Nestled at the top of the South Island, Nelson is a sun-drenched destination perfect for weddings, retreats, workshops, and out-of-town meetings. Lined with golden beaches and three stunning national parks, including the renowned Abel Tasman, this region is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and eventgoers alike. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Nelson has a diverse collection of venues—from waterfront meeting spaces and vineyard settings to boutique hotels. With Nelson as your destination, your next event will be a holiday. 

The Boathouse

Image by The Boathouse

The Pear Orchard

Image by The Pear Orchard

The Pear Orchard is a charming countryside venue in Nelson, ideal for intimate weddings, retreats, and corporate events. Surrounded by orchards and rolling hills, the venue includes a rustic barn, a covered verandah, and spacious lawns for outdoor gatherings. Guests can enjoy exclusive use of the property, with on-site accommodation for up to 20 people. A self-catering venue, The Pear Orchard features a commercial kitchen, allowing flexibility with catering choices. With its tranquil setting and relaxed atmosphere, The Pear Orchard is a picturesque escape for memorable events in the heart of nature.

Founders Heritage Park

Image by Nelson 360

Founders Heritage Park is a fascinating part of Nelson’s history, serving as a replica of the historic village that contains many of Nelson's heritage buildings and artifacts. Moments from the airport and city centre, Founders Heritage Park caters for groups as intimate as 5 to as bustling as 5000. Venue hire includes access to the extensive grounds, exhibits and working railway; choose from their Energy Centre, Granary, Jaycee Room, St Peters Church and more for your upcoming event. With extensive kitchens, antique bars, high ceilings, concrete floors and patios, Founders Heritage Park is ideal for conferences, exhibitions, product launches, meetings and seminars. 

Zatori Retreat

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Zatori Retreat offers quiet luxury in a breathtaking setting overlooking the picturesque Collingwood Village. The Retreat provides a range of spaces, on-site accommodation, a fully licensed bar, and full catering services, ensuring a seamless event experience. With its serene atmosphere and boutique accommodation, Zatori Retreat is an ideal location for retreats, intimate weddings, and exclusive celebrations in a breathtaking setting.

 

Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve

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Located near the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve is a unique beachfront setting for events. The venue consists of two modern event spaces, the Ngaio and Aorere Conference Rooms, which can host 18 to 60 guests. With panoramic ocean views, on-site catering, and state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities, Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve is a perfect venue for corporate retreats, private functions, and special celebrations. Accommodation options range from luxury apartments to eco-friendly cabins, making it a convenient choice for multi-day events in one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal locations.

 

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort

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Situated on the picturesque Monaco Peninsula, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort is a storybook setting for weddings, conferences, and special events. From the charming English-style cottages to event spaces extending over the water - the Resort accommodates up to 200 guests. With on-site catering, elegant accommodation, and a breathtaking location extending over the water, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort is a charming old-world establishment with modern facilities and conveniences. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco is a sophisticated setting for your next event. 

 

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Established in 1972, The Rutherford Hotel is a prominent luxury hotel located in the heart of Nelson. One of the region's largest conferencing facilities, The Rutherford Hotelhas a range of theatre and cocktail spaces to host up to 700 guests. Onsite dining options include Oceano Restaurant, Atom Café, and Port o' Call Bar, while Trafalgar Square and Nelson Cathedral are just a short stroll away. Whether a small business meeting or an international conference, The Rutherford Hotel has an event room to suit. 

 

Melrose House

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Melrose House is one of Nelson’s most treasured historic venues and a Victorian-era setting for weddings, corporate functions, and private events. Situated in central Nelson, the venue features elegant spaces with high ceilings, chandeliers, and period furnishings. Melrose House can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides on-site catering, Wi-Fi and ample parking. Surrounded by heritage gardens, Melrose House is an exceptional venue for those seeking a refined, timeless atmosphere with modern conveniences.

 

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

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Centrally located, NMIT is a fully equipped modern event venue for conferences, seminars, and corporate functions. The campus includes an Auditorium, two lecture theatres, breakout rooms and outdoor networking spaces with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.  Designed with a focus on functionality, NMIT is an excellent venue for educational events, business meetings, and industry gatherings.

The Nelson Yacht Club

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The Nelson Yacht Club is an iconic Nelson venue with a light-filled, ocean-facing event space on the second floor. The Aurora Lounge is an expansive 14m x 15m event space with a dedicated dance floor, a kitchen, a bar, flexible seating arrangements and a capacity of 150 guests. The stunning coastal backdrop and convenient central location make it a standout venue for celebrations and meetings by the water. 

Appleby House

Image by Ana Galloway

Set on 25 acres in the scenic Waimea Plains, Appleby House is a rustic venue for intimate gatherings and outdoor events. The property has a mix of contemporary and country-style accommodations, providing an exclusive retreat-like atmosphere. Open fields, a large covered deck, and panoramic rural views make it perfect for boutique weddings, workshops, and private celebrations. Guests can enjoy a peaceful escape while still being conveniently close to Nelson’s city centre and local attractions.

 

The Mudcastle

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Nestled in the rolling hills of the Moutere Valley, The Mudcastle is one of Nelson’s most distinctive venues. Built from hand-crafted mud bricks, The Mudcastle is a fairytale setting for weddings, corporate retreats, and private events. Guests can enjoy exclusive use of the entire property, including elegant indoor spaces, outdoor gardens and boutique accommodation for 16. With a magical ambience, you'll be wonderstruck at The Mudcastle. 

Beachside Conference and Event Centre

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Beachside Conference and Event Centre is here to bring you everything you need for your Nelson event and then some. This Nelson venue sports a total of 7 different spaces for your upcoming event, including the Kotuku Room, Tui Room, Tawa Room, Kauri Room, Rimu Room, Kowhai Room and Boardroom. You’re given choice upon choice for your function, with a total of 300 guests catered to. Whether you’re hosting a gala dinner, conference, seminar, meeting or more, Beachside Conference and Event Centre know how to make your night unforgettable. The Nelson venue also provides high-speed WiFi, audiovisual equipment and assistance and bespoke catering services to ensure that your event is the success you envisioned from the very start.

 

Fairfield House

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A stunning heritage venue built in 1872, Fairfield House is set in lush gardens just minutes from Nelson’s city centre. This historic home offers a range of flexible spaces, including the Ballroom and Gallery, accommodating up to 150 guests. It features elegant wooden interiors, high ceilings, and an outdoor amphitheatre, making it an ideal choice for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Fairfield House allows clients to choose their own caterers and stylists, providing complete creative freedom. Enjoy timeless charm in a serene setting at Fairfield House. 

 

The Hotel Nelson

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The Hotel Nelson is a locally-owned and -operated venue in the city centre, just 10 minutes from the airport, bringing you and your guests plush facilities in the form of on-site accommodation, superb catering and dining options throughout the day and night, a heated swimming pool, barbeque area and audiovisual equipment. Trust the experienced team at this Nelson venue to help you plan a fantastic event in one of their 4 spaces: Fairfield Room, Brougham Room, Kawai Room or Bronte Room. The Hotel Nelson accommodates up to 80 guests and is ideal for moderately-sized conferences, seminars and other corporate events. Each room has plenty of natural light, quiet surroundings, complimentary parking and hotel staff on hand to help with anything you might require.