activities • culture & heritage

Nelson has a unique history that blends the fortunes of Maori and European over a
common element – the land. Today our contemporary lifestyle brings together
creativity and endeavour against a backdrop of stunning landscapes - the perfect blend of work and play.

We hope you will experience our unique regional differences, and take the time to find out what makes us who we are, and why this way of life so incredibly special.

Culture & heritage

Cultural Experiences (0)	Maori Experiences (0)
Museums, Historic Homes & Sites (3)

museums
A contemporary new museum in the centre of Nelson city showcases our early
Māori and European culture. The museum houses the largest photographic collection in the country and this accurately documents regional life for more than a century. Changing exhibitions and contemporary culture is also on show. Our pioneer history is also captured in small rural museums at Collingwood, Motueka, Takaka and Murchison. At the waterfront in Mapua learn about early coastal shipping. Steam enthusiasts can get ‘fired up’ about history at the Pigeon Valley Steam Museum.

early settlers
Like to see how our early European settlers lived? Both Founders Park in Nelson and Broadgreen House in Stoke have buildings and historical memorabilia on display.

treasured pathway
The Treasured Pathway is a guide which turns a drive through Nelson into a tour of the human and natural history of the region. Available from the region’s i-SITE Visitor Centres or check out www.treasuredpathway.co.nz

maori culture
Enrich your understanding of local Māori culture and history by arranging a visit to the Whakatu Marae. Try some hands-on fun, like an art and craft workshop, or learn te haka - the Māori war dance, take a bush walk with a Māori guide to learn about edible and medicinal plants. For the experience of a lifetime, paddle a stunningly carved waka (Māori canoe) in Tasman Bay.

creative tourism
Creative Tourism New Zealand is based in Nelson and offers a range of informal workshops in a variety of arts, crafts and traditions that reflect New Zealand’s unique culture. Cultural tourism is more than just looking at art on gallery walls; it’s about exploring your creative potential. What better way to do this than by spending time in the company of an expert.

contemporary culture
There’s a lot to celebrate in our contemporary lives - here’re some of the defining local experiences; the Saturday morning market in Nelson city - every Saturday throughout the year; in summer watch the sails go by at the Wednesday night yacht races in the harbour; the Antique and Classic Boat Show is held on Lake Rotoiti in March; try a spot of fishing from the wharf or Rocks Road for year-round relaxation; the Blessing of the Fleet attracts the whole family for fish ‘n’ chips, fishing boats and fun on the Nelson waterfront in July and just about any season, there’s always something different to do, eat and enjoy on Coastal Highway day trips.