beaches and coastal landscapes.
Travellers arriving by air use Nelson Airport (NSN). The closest named coastal spots include Tāhunanui Beach, 3.7 kilometres away, and Boulder Bank, 4.2 kilometres away. Farther along the coast are Māori Pā Beach at 19.1 kilometres, Kina Beach at 22.3 kilometres, Kaiteriteri Beach at 34.2 kilometres and Observation Beach at 39.1 kilometres.
Local time
Population
Weather in Nelson
Sun
Mon
Tue
Know before you go
Pays in NZD
Plug type Type I (UK adapter needed)
Emergency 111
Dial code +64
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, and service staff are generally paid a living wage. It is not expected, but a small gesture for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Best time to visit Nelson
Jan
21°13Feb
22°9Mar
20°8Apr
18°12May
15°10Jun
14°12Jul
13°7Aug
13°11Sep
15°13Oct
17°15Nov
19°13Dec
21°13Average daily maximums with rainy days per month, from the last three years of weather history.
Beaches near Nelson
Tāhunanui Beach
3.7 km away
Boulder Bank
4.2 km away
Māori Pā Beach
19.1 km away
Kina Beach
22.3 km away
Kaiteriteri Beach
34.2 km away
Observation Beach
39.1 km away
Things to do in Nelson
Nelson Provincial Museum
museum
0.4 km
Founders Heritage Park
museum
1.5 km
Queen's Gardens
park
0.6 km
State Cinemas Nelson
movie theater
0 km
Timezone Nelson
arcade
0.2 km
Red Art Gallery and Cafe
art gallery
0.3 km
Aspire Church
pentecostal place of worship
0.4 km
Theatre Royal Nelson
theatre venue
0.4 km
Getting there
Nelson Airport · 5.9 km
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.