Flights to Nelson (NSN)

Best Things To Do on Weekends

Go to Nelson Market

Held every Saturday in Montgomery Square, Nelson Market is one of the best things to do on the weekend. Travellers buying flights to Nelson can shop fresh produce, pick up some souvenirs and sample fare from the food stalls. The market is open from 8am to 1pm, making it a great breakfast or brunch option.

Conquer the Harwoods Hole Walk

For all the adventure junkies buying return flights to Nelson, the Harwoods Hole Walk is an incredible experience. You'll walk through a beech forest and over limestone rocks before you reach a giant sinkhole. At 176 metres deep, it's one of the deepest vertical shafts in New Zealand. If you're an avid caver, you can join an expedition to descend the rockface and explore the sinkhole.

See the Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World is an excellent weekend activity for families buying flights to Nelson. Inside the park, you'll find rare species of plants and you can wander around the different themed gardens. Some of the other highlights of the gardens include the Pohutukawa tree (New Zealand's Christmas tree) and a nearby lake.

Spend the day at Natureland Zoo

If you're buying plane tickets to Nelson and are travelling with young children, Natureland Zoo makes a popular weekend outing. It's home to exotic animals from all over the world as well as native New Zealand wildlife. While here, you can learn about the zoo's conservation efforts and take your time visiting all the different enclosures.

Tackle the Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track

The Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track is one of the best hikes in New Zealand. When packing for your flights to Nelson, make sure you bring a good pair of hiking shoes so you can see what all the fuss is about. The trail winds around the coast and offers stunning panoramic views of the lush forest and turquoise ocean. Hikers can choose to do the full route which takes three to five days to complete or walk part of the trail before turning back.

Spend an afternoon wine tasting

A trip to Nelson would not be complete without a weekend of wine tasting. Once your flights to Nelson have arrived and you've settled in, book a tour that will take you to the best wineries. Depending on what itinerary you end up choosing, you can expect to pay around $130 NZD for a half-day tour.

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Nelson

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Nelson for camping trips is in the spring. From November to September, the weather is warm, and there isn't a high chance of rain ruining your trip. December to February is a popular time to buy return flights to Nelson as those months offer some of the best weather. If you want to visit over this period, you'll need to book your airfare to Nelson and accommodation well in advance.

Transportation costs

Travellers booking return flights to Nelson can expect to pay between $2.50 to $4 NZD for a single bus trip. If you want more independence getting around, you can rent a bicycle for $40 NZD per day. For a one-way taxi trip from Nelson Airport (NSN), you can expect prices to start at $17 NZD. You can also get a shared shuttle from Nelson Airport (NSN) for $15 NZD per person.

Accommodation costs

For budget travellers buying cheap flights to Nelson, you'll pay around $75 NZD per night for a two-star hotel. Some budget hotels will include free WiFi for guests as well as a complimentary breakfast.

Major Events and Festivals

Nelson Arts Festival

The Nelson Arts Festival is held at the beginning of spring each year. Travellers buying flights to Nelson in September can join in on the fun and take part in the various events. The line up usually consists of an exciting roster of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual arts. Most of the events are free, making it an excellent option for budget travellers buying tickets to Nelson.

Nelson Buskers Festival

The Nelson Buskers Festival is one of New Zealand's unique events. It brings street performers from around the world to perform over four days. Travellers buying flights to Nelson will be able to watch the free-to-attend shows that take place on Trafalgar Street and the Church Steps. In the evenings, there are cabaret shows at The Boathouse that you can also check out.

Tahuna Summer Sounds

If you're booking cheap flights to Nelson in the summer, try to plan your trip around the Tahuna Summer Sounds festival. It takes place on Tahuna Beach and boasts more than 60 local musicians performing over two consecutive Fridays. It's an excellent way to discover your next favourite New Zealand band and soak up the natural beauty of Nelson at the same time.