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Art, Culture and Recreation

Nelson is arguably the arts capital of New Zealand and its rich heritage is on display throughout the city and into Tasman as well. There is much to do and see, get out and about to learn more about the region.

Nelson Provincial Museum

The Nelson Provincial Museum opened in the central city in 2005 and showcases the natural and human history of Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South). Visit the permanent regional exhibition.

Beyond the various art, culture and recreation topics in the menu, find out more below.

Nelson Arts Guide

The Nelson region is home to a diverse array of artists and craftspeople, all drawn to one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand. This book is your guide to some of the best cultural treasures the region has to offer and introduces you to more than 100 artists, wineries, restaurants and other businesses. Whether you are a serious art buyer, or just looking to experience the culture and creative flavour of the region, it is an easy $15 to part with. Available widely at bookstores, i-site centres, cafes, galleries and restaurants.

Nelson Markets

Famous even beyond New Zealand, Nelson’s eclectic Saturday Market has the best of the region’s foods including fresh fruit, berries, vegetables and flowers, seafood, cheeses and meats. Jewellery, crafts and fashion sit alongside colourful pottery, wholegrain breads, handmade soaps and possum fur slippers. The Nelson Market is a great place for coffee and people watching, and reflects the multi-cultural mix of the city - try Dutch doughnuts, German bratwurst and satay chicken. Saturdays 8am-1pm Montgomery Square. Motueka’s Market is on every Sunday 8am-1pm, Decks Reserve Carpark, with all of the above.

Crafts

South Street Gallery for pottery, Flamedaisy in Trafalgar Square to see glass being made, Hoglund Art Glass Gallery at the Rutherford Hotel, silver at Lustre near the Collingwood Street bridge where you’ll also find the Weavers Gallery, Fibre Spectrum in Trafalgar Square and Petals and Pots for a great range of crafts at Tahunanui.

School of Arts and Media

The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology’s School of Arts and Media takes a leading role in the region’s arts and media education and makes a major contribution to the strength and vibrancy of the Top of the South arts’ sector. Many successful artists, musicians, writers and designers are graduates from these programmes.

Programmes at certificate, diploma and degree level cater for a wide range of interests and different levels of experience.  Students can pick and mix from a variety of courses including: Visual Arts and Design, Creative Writing, Graphics and Multimedia, Digital Media and Contemporary Music (in partnership with Nelson School of Music).

Sculpture

Central city sculptures are included in two Nelson Heritage Walks, the Eel Walk and the Trevor Horne Heritage Trail, which can be downloaded from the Nelson City Council website. The annual Nelson Arts Festival also features the Manifest Sculpture Exhibition.  

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