We visited Nelson this Easter from Brisbane, and honestly, the timing couldn’t have been more interesting. With the current global tensions and fuel price uncertainty, travel costs were all over the place so we were really glad we had locked in our flights and accommodation well in advance and avoided the last-minute surge.
Even with everything happening globally, Nelson felt like a completely different world calm, sunny, and incredibly family-friendly. It’s one of those places where you can slow down a bit, let the kids roam, and actually enjoy simple things like beaches, parks, and easy day trips without the usual rush.
We made the most of our time by covering a mix of must-do attractions and relaxed local spots, and it turned out to be the perfect balance for a family trip. In this guide, I’ve put together the best things to do in Nelson with kids – all based on what we actually experienced, what worked, and what’s genuinely worth your time.
For our stay, we booked at Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park, which turned out to be a great choice for a family trip.
We honestly recommend families consider staying at a holiday park rather than a standard hotel. The difference is huge – especially with kids. There are built-in facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, open spaces, and safe areas where kids can just run around and play on their own. That alone gives parents a chance to actually relax a bit instead of constantly keeping kids occupied.
Another big advantage is the cost. Compared to hotels (especially during peak periods like Easter), holiday parks are much more budget-friendly while still offering everything you need for a comfortable stay.
For us, it struck the perfect balance the kids were happy and busy, and we got some
Anatoki Salmon Fishing – A Must-Do with Kids
If you’re travelling with kids, Anatoki Salmon Fishing & Café is an absolute must-visit.
From our stay near Motueka, it was roughly a 1-hour drive – but totally worth it. The experience is simple and perfect for families: kids get to fish in a calm, controlled environment, and they actually catch fish, which makes it incredibly exciting.
Our kids ended up catching five salmon, and every single catch felt like a big win. You can see the excitement build each time – honestly one of the highlights of our trip.
One of the best parts is that fishing (including equipment) is free. You only pay for what you catch, at around $40 per kg. Once you’ve got your fish, there’s an option to have it smoked on-site, and you can sit down and enjoy it right there. If you time it well, this easily turns into a fresh and memorable lunch.
Things to know before you go
- The drive: You’ll need to go over a fairly big hill with winding roads. Kids might complain a bit on the way – ours definitely did.
- Biting insects: This caught us off guard. Bring insect repellent – it makes a big difference
- Facilities: Bathrooms are available but fairly basic, so just set expectations
We weren’t prepared for the insects, which made it slightly uncomfortable at times – but overall, it was still 100% worth it for the experience.
Anchorage Track & Ferry Trip – Full Day Family Adventure
Another highlight of our trip was the Anchorage track experience in Abel Tasman National Park – easily one of the best things to do in Nelson with kids.
We booked a ferry from Kaiteriteri Beach (arranged through our holiday park), and luckily got a great deal where kids travelled free and we only paid for adults.
The ferry ride itself is part of the experience. You get stunning coastal views, pass by the famous Split Apple Rock, and even spot seals along the way – which kept the kids entertained the whole time.
Once you arrive at Anchorage, you’re dropped right on the beach. From there, you can explore at your own pace. We did around a 2-hour coastal trek, which was manageable for the kids and really enjoyable. After the walk, we relaxed on the beach and had a late lunch – simple but one of those moments you remember.
The ferry runs fixed return times (we chose between 3:45pm or 5:30pm pickup), so it naturally becomes a full-day trip.
Things to know before you go
- Plan your day properly: There are no shops or facilities at the beach, so carry enough water and food
- Pack light but smart: Hats, sunscreen, snacks – essentials
- Leave your stuff on the beach: It’s common to leave your bags while you do a short trek
- Make it a full day: Don’t rush – the beauty here is in slowing down
This was one of those days where everything just worked — great weather, happy kids, and stunning scenery all around.
Dinner at Moutere Hills – Perfect for a Special Occasion
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was celebrating our anniversary at Moutere Hills Restaurant and Cellar Door – and honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Set in a beautiful vineyard, this place has everything you’d want for a special evening – great food, stunning scenery, and really good wine. It felt like a proper “slow down and enjoy the moment” kind of experience after a few busy travel days with kids.
The food was excellent, but the standout for us was the lamb shanks – easily one of the best dishes we had on the trip. The wine was just as impressive. We actually liked one of their wines so much that we asked if we could get it back in Australia – but they told us it’s only available at the restaurant and a few local liquor stores, which made it feel even more special.
If you’re travelling as a family, this works well as a nice break for parents – whether you go as a couple or plan an early dinner with kids.
Fun Park & Nelson Beach – Easy Half-Day with Kids
We spent half a day at Tahunanui Fun Park, and it’s a great spot if you’re travelling with younger kids.
There’s plenty to keep them busy – water slides, bumper boats, mini golf, and the highlight for our kids: go-karting. They absolutely loved it and didn’t want to leave.
We ended up buying a family pass, but to be honest, we later felt it wasn’t the best value for us. Most of the attractions are geared towards kids, and as adults, we really only enjoyed the go-karts and mini golf. The rest (like bumper boats and water rides) are more for younger children.
👉 Our tip: Do a quick cost check before buying passes. Depending on your kids’ ages, paying per ride might actually save you money.
After the fun park, we headed to Tahunanui Beach to relax for a bit. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly beach with plenty of space for kids to run around – a nice way to wind down after the busy morning.
Pic’s Peanut Butter Factory – Fun & Educational Stop
One last place we really enjoyed was the Pic’s Peanut Butter World – and it turned out to be a great little experience for the kids.
It’s not just a quick visit – kids actually get to see how peanut butter is made, which makes it fun and a bit educational at the same time. Watching the process and tasting along the way kept them genuinely interested (which isn’t always easy on holidays.
Our tip
- Pre-book your session: It can get quite busy, especially during school holidays
- Allow some time: It’s not rushed, so you can enjoy the experience properly
It’s one of those simple stops that works really well – not too long, not too expensive, but something different that kids remember.
We also did a tasting session where we tried five different types of peanut butter, which was a fun part of the visit. Each one had a slightly different flavour and texture, so it wasn’t just the usual peanut butter you expect.
In the end, we couldn’t resist and bought a couple to take back – the almond and chocolate flavours were our favourites and definitely worth trying.
Planning more New Zealand adventures with kids? Check out our other New Zealand articles covering family-friendly attractions, road trips, playgrounds, walks, food stops and hidden gems across the country.
Read more here: New Zealand Family Guide
Photo credit: All photos on this page are owned by Families Magazine AU unless otherwise stated.
