Walk-Chill-Explore Nearby: 

START: From your M&V base, take a 40 minute scenic walk up the beautiful Maitai River. Stop for a swim in the Maitai on a warm day, read, enjoy a pic-nic at the picnic grounds. 

On the way, scale the top of the centre of New Zealand to ejoy breathtaking views across Nelson and Tasman Bay. (TIP: Wear sensible shoes - it's steep!)

Pre-book an archery session at Twin Arrows  (up the Maitai) and shoot like William Tell.

Hire Clubs at the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club also up the Maitai. 

Break for coffee at the Suter Art Gallery next to our Botanical Gardens, pick up a treasured craft piece and walk to  town for a wine, dinner and a movie.  

Nelson is truly a feast for the senses — 

from 

• The legendary Saturday Market (from 8am Saturdays rain or fine)  in the city centre brimming with fresh produce, local crafts, and artisan foods, 
• to the Sunday bric-à-brac market where vintage treasures await. 
• Stroll the Thursday night market at Isel House in Stoke, with live music, food trucks, and a festive local vibe, 
• or take a drive to the Motueka Sunday Market, a community favourite for gourmet treats and farm-fresh finds. 

The region’s producers are the stars — think King salmon, boutique cheeses, artisan chocolates, olive oils, and cool-climate wines — all crafted with the same care that makes Nelson so deliciously unforgettable.

Nelson hums with creativity year-round. 

The October Arts Festival fills the city with theatre, music, and visual art, while the quirky Playhouse Café & Theatre hosts everything from local bands to touring acts. 

Summer brings Opera in the Park (Feb), a dazzling open-air celebration of music under the stars, and every two years the world-class Adam Chamber Music Festival transforms the Nelson School of Music — just a five-minute walk from Maison & Village — into the heart of New Zealand’s classical scene. 

Wherever you wander, you’ll find live gigs, gallery openings, and that unmistakable Nelson rhythm of art meeting life.

Nelson Lakes (Image Left)

Drive time from Nelson: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes National Park offers stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and lush native forests. 

The park's jewel, Lake Rotoiti, is perfect for peaceful walks, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. 

This is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers looking to experience the raw beauty of New Zealand’s backcountry.

TIP: As a family we used to jet boat to the head of the Lake and enoy a four hour walk back over underlating ground. 

Drive time from Nelson: Approx. 1 hour

These two neighbouring coastal towns are your gateway to sun, sea, and golden sands. 

Kaiteriteri is renowned for its beautiful beach and calm waters—ideal for swimming and paddleboarding—while Marahau offers easy access to the Abel Tasman Coast Track. 

Whether you're after a relaxing day by the sea or setting off on a kayaking adventure, this is the perfect spot to start.

Drive time from Nelson: Approx. 1 hour to Marahau (main access point).

New Zealand’s smallest national park packs a big punch. 

Abel Tasman is world-famous for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal forest. 

You can walk part of the coastal track, kayak between bays, or take a water taxi to remote beaches. With its mild climate and incredible scenery, it's an unforgettable outdoor experience.