Richmond

Tasman District city near Nelson, set between the Waimea Estuary and surrounding orchards.

Richmond is a small city in the Tasman District at the top of New Zealand's South Island, effectively a suburb of Nelson though now large enough to be its own urban centre. It sits on the plain between Nelson and the Waimea Estuary, with the Richmond Hills rising behind. The area is known for its orchards, vineyards, and market gardens — the Waimea Plains produce apples, hops, and grapes. Richmond is a practical, prosperous town that serves the surrounding rural district. Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park are both within easy reach.

Nelson Airport is actually located here, not in Nelson — which makes Richmond the literal entry point for anyone flying into the region. The Great Taste Trail, a 174 km cycling route through vineyards and along the coast, starts in Richmond and loops through the best of the Tasman district. The Waimea Inlet at the northern edge of town is one of the best birdwatching spots in the region, with large numbers of migratory waders at low tide.

Guide

Day Trips

Richmond's real value is its position at the gateway to the top of the South Island. Nelson, with its arts scene, excellent restaurant strip, and access to cable car views, is fifteen minutes north. Abel Tasman National Park, with its famous coastal track, golden beaches, and sea kayaking, is about an hour northwest via Motueka. Both are better as day trips or overnight stays than as excursions to rush.

The Waimea Valley, stretching south from Richmond, has several wineries doing good work with pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. A bicycle or car tour through the valley following the wine trail signs is a pleasant half-day.

Guide

Getting There

Richmond is 14 km south of Nelson, on the main highway connecting Nelson to the rest of the South Island.

By bus: InterCity buses between Nelson and Picton stop in Richmond. Abel Tasman Coachlines and other operators connect Richmond to Motueka, Kaiteriteri, and other Tasman destinations.

By car: From Nelson, take State Highway 6 south; Richmond is about fifteen minutes. From Blenheim and Picton in the Marlborough region, drive south via SH1 and SH6 through the Whangamoa hills — about ninety minutes. The roads are good, though the Whangamoa section can be slow due to winding terrain.

Nelson Airport: Nelson Airport (NSN) is actually in Richmond, not Nelson — it's about 3 km from Richmond's town centre. Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are available at the airport. Air New Zealand operates multiple daily flights to and from Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch.

Guide

Things to Do

Richmond is a working town rather than a tourist destination, but it sits at the gateway to some excellent cycling and walking country, and the Waimea Inlet at its northern edge is a rewarding birdwatching spot. Most visitors use Richmond as a practical base for Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park.