Tour Nelson

Regularly the sunniest place in New Zealand and voted the 3rd most charming small town in the world by TripAdvisor. Once folks find Nelson they tend not to want to leave - unless they're off on a great South Island road trip of course! Even Gandalf, Sir Ian McKellen called it a perfect paradise, and it's no more than a 80 minute flight max from New Zealands international airports. Nelson is a small city but we think small is definitely beautiful. Here are our recommendations, many personally tried and enjoyed, that are well worth making time for.

• Cruise in your RentAClassic convertible or go for an evening stroll along Rocks Road SH6 right by the sea.
• Relax and swim on the long sandy family friendly Tauhuanui beach.
• Ogle the boats moored at the the marina.
• Relax with a massage at Ima Asian Spa.
• Make peanut butter at Pics Peanut Butter Museum.

• Wine and dine in some of our myriad open air cafes and restaurants such as
  • River Kitchen for breakfast by the river.
  • DeVilles for lunch in a leafy courtyard.
  • Suter Cafe and Gallery for art by a park.
  • Indian Cafe for the best curries.
  • Melrose House for afternoon English High Tea.
  • The BoatHouse for dinner over the water.
  • Hopgoods for dinner and hang the cost.
  • Stefanos for pizza before a movie at State Cinemas.
  • The Honest Lawyer for English pub grub by the sea.
  • Mama Cods or Kismet for evening cocktails.
    

There's a seriously vibrant arts and culture scene, with the small but perfectly formed Theatre Royal, an eclectic Saturday morning market, and the Classic Car Museum is a must see for classic car buffs, abounding with all sorts of desirable vehicles (but of course you get to leave in one with RentAClassic)! Plus there are vineyards with tasting and restaurants, (Seifrieds), genuinely friendly locals and the best of everything New Zealand within easy driving reach.

On the northern side there's the delightful Cable Bay with its stony but crystal blue beach and fabulous coastal hill walks, as well as zip lining and quad biking at Cable Bay Adventures en route. Or go on a dragon hunt at Nelson Archery Park! Alternatively, stay close to the CBD and do the short(ish) climb to the historic Centre of New Zealand overlooking the birthplace of New Zealand rugby, the city and seascapes.

Our RentAClassic base is conveniently located within just 10 minutes of the centre or the airport so it's really easy to collect and drop off your classic car.

Read our TravelBlogue on why Nelson makes the perfect base for touring, or visit www.NelsonNZ.com Tourist Site for more information.