Art & Culture

Nelson is know for its arts and culture, it is where the World of Wearable Art™ was created and the one ring to rule then all was made for Lord of The Rings and has a strong artist community in the region.

Discover the iconic World of Wearable Art™ and Classic Cars Museum, where a world-class collection of classic cars can be viewed alongside incredible wearable works of art created for the yearly show of the same name.

Enjoy the charms of days gone by strolling through the character-filled streets, established gardens and charming village greens or take a train ride during the summer months at Founders Historic Park.  Only a few minutes walk from the Nelson hotel’s main entry off Nile Street West, South Street is Nelson's oldest street, consisting of 16 working-class cottages built between 1863 and 1867. There is no admission cost to visit the street.

Join the locals and overdose on retail therapy at the vibrant Saturday Nelson Market. Each week, Montgomery Square car-park fills with vendors offering fresh produce, art, crafts, fashion, food, jewelry, great coffee, delicious food and more.  Nelson is known for its artist community. View a collection of local, national and international art at the Suter Art Gallery or visual and performance art at the Refinery Artspace Nelson Art Gallery