Best restaurants in Nelson
Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery
Surrounded by ocean and with a climate that can grow almost anything, Nelson is a foodie’s haven - especially if you love seafood. If you’re booking flights Rotorua to Nelson with your partner and are looking for a fine dining spot with a casual atmosphere, then consider visiting the Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so if you can check out the bar if you have to wait for a table. While oysters are the house speciality, there are lots of other delicious dishes on the constantly changing menu.
East Street Vegetarian Cafe
You don’t need to be a vegetarian to enjoy East Street Vegetarian Cafe in Nelson. The casual dining spot is a favourite among locals — there are often queues out the door — and boasts a cosy little garden spot and stage for live performances on weekends. The meals are healthy, locally sourced and affordable — perfect if you’ve booked cheap flights to Nelson from Rotorua and want to enjoy yourself on a budget.
The Indian Cafe
The Indian Cafe is located on Collingwood Street and has been popular ever since it opened back in 2002. There are several Indian restaurants in Nelson but few are as delicious or as loved as The Indian Cafe. With several vegetarian options, gluten free curries and affordable prices, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Nelson’s busiest restaurants.
Best things to do with children in Nelson
Abel Tasman
With stunning beaches, incredible coastal tracks and beautiful lakes, Abel Tasman National Park is hugely popular with families flying from Rotorua to Nelson Airport (NSN). You can catch a boat to the national park, or you can walk or kayak if the whole family is feeling up to it. Kaiteriteri beach is also the perfect place for a day trip as a family. As well as the postcard-perfect shoreline, there’s also a playground and flying fox nearby for the kids.
Golden Bay
If you’ve booked flights from Rotorua Airport (ROT) and are in search of a peaceful getaway with the family, consider visiting or staying in Golden Bay. The bay is on the far side of Abel Tasman National Park and takes about one hour to get to from Nelson Airport (NSN) if you travel by car. Kids will love the Farewell Spit, a sprawling, 35-kilometre-long sand spit. There is surfing and biking for older kids. You might also be interested in one of the Farewell Spit Tours, which can take you to the gannet colony and remote lighthouse.
Top things to do and see in Nelson
There are few ways to better enjoy Nelson’s sunshine than to peruse the numerous stalls and food trucks of Nelson Market. It has been around for more than 30 years and takes place every Saturday at Montgomery Square. So, if you’ve snapped up some cheap flights from Rotorua to Nelson for a weekend trip, it’s definitely worth visiting one of the region’s oldest running markets. You’ll be able to sample tasty food from the local eateries that set up stalls at the market and find handmade crafts, art, jewellery and other local gems.
Harwoods Hole Walk
If you’re looking for a little adventure when you book Rotorua to Nelson flights, then make sure you do the Harwoods Hole Walk. This 1-hour trek will take you through beech forest and bush land all the way to a giant sinkhole that is 176 metres deep. The sinkhole goes all the way down to an underground river that flows into Gorge Creek. There aren’t any barriers so make sure you’re careful when you approach and be sure to wear proper hiking boots as the terrain can be tricky to navigate.
Gardens of the World
Gardens of the World houses some of the world’s rarest plants. The garden was created for conservation reasons but it’s also a visually stunning display of nature, from the English roses to the Aloe africanas. Many visitors book flights Rotorua to Nelson to absorb the area’s natural beauty and the Gardens of the World are one of the best places to do that. The garden is located about 14 kilometres from the centre of Nelson. It should take you around 15 minutes to get to if you travel by car or taxi.
Natureland Zoo
Natureland Zoo is another fantastic example of Nelson’s ability to combine conservation with something for people to enjoy. The zoo was created to protect New Zealand’s native species such as the kea, tuatara and kakariki. If you’ve booked Rotorua to Nelson flights for the family, Natureland Zoo is the ideal place to visit for the day. It’s fun for the kids, interesting for adults and you’ll be doing your bit for New Zealand’s endangered species.
