Nelson is a city on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand and has a population of around 50,000 people. It is known for its art galleries and museums, its bustling port, its beaches and its stunningly rugged scenery of mountains, forests, rivers and bays.
1. Nelson parks and places for a walk on a first date
Nelson has many parks and places to take your date for a walk, so it is a great place for a first date. The Botanic Reserve is a large parkland area with native and exotic plants, a lake and a children’s play area. The Queen Elizabeth Park has a walking track on the waterfront and a cafe. The Maitai Valley Arboretum is a conservation area with native and exotic trees and views of distant mountain ranges. The Grampians Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary with rare plant species, picnic spots and walking tracks. The Centre of New Zealand is a grassy area with views of the city and a monument to commemorate the city’s founding. The Poorman’s Park is an urban park with sculptures, a playground, pathways and views of the sea.
2. Places for a coffee date in Nelson
For those who want to get to know each other over a cup of coffee, there are plenty of places to go in Nelson. The Vic Market Cafe is a chilled-out cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, board games and great coffee. The Common Room Cafe is a bright, modern cafe with a wide range of food choices. The Coffee Garden is an inviting cafe with a spacious outdoor area and a great range of food and drinks. The Wowser Cafe offers a retro atmosphere with its vintage furniture, artworks and arcade games. The Turning Point Cafe is a funky cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of board games. The Olive & Bean Cafe is a cozy cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and a range of light meals and drinks.
3. Nelson galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
For those looking for something a bit more cultural to do on their first date, Nelson has some great galleries, museums and exhibitions. The Nelson Provincial Museum has a wide range of displays on the history, culture and people of the region. The Suter Art Gallery is an art gallery and museum with a range of New Zealand and international artworks, lectures, workshops and events. The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Car Museum is a fascinating place with exhibits of cars and wearable art from around the world. The Nelson Maritime Museum is an award-winning museum with interactive displays about the history of Nelson’s maritime industry. The Touch Compass Dance Theatre has regular dance performances and workshops.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Nelson
Nelson is home to a vibrant music and entertainment scene, so it’s a great place to take your date for some lively fun. The Amaro Live Music Café is a popular venue that hosts a range of live music, comedy shows and events. The Boathouse Theatre is a unique venue that hosts performances of theatre, music and comedy acts. The Theatre Royal is an historic theatre that hosts live music, theatre and dance shows. The Yealands Estate Winery hosts regular music events in its winery setting. The Sprig & Fern Tavern is a lively bar with a range of live music, comedy acts and events. The Band Rotunda is a popular outdoor venue with a range of live music and entertainment.
5. Nelson pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
There are plenty of places to get a drink or a meal in Nelson. The Sprig & Fern Tavern is a lively bar with a range of craft beers, ciders and wines. The Mussel Inn is a popular spot for craft beer and local seafood dishes. The Pier Hotel is a classic pub with an extensive range of beers, wines and cocktails. The Smokehouse is a waterside restaurant with a selection of barbecue and seafood dishes. The Signal Station Cafe is a friendly cafe with a range of food and drinks. The Sprig has a great selection of local craft beers and a garden area. The Sprig & Fern Brewery is a brewery and bar with a range of craft beers and ciders.
6. Other date ideas to try in Nelson
If you are looking for something different to do on a first date in Nelson, there are plenty of other options. Take a boat cruise down the Haulashore lagoon and watch the sunset while listening to music. Go kayaking in the Abel Tasman
