Nelson is a natural city known for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Nelson, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Nelson?
You should plan to spend around $115 (NZ$192) per day on your vacation in Nelson. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $47 (NZ$79) on meals
- $29 (NZ$48) on local transportation
- $82 (NZ$137) on hotels
A one week trip to Nelson for two people costs, on average, $1,604 (NZ$2,688). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$802
NZ$1,344
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,604
NZ$2,688
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One Month
Per person
$3,436
NZ$5,760
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,604
NZ$2,688
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,207
NZ$5,376
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One Month
For a couple
$6,872
NZ$11,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Nelson cost?
A one week trip to Nelson usually costs around $802 (NZ$1,344) for one person and $1,604 (NZ$2,688) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Nelson on average costs around $1,604 (NZ$2,688) for one person and $3,207 (NZ$5,376) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Nelson will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Nelson on average costs around $3,436 (NZ$5,760) for one person and $6,872 (NZ$11,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Nelson expensive to visit?
Nelson is a popular city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Nelson can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $46 (NZ$77) per day, mid-range travelers spend $115 (NZ$192) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $279 (NZ$467) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nelson.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Nelson is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nelson Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nelson?
The average Nelson trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nelson travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nelson cost?
Nelson on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(NZ$28)
|
$41
(NZ$68)
|
$96
(NZ$161)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
(NZ$21)
|
$29
(NZ$48)
|
$52
(NZ$88)
|
|
Food 2
|
$18
(NZ$31)
|
$47
(NZ$79)
|
$124
(NZ$208)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(NZ$17)
|
$24
(NZ$40)
|
$44
(NZ$74)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(NZ$5-14)
|
$6-19
(NZ$11-32)
|
$13-38
(NZ$21-64)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Nelson without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Nelson on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $46 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Nelson offers plenty of hostels such as Tasman Bay Backpackers, YHA Nelson, and Bridge Backpackers. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Nelson, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Nelson are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $115 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Nelson. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Baywick Inn Bed & Breakfast is a good kid-friendly option, and Collingwood Manor is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Nelson here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $279 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Best Abel Tasman Day trip - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Nelson
In Nelson, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak winter season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $88, but during peak season they jump to an average of $164. You can find budget options starting at $48 up to luxury rates at $263. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nelson for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $82 (NZ$137). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $41 (NZ$68) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nelson? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Nelson include:
- Baywick Inn Bed & Breakfast starting at $121
- Cambria House Nelson starting at $137
- Joya Garden & Villa Studios starting at $33
- Annick House Bed and Breakfast starting at $139
- Palms Motel Nelson starting at $114
Nelson is a very family friendly city. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space.
Planning to spend a week in Nelson? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid winter), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Many enjoy discovering Nelson by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Transportation Budget in Nelson
Nelson does not has a good public transit system. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $29 (NZ$48) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nelson. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nelson is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
NZ$48
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Nelson? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nelson will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Nelson
Don't overlook the delicious food in Nelson. Make sure you take some time to savor all the local specialties. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Nelson can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nelson is $47 (NZ$79) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$47
NZ$79
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nelson is around $47 (NZ$79) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $124. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nelson are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Nelson is the largest fishing port in all of Australasia, which means the seafood here is pretty unbeatable. There is a market that sells fresh local produce, and most of the restaurants serve it as well. If you want something fast, grab a Turkish kebab from Akbabas Turkish Kebab House, which is Nelson's most popular takeaway restaurant.
Nelson is the craft brewing capital of New Zealand, so be sure to try some beer. It also has many boutique wineries that have won international competitions. The Free House is a bar that serves many of the local beers (sadly, the beers are not free).
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nelson
Travelers flock to Nelson because it is well-known for its beaches, hiking, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nelson typically cost an average of $24 (NZ$40) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
NZ$40
Nelson is a town that is well known for its arts and crafting influences. There is a museum in Nelson called WOW The World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars that's something worth seeing. The Miyazu Japanese Garden is a beautiful place to see as well; it was inspired by the Japanese city Miyazu, which is Nelsons sister city.
As mentioned above, Nelson is the geographical center of New Zealand, and there is a trigonometrical point and marker on a hill in the botanic gardens. This is a great place for photos and has beautiful views of the city below with the sea on the horizon.
One of the famous landmarks in Nelson is the Christ Church Cathedral. Granite steps lead you from Trafalgar Square up to the doors of the Cathedral. There are services on Sunday's if you wish to attend one of those.
Visit Tahanui Beach for a day full of activities while you are in Nelson. The beach is beautiful in itself, but you can also visit the skate park, children's playground, hydroslide, the public tennis courts, or even play a round of mini golf! The beach is about five kilometers from the city center.
Paragliding is a great activity while in Nelson as you can witness the beautiful views of the sea and land from above. Cumulus Paragliding offers tandem paragliding experiences.
Alternatively, it is really worth making a day (or more) trip to Abel Tasman National Park. There are tons of activities, but kayaking is one of the most popular.
Lastly, if you are visiting New Zealand, skydiving should be something on the cards for you. It is one of the most sought after activities in the country and Abel Tasman is one of the best places in the world to do it. You can see everything from snow-capped mountains to crystal clear ocean waters when you jump.
Beaches:
Many travelers seek the calming shores of Nelson. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.
Hiking:
The hiking around Nelson is terrific. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Nelson. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National Park for $123 details
- Magical Mapua Self Guided One Day Cycle Tour for $75 details
- Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided for $29 details
Nightlife Budget in Nelson
For nightlife, Nelson offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 (NZ$21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nelson per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
NZ$21
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Nelson. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Self-guided E-bike cycle tour with private wine tasting for $96 details
Traveling in Nelson
Archway Islands, Wharariki Beach, New Zealand
Nelson is a city that sits on Tasman Bay on the South Island of New Zealand. Travelers, especially ones that are heading to explore Abel Tasman National Park, frequently visit this town. Nelson has a population of about 46,000 people and, geographically speaking, it is the center of New Zealand as a whole.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are many different neighborhoods and areas in the greater region of Nelson. Nelson and Richmond make up the urban centers of the region (Richmond is about 8 miles from Nelson). Heading west, the towns and bays off of the highways that surround Nelson are considered part of the region as well. Some of these towns are Mapua, Motueka, and Moutere. Mapua is a great place to explore if you're interested in wildlife, more specifically birds and whales. The ecological Waimea inlet is located here and is a great place to spot some of this wildlife. Other than that, Mapua has great wineries and cafes. As you continue along highway 60, you will pass the turn off for Ruby Bay. There is a campsite on the bay called McKee Memorial Reserve Camping Ground and it is well worth spending a night at. It costs no more than $10 to camp, and the view that you will wake up to in the morning is unreal. It is not far outside of Nelson either, so if you have the camping gear, I suggest checking out Ruby Bay!
The next town that is part of the Nelson region is Motueka. Here you will find many art galleries and studios that have many different types of art. Motueka is also known for beer; the best hops in the world are grown here and during harvest season you can even volunteer to help cut down vines for harvesting.
If you are aiming to get to the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park, you will pass through one more beach town worth visiting, which is Kaiteriteri. The sand at the beach is made of quartz and mica particles giving it a unique golden tint. This is a great beach for swimming, but keep in mind the water is pretty chilly, even in the summer! Just outside of Kaiteriteri is a geological point of interest called Split Apple Rock, which is a giant rock made of granite that is shaped like an apple cut in half. After Kaiteriteri, you will find yourself in Abel Tasman National Park, which is one of New Zealand's sunniest and most beautiful parks. Kayaking is very popular in the park, as well as hiking and other water activities.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.