Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel, Nelson ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

Trafalgar Square, Nelson, New Zealand, 7001

Close to the Nelson Market

Great

8.4

8.7

/10

3.8

4.0

Loved by Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel guests

Helpful staff
Comfy beds
Good air conditioning
Beautiful building
Excellent breakfast
Spacious rooms

"It's the best place to stay in Nelson if you're there for shopping, restaurants etc especially if your room has a view of the Cathedral."

Grahame from United Kingdom

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"Room stay 314- Really nice hotel, beds super comfy and lovely view of the church from large room windows."

Stacey W from United Kingdom

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"Clean, spacious room."

Peter

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Amenities

Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers a comprehensive range of amenities including a fully equipped business center, 24-hour reception, and secure parking options. Guests can enjoy access to the on-site gym and a range of fitness classes for health and wellness. The hotel allows seamless access to local attractions, making it convenient for all visitors.

Rooms

The hotel features 113 guest rooms that blend heritage style with contemporary comfort. Each room includes flat-screen TVs, complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, and luxurious bedding for all guests. Select rooms offer stunning views of the nearby hills and Nelson's beautiful landscape.

Location

Situated in the heart of Nelson, the hotel is a short walk from the city center, shops, and local dining options. Nearby attractions include the unique Nelson Market and the stunning Tahunanui Beach, both within easy reach. The location allows guests to explore the vibrant arts and culture scene of Nelson effortlessly.

Dining

Rutherford Hotel Nelson offers the on-site Morrison Street Café, where guests can enjoy a selection of international dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The café provides a casual dining atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. For a more formal experience, the hotel is also close to various restaurants showcasing regional cuisine.

Business Facilities

The hotel provides extensive business facilities, including versatile meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. These spaces can accommodate various events, from small conferences to larger gatherings. Personalized event services ensure that all logistical needs are met with efficiency.

Highlights

Location: Short walk from the city center .

Rooms: 113 guest rooms with views .

Dining: Morrison Street Café with local ingredients .

Business: Meeting rooms with audiovisual technology .

“The hotel's commitment to sustainability enhances its appeal, and the location proves ideal for accessing both city life and natural attractions. While some past guests have noted issues with cleanliness and parking, current refurbishment plans suggest improvements are underway. Its blend of heritage charm and modern amenities positions it well for both business and leisure travelers seeking a Nelson base.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningVegan Brilliant

The Oceana restaurant's vegan bowl was superb. The buffet was fresh and creative, with options for all diets.

Oliver Smith from Canada

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Guest ParkingSafe Parking

The free parking on the quiet street was very handy. The parking felt safe and close to the hotel.

Ingrid Müller from Germany

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Room FeaturesHarbour views!

The corner room offered 270-degree harbour views, with spacious rooms, close to city and dining areas.

Jack Brown from Australia

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Sports & FitnessGym and Pool

Great to have a pool. You can also enjoy the sauna in the gym anytime.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

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Select your room type

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Premium King Room

2 persons

305 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Premium Double

2 persons

305 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Studio

2 persons

465 sq. feet

2 Single beds or 1 Queen-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Quadruple Suite

2 persons

400 sq. feet

3 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Handicap parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Hiking
Cycling
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Rooftop pool
Seasonal outdoor pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Sauna

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Dressing area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel offers delightful dining experiences that blend local influences with breathtaking views. Guests can indulge in rich breakfasts and elegant dinners at Oceano Restaurant, while The Port o' Call Bar provides the perfect setting for relaxing drinks and light meals in a cozy environment.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel Restaurant photo

Oceano Restaurant

A la carte dining with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options

Ambiance

Panoramic views create a relaxing atmosphere, especially during breakfast lightened by the morning sun.

Key Offerings

Signature dishes feature fresh, seasonal ingredients, complemented by the stunning vistas of Nelson.

Reservation

Recommended for dinner.

Dinner served from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily; breakfast details unspecified.

Port o' Call Bar

Light meals, cocktails, wine, and whisky

Ambiance

A cozy space perfect for unwinding after a long day, with a welcoming vibe.

Key Offerings

Explore a vast selection of regional wines and masterfully crafted cocktails, ideal for casual evenings.

Reservation

Not required.

Evenings; specific hours unspecified.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel Location

Trafalgar Square, Nelson, New Zealand, 7001

Map view

Trafalgar Square, Nelson, New Zealand, 7001

City landmarks

Garden

Queen's Gardens

3200 ft

Gallery

The Suter Art Gallery

3400 ft

Gallery

Wall To Wall Art Nelson

2200 ft

Landmark

Dance to the Music of Time

4200 ft

Gallery

Saligia

3200 ft

Landmark

Centre of New Zealand

1.5 mi

Park

Founders Heritage Park

1.2 mi

Landmark

Botanical Gardens

4900 ft

Landmark

Melrose House

2300 ft

Landmark

Fairfield House

3000 ft

Landmark

Anzac Park

2400 ft

Landmark

Southern Wilderness

2200 ft

Gallery

Quiet Dog Gallery

2200 ft

Landmark

Maitai Walkway

2200 ft

Landmark

Parker Gallery

2400 ft

Landmark

Rutherford Park

2700 ft

Landmark

Huangshi Garden

2700 ft

Landmark

Girlies Hole

4200 ft

Landmark

Centre of New Zealand Monument

1.5 mi

Landmark

Helibike Nelson

4900 ft

Landmark

Neale Park

1.0 mi

Nearby

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

900 ft

Museum

Nelson Provincial Museum

1100 ft

Market

The Nelson Market

1600 ft

Gallery

South Street Gallery

300 ft

123 Hardy St

Little Beehive Co-Op

1100 ft

Gallery

Red Art Gallery & Cafe

2000 ft

Gallery

ATELIER Studio

1100 ft

Mall

Morrison Square

1500 ft

Shop 8 Dowsons Arcade

Atkins Gallery

1900 ft

Restaurants

Port-O-Call Bar

100 ft

27 Nile Street W Rutherford Hotel

Cod & Lobster Brasserie

800 ft

300 Trafalgar Street

Ford's Restaurant and Bar

1000 ft

276 Trafalgar Street

East St

700 ft

8 Church Street City Central

Nicola's Cantina

800 ft

6 Church Street Across From Kush Coffee

The Vic Brewbar

1000 ft

281 Trafalgar Street

Golden Bell Thai Restaurant

1300 ft

104 Hardy Street

Tongtara Thai Restaurant

1000 ft

142 Hardy Street

Burger Culture

1000 ft

279 Trafalgar St

Lone Star

1300 ft

90 Hardy Street

Green Bamboo Vietnamese

1100 ft

126 Hardy Street

Explore Nelson

Local Highlights Near Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Christ Church Cathedral

4 minutes' walk

Iconic Anglican cathedral known for Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows, perfect for a brief visit.

Nelson Provincial Museum

4 minutes' walk

Offers rich local history exhibits with free admission days, ideal for curious minds and history buffs alike.

The Suter Art Gallery

13 minutes' walk

Showcases local and international art, featuring rotating exhibitions and a beautiful cafe with garden views.

Queen's Gardens

12 minutes' walk

Stunning botanical gardens with picturesque pathways, ponds, and seasonal blooms, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Maitai Walkway

10 minutes' walk

Scenic walking track along the Maitai River, great for a relaxing stroll or a vigorous hike in a tranquil setting.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

30 minutes' drive

A wildlife park showcasing local species; perfect for family visits and learning about animal conservation.

Kayaking at Tahunanui Beach

10 minutes' drive

Adventure-filled kayaking sessions available; ideal for thrill-seekers wanting to explore the stunning coastline.

Cod & Lobster Brasserie

3 minutes' walk

Upscale seafood restaurant featuring fresh local catch, with a cozy atmosphere; reservations recommended on weekends.

Port-O-Call Bar

1 minute' walk

Casual pub offering hearty meals and a selection of local beers, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

Nicola's Cantina

3 minutes' walk

Charming eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine, featuring vegetarian options and vibrant decor for a lively atmosphere.

Theatre Royal

7 minutes' walk

Historic venue offering a variety of performances, including live music and theatre; check for the latest show schedules.

NBS Theatre

10 minutes' walk

Celebrated for hosting local plays and comedy nights, offering a cozy space for all ages to enjoy quality entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre

Nelson10 min · 2700 ft

Airports

Nelson Airport (NSN)14 min · 5.5 mi

Woodbourne Airport (BHE)162 min · 66.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site at NZD 10 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs NZD 34.50 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, Afrikaans, Malayalam, PanjabiÂ / Punjabi, Tamil, Tagalog / Filipino

Year renovated:

2012

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

111