The Maitai river runs so close to the city centre of Nelson that it’s a great alternative to pavements for getting around without the disturbance of cars. The path is suitable for buggies, bikes and scooters and there are lots of places to join and leave the track. If you’re going to…
This is a good sized skatepark for serious people on wheels! There are 2 bowls, rails, ledges and flat banks allowing kids to practise tricks and watch others. For those not into skateboarding, there are fields surrounding the skatepark that are marked out as football pitches during the season. Lots of space…
Set on the banks of the Maitai River, you could easily reach this lovely cafe on foot or bike to help build up an appetite! Serving breakfast and lunch everyday, you can sit outside, bathed in sunshine and watch life by the river pass by or inside in the bright airy…
Bright and airy with an interesting menu and yummy treats in the cabinet, this café is a good central place to eat breakfast, lunch or to have a snack in Nelson. The menu has good choices for vegetarians/vegans, gluten and dairy free diners including on the kids’ menu. The choice for kids…
Whether or not this hill is in the exact centre of NZ is certainly debatable but nevertheless, if you can encourage your kids to the top, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! (for more on the reason for the centre of New Zealand name, look at this…
If you’re looking for ice cream in the centre of Nelson, this is the place to come – it is literally award winning. Philip the owner makes all the frozen delights himself so will be able to advise you if you have allergy concerns. The flavours are multiple and some are…
Tahunanui is a suburb about 10 minutes drive south west of Nelson city, in the direction of the airport. It’s well known for its white-sand beach which is long and wide. The water here is usually calm and shallow for a long way out. It’s patrolled part time during the…
This indoor pool in the Nelson region is a good place to come on a wet day or if you want to escape the heat of summer. While there are no hydroslides at this pool, there is a wave pool with lazy river, 2 spa pools and a separate toddlers’…
This chain of indoor inflatable playgrounds are a great place to release excess energy when the weather isn’t great outside. They generally operate in big indoor sports arenas. Equipment can change but there are usually big inflatable slides, bungees, climbing areas with big jumps from he top and inflatable obstacle courses. There’s…
Taking kids to a place displaying glass sounds nerve wracking but as well as a gallery and shop, this family firm of glass makers and artists has a glass blowing factory which is fascinating for kids. Glass is blown most days and kids are able to watch the whole process. It…
