Nelson Things to Do

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The historical centre of Nelson is one of the oldest cities (if not the oldest) in New Zealand. The architecture is really wonderful, maybe even better than the Art Deco City of Napier in the Hawkes Bay region of the North Island. Both of these New Zealand cities are known for having nice architecture, lots of sunshine and nearby vineyards growing grapes for some fine NZ wines.

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Nelson has so much pristine open space outside the city limits, we had to take a road trip on a scenic drive to Golden Bay. Along the way you will see beautiful mountains, fields of grain, rustic fences ,green valleys and native bush.

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Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealands premier sea Kayaking destination and you should not miss it. The natural beauty is stunning: golden beaches, clear waters, lots of wildlife.

There is a big choice of diffrent trips you can do. Unfortunately, when we were there the weather forecast was bad (normally it is the sunniest place in New Zealand) therefore we opted for a day trip only (we still regret this as we liked it so much). They boat taxied us out and we paddled back for a couple of hours visiting some sights like the Split Apple Rock or some fresh water streams coming in to the sea, had a nice lunch on a beautiful beach. In the afternoon we sailed back with the kayaks. Be prepared for having to hold the sail up for hours with your arm but it was lots of fun! Right in the end when we were heading back to the mainland we took a wave the wrong way and turned over....the waterproof bag they provided us did not protect my camera...the salt water gave it the rest....They told us that people normally do not fall in but somehow I doubt that so think twice if you want to bring you camera or not.

There are several things that you can do here...

Enjoy lunch or morning / afternoon tea @ The Grape Escape Café and Wine Bar. It is famous for its patisserie and freshly made cakes. Open daily 10am-4:30pm, except Christmas & Boxing Days, Good Friday & Anzac Day Morning.

Taste Richmond Plains (the region's first certified organic vineyard) & Te Mania Estate wines @ The Grape Escape Winery and Cellar, open 7 days. Phone: (03) 544 4054.

Visit Escape Gallery & Gifts - one of the region's largest gift and art galleries. Here you'll find NZ handmade "treasures" to bring home. Phone: (03) 544 4630.

Also, take a walk inside Living Light Candles to endulge yourself with the wax of art including home interior, NZ cultural, eco, aromatherapy and much more.

You'll see the bell tower of this church from the city. A flight of steps will lead you up to the church. I don't know the history of the chuch, but just admiring the architecture of it. Well, you'll have to know this is part of my occupation habit (of an architect)... Walk up these steps and look back onto the city...

Höglund Art Glass in Richmond, is situated in a park-like setting with glassblowing studio, glass engraving, glass galleries, exhibition hall, licensed café and beautiful gardens. Here Ola and Marie Höglund create stunning hand blown art glass, in striking colours and designs that are recognised worldwide.

The centre opens 7 days a week, except on Good Friday, Christmas & Boxing Days. Admission to the Glass gallery & store is free while the Glass Centre is @ NZ$15. Children under 14 years are free with paying adult. This includes a 50-minute informative and fascinating guided tour (watch the mesmerising and skilful work of the glass artists in the Glassblowing, Flamework and Coldwork Studios), visit the Glass Museum and find out how glass is made and what it is made of, from permanent, educational and historical displays and changing exhibitions.

In a nutshell, an unique experience to glass lovers and those interested in glass art!!

This 5 hour class was a creative and fun day in Nelson. The teacher was a German guy named Stephan Gilberg who really knew his stuff and was a very patient teacher. The class cost $55 NZ and was worth every penny! I came away with a unique pendant that I designed and created myself that has way more value than anything I could have bought. The classes are small and intimate...there were only 2 other people there and they have a limit of 5. Stephan will come pick you up and take you to his studio.

The Pelorus Bridge location was set aside for a future township, but in the early 1900s this was changed to preserve the area's natural beauty. The area is beautiful, there is a beautiful scenic reserve that is ideal to stop and take a rest from driving. There are some easy walks that lead through forest to a waterfall or up along a ridge to a peak. It's a nice walk with ferns, mosses and lichen. Along the way you may see birds if you are lucky!
The present bridge was built in the 1950s.

LOCATION....
Halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, where a bridge crosses the Pelorus River,
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