Upcoming Events in Nelson, Tasman
The Ocean Swim Series is back for 2025/26 — and their first stop is beautiful Nelson.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Tāhunanui Beach in the Nelson-Tasman region, this event offers something for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned ocean swimmer or trying it for the first time.
They have free 100 m and 200 m events for kids aged 6–12, a 500 m swim for those beginning their open water journey, and 1 km and 3.2 km options for more experienced swimmers. Whatever your age, ability or challenge, this is a great day out for individuals, families, and friends.
Entries are now open — sign up today!
Welcome to the 13th year of The Great Christmas Market!
We love this time of the year and we love sharing our festive market and all the gorgeous handmade gifts you and your loved ones will treasure.
Founders will yet again be gracing us with its beauty and charm hosting over 100 of the regions finest boutique makers. You’ll find unique, handmade gifts for all of your loved ones this Christmas.
We’ve got stalls inside the Energy Center, The Granary & outside as well. There will be plenty of top quality food options to entice the taste buds whilst shopping. If you fancy taking your time you could pack your own picnic or sit and relax at the infamous Founders Cafe and Brewery. We will have visiting buskers & choirs throughout the day to add to the atmosphere.
Founders has loads on offer for any non-shoppers in your group, Visit Founders Cafe & Bar. For the kids there’s the fantastic playground and the carefully curated historic buildings.
We recommend you get your friends together, fill your wallet with cash (many of our stallholders wont have eftpos) & come with some great big market bags.
Buying handmade & NZ made has never been better.
Nelson Cathedral is beautiful at any time of the year, but during the Christmas Tree Festival it is magical. Over 50 trees are on display, each one crafted by a community organisation, club or business. That’s already special but on top of that, there are free lunchtime concerts. During the first three weeks of December, there is a different concert each weekday at 1pm. Check out our website for the schedule. Also, don’t miss the chance to see the Cathedral at night. We will stay open until 9pm on three Fridays leading up to Christmas; December 5th, 12th and 19th. When you visit the Festival, you will be invited to vote for your favourite tree, with the winners announced at the Switch Off service on Sunday 18 January (10am). The Festival begins at 6pm on Wednesday 26th December with a Light-Up service. This short service, aimed particularly at children, is a delightful way to kick off the festive season.
Our team has sponsored and decorated a Christmas Tree as part of Nelson Airport’s annual display celebrating our region and supporting Nelson Tasman Hospice.
Visit Nelson Airport, enjoy the festive display, and vote for your favourite tree for a chance to win great prizes!
Join in at the wonderful Founders Heritage Park for an afternoon of boutique gins, delicious food and great vibes with the Brad Staley Band. Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or just starting your journey, Gintastic brings together some of New Zealand’s most exciting and awarded distilleries for you to taste, discover and enjoy.
Bringing the Christmas magic to Nelson!
The Nelson Santa Parade Trust is thrilled to be bringing the NBS Nelson Santa Parade to the Nelson CBD.
Experience Aotearoa’s first road and trail running festival!
The Spectacle is a multi-day running festival, uniquely uniting high-octane inner-city road running with the adventure of trail running. . However you like to move – there’s an event for you.
And to top off this epic weekend of racing, witness some of the world’s best milers go head-to-head in the Elite International Mile, followed by a free concert in the heart of Nelson City.
Come and join in at the Tāhunanui playing fields down near the beach. 70+ stalls of food, crafts, with something to interest everyone Entertainment – Steam Punkers and Eclectic Fix, a 10 piece band from Blenheim. Chocolate wheel – Around $5000 of prizes to be won.
See you there!
The only T20 Super Smash event in Nelson this season is perfectly timed to bring family and friends along for summer holdiday fun that’s super easy on your pocket.
See BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS playing for their domestic teams. Family-friendly ticket pricing (with free entry for under 5-year-olds) and multi-ticket savers for groups make this an affordable option, with loads of wholesome entertainment, a buzzy atmosphere and the big hits, plus free giveaways for the kids.
Tickets gain you entry to both T20 matches on the day and you can come in at any time, with the Central Hinds playing the Canterbury Magicians from 12.40pm, and the men’s national Super Smash champions our very own Central Stags laying down the challenge to the Canterbury Kings in a national Grand Final rematch from 4.25pm!
*(Wet weather date: Saturday, 17 January 2026).
Experience a classic Nelson summer evening of music, food, and fun at Tāhuna Summer Sounds!
Join us on Friday, 16 January, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the scenic Tāhunanui Beach Reserve for a FREE community event for all ages.
Get ready to enjoy live performances on two stages: the Youth Stage, showcasing the region’s freshest young talent, and the Community Stage, featuring local favorites delivering a mix of upbeat tunes and laid-back melodies. This celebration of summer will feature local food vendors, offering a delicious array of options to satisfy every craving or bring a picnic.
THANK YOU to our community for getting involved! Around 220 people showed up on Saturday 20 September 2025 to drag 720kg out of the inlet, surrounding bush and beach – a record on both counts!
We love so many people getting involved, showing their care and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for this beautiful place.
Our clean-up is part of a much bigger effort: the annual nation-wide Clean Up Week which shines a light on how much litter ends up in our environment and brings communities together to tackle the issue head-on.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Up Week also incorporates World Clean Up Day which happened also on Saturday 20 September. The event is a global civic action, bringing together individuals, governments, and organisations to tackle waste issues.
Discover the diverse array of events that define Nelson Tasman, showcasing its rich heritage, warm hospitality and boundless opportunities for fun and discovery.