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🌳 Richmond: The Underrated Hub of Tasman Region, New Zealand 🛍️🚲
Hello, fellow adventurers! 🌍✈️
Richmond, located just 15 minutes southwest of Nelson, is a fast-growing town that blends urban convenience with outdoor access. Often overshadowed by its coastal neighbours, Richmond is a gateway to vineyards, bike trails, and natural reserves, making it a smart base for exploring the best of the Nelson–Tasman region.
From boutique shopping and scenic cycling to forest walks and local markets, Richmond offers low-key charm with big adventure energy.
📍 Location
Where: South of Nelson, upper South Island
Distance from Nelson Airport: ~12 minutes
Population: ~17,000 (and growing!)
🌟 Why Visit Richmond?
🚲 1. Great Taste Trail Central
Richmond is a key link in the Great Taste Trail, a scenic cycle route that winds through vineyards, coastlines, and orchards.
Perfect for family rides, e-bike cruising, or winery hopping on wheels.
🔗 Great Taste Trail Info
🌿 2. Richmond Hills & Reserves
Richmond Hills and Barnicoat Range offer some of the best mountain biking and trail running in the region.
Hike up to The Lookout for panoramic views over Tasman Bay.
🦋 Don’t miss the Butterfly Forest walk — short, shaded, and kid-friendly.
🛍️ 3. Shopping & Dining Without the City Rush
Visit Richmond Mall and browse boutiques, bookstores, and eco-friendly shops.
Weekly Richmond Market offers artisan goods, produce, and live music.
🍷 4. Surrounded by Vineyards & Cideries
Minutes away from Brightwater, Hope, and Appleby — home to some of the region’s best wineries and cider houses.
Enjoy wine tastings, long lunches, and scenic cellar doors with vineyard views.
👨👩👧 5. Family-Friendly Everything
Playgrounds, pools, splash parks, and skateparks galore.
Plus, it’s a perfect midpoint for day trips to Abel Tasman, Rabbit Island, or the Nelson Lakes.
🧭 Top Activities in and Around Richmond
🚴♀️ Activity | 📍 Where |
🚲 Great Taste Trail | Through town toward Brightwater/Mapua |
🍇 Wine tasting | Brightwater Vineyards, Te Mania, Waimea Estates |
🏞️ Richmond Hills Walkway | Start at Easby Park or Wensley Rd |
🛍️ Richmond Mall | Central shopping & dining |
🌊 Rabbit Island | 20 min by car or trail — biking & beach picnics |
🧀 Local treats | Neudorf Dairy, FreshChoice deli, markets |
🛏️ Where to Stay
🏡 Parkside Motel – Clean, quiet, and great location
🛖 Queen Street Holiday Park – Family-friendly cabins and camping
🌿 Airbnb options – Vineyard views, modern homes, and peaceful garden stays
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
🍽️ Three Rooms Bistro – Locally loved fine dining
🍕 Buonissimo Italian – Authentic pizza & pasta
🥗 The Wooden Spoon – Popular café with veggie options
🍺 Sprig & Fern Richmond – Craft beer, pub food, and a community vibe
☕ Roast Office Café – Great coffee, book nook, and local art
📝 Insider Tips
✅ Rent bikes in town or start your ride from Rabbit Island
✅ Book wine tastings if you’re going during weekends or holidays
✅ Go early to the Richmond Market (Sundays) for fresh pastries and produce
✅ Check out the Saxton Field Complex nearby for sport & rec facilities
🗺️ Nearby Highlights
🌊 Mapua Wharf – 25 mins by trail or road; boutique shops & waterside cafes
🏞️ Abel Tasman National Park – Just under an hour’s drive
🛶 Motueka + Kaiteriteri – Sea kayaking, beach days, & sunshine
🌲 Nelson Lakes National Park – Stunning alpine scenery, great for a day trip
🍏 Moutere Artisans Trail – Wine, cheese, pottery, and produce in nearby Upper Moutere
🏁 Final Word
Richmond might not be the flashiest stop on the South Island, but it’s one of the smartest. With its central location, relaxed vibe, and access to every kind of outdoor fun, Richmond is the unsung hero of the Nelson–Tasman region. Stay a night — or several — and experience why locals love living here.
🚲 Ride, sip, shop, and stroll — Richmond is low-key brilliant.
