After almost a week of solid rain, I feel like this is very appropriate timing. Rain isn’t usually common in Nelson but springtime is very unpredictable (and because of this it’s my least favourite month). After having a friend visit for the long weekend it forced me to be more organised with activities for all weathers, so I thought it would be handy to share this incase anyone else gets caught out 🌧️

It’s obvious Nelson is the place to go for paddle-boarding, mountain biking, long walks & beach days, but here are some other options for when the weather isn’t compliant:

Nelson Classic Car Museum

Although the World of Wearable Arts is no longer there, the classic car museum is still going strong, with an impressive array of many different types of cars. I’m not a car person but even I found it interesting looking around! There’s also an awesome cafe there too called ‘little engine eatery’ – highly recommended!

Pic’s Peanut Butter World

Not recommended for those with nut allergies, but a very fun way to see the peanut butter being made and understand the process & its humble beginnings. I actually went here on my birthday last year because i’m nut-butter-mad. 🤣 The tours are free but I believe you do need to book on to a time slot, check out their website for more details.

Action Centre

At Action Centre you can go bowling (including night bowling!), there’s inflatable world, VR golf.. it pretty much lives up to its name. It also as the coolest fifties style american diner, providing the best curly fries 😍

Beauty Treatments

When the weather is rubbish you might as well treat yourself, and there’s heaps of choice around Nelson, I especially think About Beauty is a great place to go, nestled amongst the beautiful red brick buildings in Monaco. You can then head to The Monaco Kitchen for brunch overlooking the Waimea Inlet.

Food Choices

I’m going to give a few options here because they are so worth noting:

– The Smoking Barrel: For anyone that likes food, this is the place to go. Their Meat Platter is insane, along with their loaded curly fries, Burgers, brunch options, it’s awesome. What’s even more impressive is their doughnut collection, not only ones like boysenberry vanilla custard creme brulee and raspberry dark chocolate, but they also have savoury options like the bacon & eggs benedict! (Fully recommend the cheeseburger one 😍) just make sure you visit in the morning or they will all be gone!

– Toad Hall: Awesome options for all diets (GF, Vegan, DF etc) Toad hall not only has amazing food but it’s in a cool building with outdoor seating too – for when the weather is nice!!

– Bobby Franks: All day brunch options, and their falafel ‘Green Grocer’ salad is worth making a special visit for 🤤

Visit a Winery

There are plenty of wineries around to visit, such as Waimea Estates where you can also have lunch alongside your wine tastings. Here’s a link to a map of the wineries in the area: Nelson Tasman Wineries

Beer Tasting

If wine isn’t you’re thing, you’ve also got Eddyline Brewery for a beer tasting platter alongside tasty pizza, or head to McCashins Brewery for a tour (which includes samples!)

State Cinema

Don’t forget you’ve also got the option of Nelson’s cinema, which features the comfiest cinema seats i’ve ever experienced 😌 There’s usually a great mix of films on for all audiences, so i’d definitely recommend seeing whats on.

FlipOut indoor trampoline park

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just for kids – it’s a huge place with lots of different trampolines for all levels, there’s a stunt pit too so you can go and learn those tricks you never managed as a kid 😂

Mountain Biking

Leaving my personal favourite till last… I know it may be wet or cold outside, but there is nothing better than getting completely covered in mud whilst having a massive grin on your face! There are so many amazing trails around nelson (world renowned!) so go check them out. If you’re new to biking or uncertain, stick to the green trails until you feel comfortable to head to the blue trails.

I hope that’s helpful for you, let me know in the comments below if you have visited any of these places & what you think, and remember – it’s Nelson, the rain doesn’t last long!!

Harriet 📸