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.
