Top of the South
Travel Guide
Visit Top of the South
Where to stay in Top of the South
Nelson City Centre
Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Queens Gardens and Nelson Provincial Museum.
Waikawa
Travellers like the mountain views in Waikawa, and Waikawa Marina is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Tahunanui
Tahunanui is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Tahunanui Beach Reserve and Natureland Zoo while you're in town.
Stoke
Stoke is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like McCashin's Brewery and Marsden Recreation Ground.
Renwick
Wineries, restaurants and gardens are some highlights of Renwick. Make a stop by Wairau River or Nautilus Estate while you're exploring.
Ruby Bay
You'll appreciate the wineries during your time in Ruby Bay and you might want to plan a stop by Mapua Wharf and Tasman Golf Club while you're in the area.
The Hotel Nelson
Everything very good. Highly recommend.
Reviewed on 25 Feb, 2026
The Boathouse Lodge
Friendly staff, nice communal area and good location
Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2026
Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Impressive from the outside but room very ordinary. Clean and comfortable but kitchen amenities had been stripped out with only a fridge 2 coffee cups 2 wine glasses and 2 water glasses and 1 tea spoon remaining. Seemed expensive for what we got.
Reviewed on 22 Feb, 2026
Quest Nelson
Clean, good staff
Reviewed on 24 Feb, 2026
DeLorenzo's Studio Apartments
Nice room with small kitchen and laundry. All the basics were provided including some coffee and milk. Located within easy walking distance of main shopping and dining area of Nelson. Not a pretty setting (roadside and parking) but good value.
Reviewed on 22 Feb, 2026
Beaches Nelson
Excellent all round.
Reviewed on 18 Feb, 2026
Popular places to visit
Picton Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this walkable area.
Picton Harbour
Visit a floating maritime museum, board a chartered fishing boat and relax beneath the tall palms that line one of New Zealand’s most important harbours.
Te Waikoropupu Springs
Explore the great outdoors at Te Waikoropupu Springs, a lovely green space in Takaka. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Trafalgar Park
Catch an event at Trafalgar Park during your trip to Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Cloudy Bay Vineyards during your travels to Rapaura. While you're here, you can savour the wineries.
Christ Church Cathedral
After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nelson. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
