Things To Do
in Richmond
Richmond, New Zealand is a friendly town just inland from Nelson and the sparkling Tasman Bay. Nestled near the Richmond Ranges, it blends rural charm with easy access to beaches, trails, and the region's wineries. The town serves as a relaxed base for outdoor adventures, river walks, and a growing food scene.
With a mild maritime climate and welcoming locals, Richmond offers a compact, family-friendly gateway to the Tasman District.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin the day with a sunrise hike along the Mount Richmond Track, breathing in crisp forest air and spotting native birds among the canopy. The trail meanders through beech and rimu trees, offering occasional views over Richmond and Tasman Bay. Pause at a clearing for a light breakfast and a panoramic photo opportunity of the surrounding peaks.
Descend into a fern-filled valley and follow a bubbling creek as your guide shares stories of Māori history and local ecology. Stop for a picnic lunch beside a cascading waterfall and maybe paddle your feet in the cool water. Continue exploring moss-covered rock walls before returning to Richmond for a rest.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant in town to taste locally sourced lamb and fresh produce. Attend a guided stargazing session just outside Richmond to marvel at the Milky Way from a dark-sky reserve. Cap the night with a warming cup of locally roasted coffee or herbal tea back at your accommodation.
Drive out to the Riwaka Resurgence where crystal-clear springs bubble up from limestone caves. Wade into the shallow pool to feel the pure water and watch trout dart among the rocks. Enjoy a packed breakfast by the spring while listening to native fantail and tui calls.
Head down to the nearby Riwaka River for a guided kayak tour, paddling through lush riverbanks and spotting eels and freshwater crayfish. Break for lunch riverside and try your hand at soft-shell crayfish fishing under expert instruction. Explore hidden swim holes where you can cool off beneath overhanging ferns.
Return to Richmond for a lively craft brewery dinner featuring local pale ales and a seasonal pizza menu. Join a twilight river cruise along the Waimea Inlet to watch the sun dip below the hills. Finish the evening at a cozy pub with live acoustic music and regional wine by the glass.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-20 |
| 🍽️Dish at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| 🏨1-night stay at a mid-range hotel | $120-180 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $90-180 |
| 🚆Public transport or local travel | $2-8 per ride |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a safe, relaxed environment
- Excellent access to beaches, trails, and wine regions
- Walkable town center with cafés and shops
- Strong seafood and produce scene with seasonal menus
- Smaller nightlife compared with big cities
- Limited international dining options in some pockets
- Weather can be variable and roads can be winding for some excursions
- "Kia ora" - Hello/Thank you
- "Tēnā koe" - Hello (formal)
- "Kei te pēhea koe?" - How are you?
- "Aroha" - Love/Compassion
- "Ngā mihi" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Richmond
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic basalt seawall and sweeping ocean views, especially striking at sunrise or golden hour.
Calm waters, mudflats, and birdlife with golden-hour reflections on the estuary.
City-side river scenes with hills in the background, offering great vantage points at dawn or dusk.
Long sandy beaches and coastal horizons perfect for wide-angle ocean photography.
Iconic coastlines and forested inlets accessible for day trips from Richmond.
Food in Richmond
Richmond Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Tasman Bay mussels cooked with herbs and a light white wine sauce, served with crusty bread.
Must-Try!
Golden fried paua (abalone) fritters, a regional coastal specialty often paired with lemon and salad.
Creamy chowder featuring local fish, shellfish, and seasonal vegetables.
Restaurant interpretations of traditional Maori cooking using smokey, slow-roasted meats and seafood.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly stalls offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisanal goods from the Tasman region.
Seasonal pop-ups and market stalls offering seafood bites, pies, and hearty seasonal dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Kia ora' or 'Hello'; small talk is common and courteous in shops and cafes.
Respect hiking trails and wildlife; dispose of rubbish properly and stay on marked paths.
Safety
Tipping in Richmond
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not expected. Service charges are uncommon, so tip at your discretion.
Most places accept EFTPOS and major credit/debit cards; cash is accepted but less common for larger purchases. Contactless payments are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm temperatures with long days; excellent for beach, water activities, and hikes. Pack sun protection and carry water; peak tourist season around Abel Tasman.
Mild days with colorful foliage and fewer crowds; good for hiking and wine-region day trips.
Cooler and wetter months; coastal fog can occur; expect practice-friendly hiking with layers and rain gear.
Blossoms and fresh produce; pleasant for outdoor activities and markets with seasonal specials.
Richmond at Night
Hiking in Richmond
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
World-class multi-day track along golden beaches with options for day trips and water-taxi transfers.
Forest trails and alpine scenery with serene lake settings and refreshing resurgence pools.
Short coastal hike along a striking basalt barrier with expansive sea views.
Rugged gorge terrain with viewpoints overlooking the Waimea Valley and river.
Airports
How to reach Richmond by plane.
Small regional airport near Nelson with domestic flights to major hubs; quick drive from Richmond.
Marlborough region airport about an hour to 90 minutes drive from Richmond; domestic flights and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong school options, parks, and a safe environment attract many families.
Mild climate and relaxed pace make it a popular retirement destination.
A growing demographic of people who work remotely and stay for longer visits.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A cornerstone of local sport with school and community teams and matches.
Summer leagues and friendly games across parks and lawns.
Coastal waters support sailing, kayaking, and boating activities.
Nearby courses offer scenic rounds with regional views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Richmond.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries offer vegetarian options; look for salads, veggie mains, and seafood-free dishes; ask about stock and broths to avoid meat-based bases.