👨👩👧👦 Welcome to Nelson, New Zealand!
Nelson, located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. From beautiful beaches and parks to interactive museums and exciting wildlife encounters, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top family-friendly things to do in Nelson, so you can plan the perfect getaway with your little ones.
🏖️ Tahunanui Beach
One of Nelson’s most popular attractions, Tahunanui Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand with calm waters perfect for swimming and splashing around. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for families. There’s also a fantastic playground, skate park, and plenty of grassy areas for picnics and relaxation.
🌳 Natureland Wildlife Trust
Get up close and personal with native New Zealand wildlife at Natureland Wildlife Trust. This family-friendly zoo and conservation center is home to a variety of animals, including wallabies, kea, and tuatara. Kids will love the hands-on encounters and feeding opportunities, while parents can appreciate the focus on conservation and education.
- 🎟️ Admission: Adults $12, Children (3-15 years) $6, Family Pass (2 adults and up to 3 children) $30
- 🕙 Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
- 📍 Location: 47 Tahunanui Drive, Tahunanui, Nelson
🚂 Founders Heritage Park
Step back in time at Founders Heritage Park, a living museum showcasing the early history of Nelson. Wander through the charming village with its historic buildings, ride the vintage train, and enjoy interactive displays and hands-on activities for the whole family.
- 🎟️ Admission: Adults $7, Children (5-14 years) $2, Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 children) $15
- 🕙 Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
- 📍 Location: 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson
🎨 World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
For a unique experience, visit the World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum, where you’ll find an incredible collection of wearable art pieces and an impressive array of classic cars. Kids will love the “WOW for Kids” area, featuring interactive displays and creative activities.
- 🎟️ Admission: Adults $24, Children (5-14 years) $10, Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children) $62
- 🕙 Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- 📍 Location: 1 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson
🐟 Cable Bay Adventure Park
For families seeking adventure, Cable Bay Adventure Park offers a variety of thrilling activities, including quad biking, horse trekking, and the Skywire – one of the world’s longest flying foxes. There’s also a fantastic playground, cafe, and farm park, making it a great day out for the whole family.
- 🎟️ Activity prices vary – see website for details
- 🕙 Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (hours may vary for some activities)
- 📍 Location: 194 Cable Bay Road, Hira, Nelson
🍇 Family-Friendly Wineries
Nelson is well-known for its wine industry, and many local wineries offer family-friendly experiences. Some of our top picks include:
| 🍷 Winery | 👪 Family-Friendly Features |
|---|---|
| Seifried Estate | Large garden area, playground, and kid-friendly platters |
| Waimea Estates | Spacious outdoor area with lawn games and picnic tables |
| Neudorf Vineyards | Beautiful gardens, outdoor games, and kid-friendly snacks |
🌄 Nelson’s National Parks
Nelson boasts three stunning national parks, all within driving distance from the city:
- 🌿 Abel Tasman National Park – Known for its golden beaches, clear waters, and native bush, this park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including short walks, boat tours, and kayaking.
- 🏞️ Kahurangi National Park – Explore caves, rivers, and mountainous terrain in this diverse park. The park offers a range of walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- 🌳 Nelson Lakes National Park – Enjoy the picturesque lakes and alpine landscapes of this park, with plenty of family-friendly walks and opportunities for picnics and birdwatching.
With so many family-friendly activities and attractions on offer, Nelson is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family holiday. And don’t forget, if you need to rent baby equipment for your trip, Tiny Trek Rentals has got you covered.