Nelson Wine Region Guide

The Nelson wine region is located in the northern part of the South Island of New Zealand. The beautiful Nelson wine region is characterized by sheltered coastlines, rugged mountains, and long sandy beaches. The centre of Nelson wine region is the historical town of Nelson which is perfectly situated on the banks of Tasman Bay. Around Nelson, the first vines of the Nelson wine region were planted by the town's early settlers. The Nelson wine region is not only well known for excellent wines but also for enjoying craft beers.

Check out the list of Wine Tastings and Tours in Nelson wine region.

Explore the Nelson wine region with us. Follow the travel guide we created for you to discover more about:

A wide range of the best New Zealand wines

Places to visit in the Nelson wine region

Natural spots to explore in the Nelson wine region

What to eat and drink in the Nelson wine region

A Wide Range of The Best New Zealand Wines

The wines of the Nelson wine region are well known and respected for the use of highly aromatic grape varietals. The range of temperatures across the Nelson wine region means that a range of wines is produced that pleases the palates of every wine lover. Nelson wine region should not be missed by all who enjoy excellent wines with excellent flavours.

Sub-Regions of Nelson Wine Region

The wine region of Nelson is divided into two sub-regions of the Moutere Hills and the Waimea Plains.

The Moutere Hills is the warmer and wetter sub-region in the Nelson wine region. This area is known for its gravelly clay-type soils which provide richness, flavour, and texture to the wines. The Pinot Noir wines of the Moutere Hills are easily recognizable by their fine tannins, while the Chardonnays have a high level of depth and complexity. This sub-region is the most popular winemaking area of the Nelson wine region as it is where the first vines of Nelson were planted.

The Waimea Plains sub-region gets its name from the Maori words meaning ‘river garden’. This name was given to this area because of its arable cops, fields of hops, and rolling orchards in the Nelson wine region. It is also here where the Nelson wine region has seen the most growth in recent times. The terroir of the Waimea Plains is stony with alluvial soils. The influence of the sea provides the Nelson wine region with a maritime climate which allows the region to produce wines that are light and fresh, with aromas that are wonderfully bright. The Pinot Noir of the Waimea Plains can be described as perfumed while the Chardonnays are rich, vibrant, expressive, and highly aromatic.

Wines to Try in Nelson Wine Region

The unique and specific diurnal temperature changes in the Nelson wine region mean that it is perfect for aromatic wines. Thanks to this, the white wines of the Nelson wine region have crisp flavours with notes of green apples and citrus. The most commonly produced wine in the Nelson wine region is Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.

Nelson Sauvignon Blanc wine is an elegant wine with restrained flavours and expressions. The wine has a wonderful texture and is crisp, with hints of tropical fruits. These flavours are met with those of fresh herbs.

The Chardonnays of the Nelson wine region can also be described as elegant in style. Nelson Chardonnay has a great level of depth and complexity that gives it a superb level of purity and intensity. Nelson Chardonnays are known for having excellent longevity.

The other wines of the Nelson wine region including Riesling, Pinot Gris are Gewurztraminer are also highly expressive with a fine level of acidity and rich flavours.

Nelson Wine Region Map

Discover Wineries in the Nelson wine region to visit for wine tourism experiences.

Places to Visit in the Nelson wine region

An Iconic Walking Route in The Town of Nelson

The Centre of New Zealand Walk can be found in the town of the Nelson wine region. This iconic walk was given this name because it was the central survey point of the country in the 1800s. This scenic walk begins at the Botanical Hill where New Zealand’s first-ever rugby game was played. From there, there are various route options that one can take to reach the top. Once at the top, there are the most spectacular views over the whole of Nelson. After summiting the peak, there are different paths that can be taken back down. One of these paths passes through the well-known Branford Park and the Black Hole swimming pool which is perfect for cooling down in the hot summer months. This short but steep walk is family-friendly and perfect for those wanting to experience the true beauty of Nelson.

Motueka - Small, Vibrant Town

Motueka is a small town with a wonderful atmosphere located in Nelson Tasman. This town is well known for its vibrant café culture and its local community of artists and hipsters. Motueka becomes particularly busy during the harvest period. During this time, local farmers and hops growers make use of seasonal workers which brings many people to the town looking for work and an interesting new experience. Motueka is also famous for being the gateway to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

The most popular attractions in Motueka are the interesting town centre and the vibrant Sunday Market which showcases the local arts and produce. For the most adventurous visitors, don’t miss the Janie Seddon Shipwreck near the Motueka Waterfront and the Motueka Saltwater Baths at the Riwaka Resurgence.

The World of Wearable Art was established in Nelson for more than 30 years in order to bring together the worlds of fashion, design, and art into theatrical performances. The idea behind the World of Wearable Art is to promote local art by taking it off gallery walls and putting it onto moving bodies. Today, one of the most popular events in New Zealand is the World of Wearable Art Awards Competition which attracts participants from 40 different countries around the world. Alongside the World of Wearable Art is the Classic Cars Museum which displays the largest private car collection, which is made up of rare and classic cars.

Take a trip to the World of Wearable Art to experience art in motion and the best in classic cars. While there be sure to enjoy a meal at the Museum café which is known for its tasty delicacies.

Extraordinary Nature at its Best in Nelson Wine Region

The Nelson wine region is surrounded by endless breathtaking beauty. In the Nelson wine region, where the sun never stops shining. Nelson wine region is teeming with national parks and protected areas that form a natural playground for all nature lovers. The combination of land and sea in the Nelson wine region is dramatically beautiful and a true wonder to witness.

Abel Tasman National Park - The Most Visited National Park of Nelson

The Abel Tasman National Park, in the Nelson wine region, is one of the most beautiful natural areas of New Zealand and offers a wide range of activities for all who visit. These activities include walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track – a 53km walk through lush forests and sandy beaches; canyoning and baselining down granite cliffs; kayaking along with the crystal clear blue bays; spending a night under the incredible stars; seeing aerial views of the park from scenic flights; enjoying a cruise of a trip on a sailing boat; visiting the secluded Tonga Island; visiting the Split Apple Rock and paddling along the extensive coastline.

Golden Bay and Takaka

Experience the Warmth and Hospitality of the Nelson wine region

The locals of the Nelson wine region consider the Golden Bay and Takaka as places that warmly welcome all visitors into these arty and vibrant communities. Golden Bay and Takaka are known for their rows of crafty art stores. There is a definite magical atmosphere between Golden Bay and Takaka and it is perhaps this air of magic that made it one of the shooting locations for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies. When visiting Golden Bay and Takaka there is a wide range of accommodations available from rustic backpackers to luxury escapes. Be sure not to miss the chance to visit the famous Mussel Inn for the best in live local mucus and the Te Waikoropupu Springs for some rest and relaxation.

Kahurangi National Park - Nelson’s Treasured Possession

The name Kahurangi when translated means ‘treasured possession’ which is exactly what the Kahurangi National Park is in the Nelson wine region. This is New Zealand’s second-largest national park and covers 45 000 ha of land. This expanse of land covers various altitudes and landscapes and is home to a wide range of wonderful flora and fauna. The Kahurangi National Park is unique in that it is home to the largest population of kiwis in New Zealand. This national park offers wonderful walking trails to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are also tracks for mountain biking and scenic helicopter flights for the most adventurous.

Perfect Location for Food and Wine Lovers in Nelson Wine Region

Nelson wine region is well known across New Zealand for its wonderful artisan products. The incredibly warm and sunny climate of the Nelson wine region means that farmers here are able to produce the highest quality ingredients, used to produce award-winning food – a cannot be missed experience for any food lover. Once in Nelson, make sure to visit Wednesday Farmer's market where you will be able to discover an abundance of local products such as bread, artisan chocolates, pesto, honey and jams, meats and salami.

Fish and Chips - The Staple Meal of New Zealand

According to the official encyclopedia of New Zealand, fish and chips are the staple meal of the country. The fish that is used in traditional New Zealand fish and chips is traditionally either red cod, elephant fish, or blue warehou. The most classic fish and chips recipes call for the fish to be battered in a batter made with beer. If the recipe suggests light beer, this is sometimes replaced with chicken stock or ginger ale. Feel like a true local and enjoy a warm New Zealand day enjoying beer-battered fish and chips fresh from the ocean.

Craft Beers of Nelson

Nelson wine region is also famous for the production of some of the excellent craft beers of New Zealand. You can find craft beer breweries across the city of Nelson and all the way out to Golden bay. Beermaking in Nelson started in the 19th century when the first German settlers came here and found the ideal location for the cultivation of hops. Till today, many family-owned breweries keep the tradition alive and produce some of the best beer you can taste in New Zealand.

If you are a beer lover, you must take a tour of some of the breweries, where you will offer to taste a diversity of craft beers and local food.

The Peanut Butter King

Pic Picot is a local businessman from Auckland, New Zealand. His introduction to food began when working in his father’s grocery store as a young man. At the age of 55 Pic Picot had made enough money to retire and in his spare time began experimenting with making peanut butter in his own kitchen. Today, Pic Picot has an empire based on what many consider to be the best and most delicious peanut butter in the world. Visitors to New Zealand should not miss the chance to enjoy some of Pic’s Peanut Butter or the many wonderful treats that are made using it.