Flights from Napier to Nelson

Tips for first-time travellers to Nelson

Explore Nelson’s cafes

Nelson is home to dozens of fantastic little cafes, which serve some of the best coffee and brunches in New Zealand. When you book flights Napier to Nelson, don’t forget to stop by Deville. This family-run business knows how to do the classics well, thanks in part to the way they source their food. Everything is from locally grown produce around the Nelson Tasman region and if you decide to visit in the afternoon, you’ll also find that they offer a selection of local draught beers and wines. It’s a great spot to visit if your Napier to Nelson flights bring you to the city during summer as there’s a large leafy outdoor area. Other great eating spots include Kush Coffee, Lambretta’s and The Baker’s.

Visit Nelson’s museums

When you fly Napier to Nelson, consider checking out the Suter Art Gallery. As New Zealand’s third-largest art museum, there is a huge collection of world renowned art to see. There’s also an art-house cinema and riverside cafe. The museum is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm every day of the week and it’s free to enter. The aptly named WOW (The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars) is another place worth adding to your itinerary when you book flights Napier to Nelson. Showcasing local art ranging from fashion to classic cars, it’s easily one of Nelson’s most unique museums.

Spend the day at Tahunanui beach

Tahunanui Beach is probably Nelson’s most popular beach. It’s only 3.5 kilometres from Nelson Airport (NSN) which takes around 5 minutes to get to by car or 30 minutes by public transport. If you’ve booked flights Napier to Nelson with family, it’s a great place to spend the day, particularly during summer. The water is relatively shallow so it’s suitable for most swimmers and there are also activities like kitesurfing and kayaking available.

What should I pack for Nelson?

Hiking Shoes. Lots of visitors with Napier to Nelson flights book because they want to go hiking. If you plan to do some of the fantastic walks available in the region, like the Gouland Downs, then make sure you pack or invest in some comfortable hiking shoes or walking boots.

Hat and gloves. If you’ve managed to snatch up cheap flights from Napier to Nelson during winter, be sure to pack a warm beanie and gloves to stay cosy when you’re out and about sightseeing.

Light clothes for summer: If you plan to fly from Napier to Nelson during summer, you can pack fairly light. In January and February, the average temperature is 22°C. Because of New Zealand’s fairly temperamental weather though, it’s always smart to bring a jacket or raincoat just to be on the safe side.

A warm jacket for winter: For those looking to do a Napier to Nelson winter trip, make sure you wrap up. Temperatures can get down to 2°C at night and rain is fairly common too. With a warm jacket though, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy the little city’s natural beauty during the chillier months.

Water bottle. While Nelson isn’t the warmest city in New Zealand, it’s well known for its long walking routes and hiking trails. If you plan to do any hiking, don’t forget your water bottle.

What are the best ways to get around Nelson?

Public transport

Travelling by bus is one of the most common ways to get around Nelson and can be a great way to see the city if you’ve booked cheap Napier to Nelson flights and want to adhere to a budget. If you get a Bee Card, buses are as cheap as $2 for Zone 1 trips. Otherwise they’ll cost you $2.50. Zone 2 trips are $2.40 (or $3 without a card) and Zone 3 trips are $2.80 ($3.50 without a card). Children and students can buy tickets at reduced rates. Bee Cards cost $5 and can be topped up online.

Walking and Cycling

Nelson isn’t a particularly large city — as an indication, it only has a population of around 53,000 — so it’s very easy to get to most major landmarks and tourist attractions by walking. If you book Napier to Nelson flights during the warmer months, you should also consider hiring a bike. Nelson Cycle Hire and Tours and Kiwi Journeys Bike Hire Nelson CBD are some of the many bike rental stores available in the city.

Travelling to and from Nelson Airport

There’s no direct public transport route from Nelson Airport (NSN) into the city so your best option is probably to hire a car — which is a good idea if you want to see other parts of the region like Tasman National Park — use a tour bus company or hail a taxi from the arrivals terminal.