From June through to August, our crisp, cloudless winter days and mountains blanketed in snow make Nelson Tasman a dreamy location for a romantic getaway. As the perfect time to explore many of our walking tracks, the cooler Nelson weather allows visitors to appreciate the region's spectacular beauty in all its glory.
Slightly crisp mornings that give way to clear blue sky days are perfect for cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and skydiving amongst an abundance of stunning natural landscapes. A nearby ski field offers snow bunnies an endless array of winter adventures, and the views from the top are bound to stop you in your tracks as you look out over the extraordinary Nelson Lakes National Park.
The sunrises and sunsets at this time of year are picture-perfect, especially when set against the calm waters of Tasman Bay. Our lake and alpine scenery is also beautiful and there is still enough daytime sunlight to enjoy mountain biking and other outdoor adventures.
What's more, whilst other locations might hibernate a little, Nelson Tasman still has a buzzing and full winter events calendar which includes our famous bi-annual Light Nelson Festival, the Nelson Art Expo, and a range of other exciting sports events. Our annual Feast for the Senses is also a highlight of the winter season, where you can enjoy a selection of moveable feasts at central city restaurants, with local fare, delicious mulled wine, and vibrant entertainment.
Arts and artisan experiences are still on offer, and the abundance of local markets, galleries, wineries, and craft breweries gives visitors something to do even when the winter weather is a little cooler. Evenings call for cozying up in front of the fire at our award-winning restaurants, with comfort food and hot chocolates galore.
During winter, layers are always a good idea. Trousers, jeans, long sleeve tops, closed in shoes and a staple jacket or coat are recommended, but warm under-layers are always a bonus. Depending on your planned activities, something waterproof could be useful, as well as a hat, gloves and a scarf. If venturing to the ski field, be sure to bring along sunscreen and sunglasses, and if you don't wish to hire gear at the field, bring that with you too.
