Upcoming Events in Nelson, Tasman
Tuku 26 Whakatū, our popular festival of heritage, has something for everyone with more than 80 individual event listings celebrating our diverse cultural heritage. Nelson Whakatū has a rich heritage, from the early arrival by Māori and its later establishment as the New Zealand Company’s first settlement in the South Island. This cultural diversity has been enriched by the subsequent arrival of newer migrants from all corners of the globe.
He whetū i te rangi, he whetū ki te whenua
A star in the sky, a star on the earth
Taku Rau Tīkumu explores the enduring relationship between people and alpine landscapes through the story of tīkumu, a resilient mountain plant bound to generations of knowledge, skill, and care. Featuring a significant collection of tīkumu taonga, the exhibition weaves together mātauranga Māori, science, oral histories, photographs, and rare records from across Aotearoa.
Supported by He Aka Ka Toro under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Creative New Zealand.
Temporary Exhibition
The Blessing of the Fleet honours our sea-going whanau, past and present.
Friday 8th May: Fireworks Display (Tahunanui Beach)
Saturday 9th May: Blessing of the Fleet Community Day (Seafarers Memorial Pier)
Come and witness the spectacular fireworks display from Tahunanui Beach on Friday, May 8th, for the Blessing of the Fleet.
More information coming soon! Keep an eye out on their Facebook Page >> https://www.facebook.com/SeafarersMemorialNelson/
The Blessing of the Fleet honours our sea-going whanau, past and present.
Friday 8th May: Fireworks Display (Tāhunanui Beach)
Saturday 9th May: Blessing of the Fleet Community Day (Seafarers Memorial Pier)
The Blessing starts at 1.00 pm.
Witness the Vessel Parade, the impressive Port Nelson Tugs display, and the fascinating Fish filleting and demonstrations by Talleys.
Enjoy some mouth-watering seafood and fish n’ chips while experiencing the festivities at the Seafarers Memorial on Wakefield Quay.
More information coming soon! Keep an eye out on their Facebook Page >> https://www.facebook.com/SeafarersMemorialNelson/
Come and paint Nelson’s local Cable Bay!
Canvas and paints supplied.
Guidance given. No experience necessary.
Bring your friends or make some new ones while you paint.
From 15 June to 12 July 2026, local eateries across the region will go head-to-head, crafting mouthwatering burger and burger-inspired creations in a celebration of flavour, creativity, and local hospitality. From classic comfort to bold, inventive twists, venues will put their best burgers forward in the quest to be crowned a Burger Nelson Tasman favourite.
Burger lovers are invited to eat their way around the region, discover new venues, revisit old favourites, and have their say by voting throughout the campaign. Community participation plays a key role in shaping the outcome, making this a truly local celebration of food and hospitality.
Burger Nelson Tasman is all about supporting local businesses, showcasing culinary talent, and encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the diverse tastes Nelson Tasman has to offer during the winter months.
Admire their collection of 150+ classic cars in this special after-hours event specifically showcasing viewing of 100+ classic cars with their hoods up! The bonnets are lifted and doors are unlocked, giving an unobstructed view of these beautiful machines. Take a seat, settle in behind the wheel and marvel at the intricate details.
No matter your preference of aromas whether it’s car polish, old vinyl, engine oil, or petrol, they have you covered! Inhale mouth-wateringly delicious onsite catering and bars or a shot straight from petrolhead heaven into your veins with onsite LIVE demos performed by Cartel Works Ltd including firing of our Merlin Spitfire engine.
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.