activities • shopping & markets

nelson
Shops are generally open from Monday - Thursday 9am-5.30pm, and on Friday 9am-7pm, and Saturday 9am-4pm. Some are open longer hours including Sundays.

Nelson city is the region’s largest shopping area but there are also smaller shopping centres nearby.

Richmond, Motueka and Smaller Shopping Centres
Just 15 minutes drive from Nelson city is Richmond with main street shopping, cafes, restaurants, and everything from cookware to lifestyle clothing. Richmond boasts the largest shopping mall in the top of the South Island and is also a vibrant retail destination.
Richmond is open late on Thursday nights.

Motueka (50 minutes drive from Nelson) is the last main shopping destination before Abel Tasman National Park so stock up on camping gear, supplies and clothing.

Villages such as Mapua, St Arnaud, Murchison and Collingwood have convenience stores and most have Eftpos.

shopping & markets

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Banks
All major banks are represented in Nelson city, with a full range of ATM machines and Eftpos services. Foreign exchange is available at most banks between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Markets
The Nelson market operates on Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm in the Montgomery Car Park in the city centre. Aromas of organic coffee and exotic cuisine fill the air. Savour gourmet chutneys, local olive oils and hot smoked salmon. Art and designer wares abound from large wooden platters to scented candles and handcrafted silver.

Motueka hosts a Sunday market and Takaka in Golden Bay has a Saturday market. Other small markets are held at different times throughout the region. Check out the i-SITE Visitor Centres, local newspapers and the Nelson Tasman Regional Events Calendar.

Local Designers
Sprinkled among the city stores are local 'Nelson made' artists, clothing designers, galleries and jewellers showcasing regional talent of world class. After all Lord of the Rings "One Ring" was made here, so when it comes to local talent the sky's the limit.

Art Galleries and Studios
While enjoying the World of WearableArt and Collectable Cars Museum, check out the WOW gallery for paintings and shop for jewellery and collectables. Just beyond Richmond is Höglund Art Glass International Glass Centre where you can see glass blowing in action. From here follow the Coastal Highway to many tempting retail stopovers including Mapua, Motueka through to Golden Bay or head south to Nelson Lakes and Murchison to explore the many galleries along the way.

For artists and art news check out the Arts Marketing Network's website www.nelsonarts.org.nz