Nelson

Things to do in Nelson

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Nelson

View all Attractions
Whale Watch Kaikoura
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

9.4
4.6/5
212 reviews
Whale watching cruise in Kaikoura are a signature marine experience in Kaikoura, New Zealand's South Island. The unique feature of the Kaikoura waters is a two-kilometer-deep underwater canyon that runs alongside the coast, creating a rich marine food chain that allows sperm whales to inhabit near-shore waters year-round—making it one of the few places in the world where you can observe wild sperm whales up close year-round. Once out at sea, a common sight is a massive male sperm whale surfacing to spout water before diving deep into the ocean, its tail fins billowing high – diving typically lasting several tens of minutes. During the voyage, there's also a chance to encounter groups of dark-spotted dolphins, renowned for their impressive leaps and somersaults, with groups sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Hector's dolphins, small dolphins endemic to New Zealand, are also rare, appearing in small groups near the shore. New Zealand fur seals often rest on the rocks along the route. Humpback whales, killer whales, and other migratory whales are occasionally spotted, mostly during the winter months. Kaikoura's landscape, nestled between snow-capped mountains and facing the sea, is itself an impressive sight during the voyage. However, sea weather is unpredictable, and departures may be cancelled due to rough seas. Checking the ship's condition before departure can prevent a wasted trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura

Traveler favorites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Nelson

Featured Food & drink in Nelson

View all Food & drink
Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 681.00SEK 717
Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough
󱌍
4.9/5
· 200 reviews
Duration: 390 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 1,408.00
Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise
󱌍
4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 1,997.00SEK 2,103
From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 784.00SEK 826

Featured Day tours in Nelson

View all Day tours
Abel Tasman Vista Cruise
󱌍
Duration: 3–6 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 704.00
Nelson: Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Experience
󱌍
4.9/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 578.00SEK 609
Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland
󱌍
4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 709.00SEK 747
Nelson: Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Guided Night Walk
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 304.00SEK 320
Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo
󱌍
4.7/5
· 153 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
92.2% of travelers recommend
FromSEK 742.00
Abel Tasman National Full Park Scenic Cruise
󱌍
4.3/5
· 163 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 664.00
Abel Tasman National Park: Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch
󱌍
4.8/5
· 35 reviews
Duration: 6.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
34 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 1,466.00SEK 1,544
Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 627.00SEK 661

More things to do

Nelson cruises

View all cruises

Private Tours in Nelson

View More Private Tours in Nelson
Nelson Today's weatherIntermittent clouds 12-20℃
Nelson weather for the next 2 days11/4: 12-19℃, 11/5: 15-22℃

Free things to do in Nelson

What travelers say about Nelson

user-avatar
TodemmyMay 21, 2020
5.0
We were here last year to see the Virtual Worlds exhibition so I knew we couldn’t miss the Alice in Wonderland exhibition this year! The exhibition was amazing! The scarecrows from the other different businesses and teams were awesome too! Can’t wait to see what next year has in store!

Botanical Reserve

user-avatar
王海娃子November 22, 2019
4.0
Japanese gardens are always so orderly and quiet in their simplicity and elegance.

Miyazu Japanese Garden

user-avatar
111***97October 24, 2026
4.0
I took seasickness medication beforehand. The sea wasn't too windy that day, but there were still some swells, and I felt a little seasick when the boat first set off at a low speed. The boat was very clean, and the crew was very attentive to service. We didn't see many whales that day, and the ones we did see weren't very big; I only caught a glimpse of a whale's tail once. Overall, it was a good experience. The only downside was that it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, but thankfully, the journey passes through vineyards, and there are a few wineries worth visiting.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Trip Moments in Nelson

Popular cities near Nelson

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Nelson?

Don't miss these attractions in Nelson: Centre of New Zealand Monument, Botanical Reserve, and Queen's Gardens. If you like Food & drink, try Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour. If you enjoy Day tours, try Abel Tasman Vista Cruise.

You can give Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour and Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Abel Tasman Vista Cruise, Nelson: Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Experience, and Nelson: Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 3, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Nelson is around SEK 304 – SEK 1,466. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.