ORL 2015 Conference
 
OUR TOP PICKS

If you decide to stay on for a few days there are lots of great things to do in Nelson. These are some of our favorites...

OUTDOORS

- Centre of NZ Walk - For great views over the city
- Cable Bay Walkway - Beautiful coastal views and a great Café at the end 
- Numerous awesome Mountain Bike Trails
- Kite Surfing at Tahunanui Beach - Mike’s top pick
- And Paddle Boarding - and for a more sedate way to take in our Beach in Town 
- Rabbit Island –  a great beach for swimming, long walks, picnics and bike riding
- The Great Taste Cycle Trail - goes through Rabbit Island, and you can catch a Ferry to Mapua, where there are lots of cafes and galleries - The Flat Bottom Fairy goes across on a schedule, but they might come and pick you up if they spot you waving. The Rabbit Island Coffee Company is a good stop for drinks and food.
- Marina - Maitai Walk – a newly developed river walk in the middle of town 

EATS AND DRINKS

- Deville's Cafe  - relaxed courtyard dining and music
- Rhythm & Brown – across the road from Deville, for a wine or a coffee 
- The Freehouse for Craft Beers 
- Urban Bar for noisy late night drink and great food
- The Baker's for hot buns – Sean’s favourite lunch spot. Beautiful pastries and styling  
- Melrose House High Tea or Lunch 
- Hopgoods – for fine dining
- Jellyfish Cafe – Mapua
- Nicola’s Cantina – tucked down a side lane, Mexican. It’s small and fills up quick, reservations recommended 
- Jester House Café – out of town and highly recommended for a unique experience

ARTS AND CRAFTS

- Art Expo Nelson (24-26 October) A massive art show, 150 NZ artists, 1500 art works under the one roof.
- Nelson Arts Festival – (15-26 October) Over 12 magical days and nights, a smorgasbord of local, national and international theatre, dance, music and readers’ and writers’ talks.
- NZ Classic Motorcycles – a diverse, unique collection of classic & vintage motorcycles and artwork. New Zealands biggest collection of Classic Motor bikes
- Nelson Saturday Market –a Nelson icon, selling handcrafted items from some of the region’s most accomplished artisans and craftspeople.
- Hoglund’s Glass – glassblowing studio of the Hoglund family
- WOW Museum - stunning and highly recommended


SHOPPING

For those who want to explore  Nelson’s reknowned artist and wine community the Nelson Arts Guide  provides a fantastic resource to easliy organise a unique Nelson experience with over a 150 artists, galleries and wineries featured. Among those to be found in Nelson city include:
- Suter Gallery and Café – currently in different premises due to renovations, art, store and café in the middle of town.
- Jens Hansen: The Ringmaker – maker of The One Ring from Lord of the Rings.
- Shine – contemporary design store with local and national jewelry, clothes and accessories 
- Craig Potton Gallery – right next door to Shine, with photography, books, art and gifts  
- Eclectic – across the road, a 2-storey collection of vintage and antique items 
- Red Gallery – local art, jewelry, books and coffee
- Palm Boutique – expertly curated NZ and international clothes, with a relaxed and helpful atmosphere  
- Art Expo Nelson – a huge art sale, held once a year
- Page and Blackmore  - NZ bookshop of the year 2014 – a huge selection of interesting books and ever-helpful staff 


If that’s not enough to tempt you, this website has lots more ideas.