Nelson, often considered one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, is mainly known for its scenic beauty, vibrancy, and culture. Extraordinary mountains surround it and has breathtaking views with diverse geography. This place is all about long golden beaches bare forests, and rugged terrains or snow-capped mountains. The most attractive feature is that Nelson in winter is the best way to spend time in outdoor sports like cycling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, walking, and skydiving. The most fascinating thing about this place is that art and business go hand in hand. It is a home for various craftsman, artists and all sorts of creative ones. Nelson comprises of vibrancy with its people. There are a number of studios and museums and it is a place which is culturally very rich.
10 Best Places To Visit In Nelson In Winter
So, if you are looking for a vacation to freshen up your mind or just take a break, Nelson should definitely be your next visit. Take a look to know what awaits you in this gorgeous city!
1. Maruia Hot Springs
The best way to spend your vacation in winter and relax your body and mind is by spending time in the midst of the Maruia Hot Springs. It is situated in the middle of the extraordinary picturesque beauty of mountains and forests. It is the best place for nature lovers to connect and find a space for yourself. You can sauna and bathe in mineral hot spring and enjoy the view of excellent rivers. You can also enjoy the finest dining in this place or you can put a camp and go hiking or exploring the beauty of this place.
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2. Nelson Lakes National Park
Another excellent way of touring New Zealand in winter is spending time in Nelson Lakes National Park. Centered at two lakes, you can go camping, fishing or tramping. Bonfire nights are very enthralling and help you relax, and so is ice fishing during winter. Also, Nelson in winter is the best time to bring peace to your mind. It is a perfect place for adventure seekers too where they can go for mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering or simply boating. Nelson Lakes National Park is a home to a variety of culture as well.
3. Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is a wonderland for hikers. If you want to take short walks surrounded by the most beautiful views, you should definitely opt for this place. Longer hikes are also possible, and you can see incredible views of beautiful valleys or traverse mountain saddles. The tracks of longer hikes include the Routeburn, the Dart or Rees River circuit, Greenstone or Caples, and the Wilkin Valley tracks.
A 30-minute walk leads through the silver beech or Tahina forest. You have to go over a swing bridge to a viewing platform, which overlooks several magnificent crystal-clear pools at the opening of Blue River. It is one of the most beautiful places people have a craze for. If you are into photography, you will get excellent photographs with the short walks as well as longer hikes.
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4. Paparoa National Park
A paradise filled with rocks is what Paparoa National Park is going to offer you. With the most breathtaking view of overlapping of rocks over one another, here’s a kick for all nature as well as adventure lovers. You can go exploring caves, or even horseback riding, which is possible. You can also go exploring through the lush rainforest.
If you visit this place, you will never realize how time flies. The possibilities of exciting adventures feel so endless that you wish you had some more time with you. From going fishing to spending days on enthralling treks to river rafting or camping, the possibilities of Nelson’s winter activities feel endless.
5. Christ Church Cathedral
If you are looking for an ancient thrill or are curious about ancient monuments, this cathedral serves its purpose. For a person interested in history or architecture, Christ Church Cathedral is a must-visit. This church has an interesting history of being rebuilt and destroyed several times. Probably one of the most ancient cathedrals, it has the finest architecture of its time. Moreover, it is located in a very secluded and beautiful place in Nelson, New Zealand.
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6. Abel Tasman National Park
Imagine waking up one day in a world of golden sands or getting a view of crystal clear waters and majestic lush green forests of New Zealand. The next day, you go tramping into remote and ancient beech forests or spending your time learning about all the hidden treasures of Abel Tasman National Park.
It’s the best possible way to spend your time in natural discovery, bird watching, sightseeing, photography, or simply relaxing in winter. Abel Tasman is home to many eco camps where you can spend your days in the lap of nature. You are sure to see many beautiful birds surrounded by breathtaking views.
7. World of Wearable Art
If you are a history lover and excited about every place you visit, you must go to WOW. It’s a museum, or you can call it a storehouse of history. There’s a separate gallery for kids, and if you want to help your child learn new things and satisfy his curiosity, you should definitely visit this place. There are many self-guided adventurous activities and a scavenger hunt for kids. It provides you with the necessary historical facts in an enthralling manner, with a taste of adventure. The best way to enjoy any indoor activity is by visiting this museum.
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8. Kahurangi National Park
If you are looking for the most challenging place to visit, Kahurangi National Park is the best place for you. You can take the longest walk in New Zealand, also called the Great Walk, if you visit Kahurangi National Park. It has some wild white water rapids with limited access and the brutal Devil Kill Track for mountain biking. Aside from exerting yourself, you can enjoy go on a trek and admire the sublime views of dense forests, mountain ridges, limestone karst, small waterfalls cascading down streams, tussock lands, caves, and finally the rugged West Coast.
9. Lake Rotoiti
Lake Rotoiti is the best place to visit during winter. It has a serene view surrounded by mountains and dense forests. You can spend your day fishing or boating in this beautiful spot in Nelson. There are numerous ways to spend your time in Lake Rotoiti, which has another jetty. You can spend your time birdwatching and taking pictures of the beautiful birds of this area. And whether in Nelson, in winter, it is so cold that you can also go winter snowshoeing around Lake Rotoiti.
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10. Queen’s Gardens
One of the most beautiful gardens to take a walk at, Queen’s Garden offers you a serene environment to spend your day walking around the park. Queens Gardens in Nelson has a particular significance. It reflects the growth and development of the city. Also it is cleverly designed as well, and it has an aesthetically pleasing environment, which appears as a treat to your eyes. It has a diverse plant collection and role in fostering civic pride. It is the best place to help you relax, and you can have a good time with your family.
You May Also Like To Read: Auckland In Winter
As you know, New Zealand’s winter temperature is freezing, and you’ll see snow-covered places. There are many adventure sports you can try, like skiing or hiking. Nelson is an excellent place to visit if you want to try walking in a more minor and longer trip. Also, Nelson’s winter weather is freezing, which calls for many exciting adventure sports like skating, skiing, and others. So, to spend your time excitingly on a winter break, you should visit Nelson and enjoy its sublime nature. Plan your trip to New Zealand for a serene experience like never before!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson in Winter
What is there to do in Nelson in the winter?
During the winter season, you can visit Nelson's beaches, mountains, and lakes, go on a sightseeing tour, and taste native flavours in wineries, and craft breweries.
What is there to do in Nelson in December?
If one is planning to visit Nelson during December, go ice Climbing, try glacier trekking along with winter fishing or go on hiking for an active holiday.
What are winters like in Nelson?
In Nelson, the temperature ranges from minus 5 degrees Celcius to 5 degrees Celcius dueing winter.
Where can one see snow Nelson?
Rainbow Ski Area, Rainbow Road, and St Arnaud are some of the places where one can see snow in Nelson.
What is special about Nelson?
Nelso, the geographic centre of New Zealand is famous for its national parks, beaches, and sunshine.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.